Movement Education
Developing healthy bodies and healthy minds
Healthy bodies are necessary for the development of the whole
child, so Physical Education is an integral part of a
Country Day education. Unlike many neighboring schools, our
schedule devotes time to Physical Education every day, so
that every child has the opportunity for maximum development
in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains.
Our Movement Education curriculum teaches children how to master
the intricate balance of strength, flexibility, speed, strategy,
and sportsmanship and good character that enhances a person’s
life and makes participation in sports and other physical
pursuits fun and satisfying. Activities are designed to challenge
each individual’s abilities and they provide a
positive atmosphere for learning.
Integrating classroom studies into activities as often as
possible, P.E. teachers help promote kinesthetic learning to
solidify academic concepts.
Country Day Athletics
The mission of the Country Day athletic program is to foster
the growth of well-rounded, confident young adults in an
age-appropriate manner. Country Day has a no-cut policy for 5th
grade to junior varsity teams to encourage all students to
participate in athletics. Some varsity sports, at the discretion
of the coach, will hold tryouts to select appropriate players.
The athletic program, starting in grade 5, offers
student-athletes the opportunity to explore competitive sports in
a safe way. Trained coaches, most of whom played at the
collegiate level in their respective sports, emphasize
sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity and self-discipline, and they
commend individual effort and commitment.
Country Day offers the most comprehensive athletic program in our
division of the Sac-Joaquin Section. In most years, the school
organizes close to 40 teams in 14 different sports, and
usually almost 80% of high school and middle school students
participate in athletics. Student athletes develop skills in
leadership, teamwork, goal setting, mental toughness,
sportsmanship, and confidence. Many of our recent graduates
play college athletics at colleges and universities throughout
the country.
Country Day is also known for supporting students in exploring
new interests, and athletics is an important part of this
tradition. College-bound athletes not only compete in their
strongest sport, they have the ability to play on other teams, as
well as participate in the many co-curricular activities offered
by Country Day. We encourage all of our athletes not to limit
themselves to the “one sport” mentality that is prevalent in high
school athletics at other schools.