Why do public high schools make it so hard for students to try new things?
Why does it feel like you have to play a sport from birth in order to make the varsity team? Why are auditions more about parental politics than a student’s potential? Why do students hear “no” from public schools more than “yes”?
Research shows there are short-term and long-term benefits to participation in extracurricular activities and athletics during high school. Here are just some of them:
- Students who join clubs and sports learn skills like discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, tenacity, and confidence – skills that are necessary for success on and off the court.
- Adults who played sports in high school tend to land better jobs and have more satisfying careers than adults who didn’t.*
- Adults who participated in organized activities during high school have higher rates of civic engagement, particularly in voting and volunteering.**
Private high schools have the advantage over public high schools because they offer students more access to the clubs, sports, and activities they’re interested in. Most private high schools have a policy of inclusivity, which means there are no cuts for anyone who is willing to put in the time and work. You aren’t guaranteed to make the varsity team, but you are assured a spot on the team.
The University High School Advantage
What’s special about University High School is that we won’t make you specialize. We believe the best students are well-rounded. Our school is designed to let you do it all – run cross country, audition for the play, join the orchestra, run for Stewardship Council, and volunteer for the Riley Dance Marathon Committee.
More than 70% of Trailblazers compete on at least one of our 19 inclusive sports teams (some of which are coached by former Division I athletes). Here are the sports you can join at UHS:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
When it comes to clubs at University High School, there are enough to fill this book. Visit our clubs & activities page for a complete list.
Citations:
* Kniffin, Kevin et al. “Sports at Work: Anticipated and Persistent Correlates of Participation in High School Athletics.” Cornell University (2011).
** Gardner, Margo et al. “Adolescents’ Participation in Organized Activities and Developmental Success 2 and 8 Years After High School: Do sponsorship, duration, and intensity matter?”
Developmental Psychology 44. 3 (2008): 814 830.