Athletics In The Seattle Public Schools

The purpose of this site is to provide students and parents with information about the Seattle Public School District's athletic and recreation program. We want you to know the opportunities and advantages of participating in athletics and the ways in which you can get involved. This website is intended to be very interactive and its content and quality can be strongly influenced with participation from you and your child. This website is one giant step towards demonstrating that the District's desire to provide a World Class Athletic Program that functions as a part of the overall educational curriculum is becoming a reality.

The Value Of Interscholastic Athletics

Studies show that students who participate in athletics have higher grade point averages, better attendance, lower dropout rates, fewer disciplinary problems, higher graduation rates, and better success in college than non-participants. Athletic participation provides healthy, supervised after-school activities for students. The middle-school years, in particular, are widely acknowledged as an important time for students to develop healthy activities and life skills. Athletic participation provides an important alternative to anti-social behaviors. Participation in athletics teaches teamwork, goal setting, discipline, sportsmanship, leadership, and other valuable life-skills, helping students to be contributing members of their school and community.

Meeting Goals Through Partnerships

A close relationship has developed between the Seattle School District, S.A.F.E. (Seattle Athletic Facilities & Education - a volunteer community activist organization), the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation ASAP (After School Athletic Programs), and community based organization. The purpose of this partnership is to ensure all children are afforded the opportunity of participating in athletic programs. Parents have been surveyed and have overwhelmingly rated enhancements in athletic programs as major improvements in overall district performance. Students are excited about the programs and individual school administrators have seen a marked improvement in attendance, attitude, self-esteem and schoolwork.

The Middle School Program

Perhaps the most critical time for students is middle school where they are learning to make the transition between elementary and high school. Many students used to think it was cool to hang out at the mall, many are now finding it more rewarding to participate in after school programs and activities. The middle school sports and recreation program focuses on developing skills and maximizing participation opportunities for all students. Sports and activities have been selected so that all students who wish to play, regardless of skill level, can participate. As noted by one administrator: "We have witnessed a real transformation in sportsmanship and teamwork among our middle school students as a result of athletic competition. The changes that have taken place since the start of the season in these kids are amazing. They've gone from berating and fighting with the other team to good sportsmanship. They are learning how to win and lose."

The High School Program

The high school sports program is more performance-based than that of middle schools, featuring team limits and a higher emphasis on competition than the middle school program. The ability to add coaches and programs during the past three years has significantly increased the number of students who are participating. "We had seventy kids turn out for boys basketball," said one administrator. "Even in our high school, with a great basketball tradition, we've never had that many turn out before. Adding more assistant coaches and restarting middle school athletics has made all the difference." The ability to transition students from middle school to high school sports creates a new level of excellence that the School District has been seeking. It provides each student, whether an athlete or not, the opportunity to develop a school and team spirit.

The Seattle Department Of Parks And Recreation

In addition to the District's interscholastic athletics program, youth ages 8-18 years can participate in programs at community- based recreation center through the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. Programs emphasize skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. For more information, contact your local community center of the Youth Sports Office at 206-684-7094.

Middle School After School Activities Program (ASAP)

The Seattle School District, in partnership with the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation offers after-school activities at all middle schools. ASAP provides a wide range of activities, which promote skill development, and social and personal growth. The program is funded by the Families and Education Levy. Contact your local middle school for information about site-specific activities or the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation Middle School Office at 206-684-7123.