Hilltop believes that part of a complete and balanced highly educational school experience is the development of each child’s athletic potential and sportsmanship. Physical education, that incorporates athletics at the upper elementary grades, is an integral part of the total educational experience. Students participating in competitive and non-competitive sporting events and activities have the opportunity for personal development and maintenance of physical fitness, along with the knowledge and understanding of human movement and its relationship to well-being. Hilltop believes that student athletes should also be educated about the value of practice, the dynamics of teamwork, and the joy of competition. Each student athlete should receive a quality educational experience that will not only improve his or her athletic skill, but more importantly, help prepare them for the challenges and rewards of leading a healthy life.

It is with this philosophy in mind that the Hilltop Country Day School developed the Upper School Physical Education/Field Program. The formation of this program comes from Hilltop’s vision to expand the type of physical activities we can offer our students and the depth of training we can provide our students for these activities. The overall mission of the Upper School PE/Field Program is to expose our students to a comprehensive array of physical skills and experiences in the context of formalized sports, while teaching the values of fair and honest play, good sportsmanship, and most importantly the value of physical fitness. In addition, it is the Field Program’s mission to offer fair and equal opportunities for every student in order that they may develop to their full potential and experience success in both competitive and non-competitive settings.

 

Upper School students, beginning in grade 6, will be able to join interscholastic teams in such sports as soccer, basketball, and track and field/cross country. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in a broad range of other individual and team physical education/athletic activities such as street hockey, volleyball, cross country, and non-competitive basketball. Primary emphasis is placed on giving all students a chance to participate on an equal basis in a team environment.

 

Hilltop students participating in the Upper School PE/Field Program will ultimately experience the joy and reward of teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship whether they choose the Interscholastic or Intramural Program. Furthermore, they will learn to create a quality lifestyle that encourages skill development and health related fitness in a positive, supportive social context.