Sports are an important part of a student's development. From physical health and fitness to social skills and teamwork, extracurricular activities can have a positive impact on both their academic performance and personal growth.

That being said, as charter schools receive resources and funding in a different way than other schools do, some parents might question whether or not they have what is necessary for sports programs.

In short: Do charter schools have sports? Let's take a look.

Do Charter Schools Offer Sports?

Most charter schools, like traditional public schools, have the option to offer sports programs to their students. However, the decision to offer sports is ultimately up to the individual charter school.

That being said, some charter schools may face more challenges in offering sports programs compared to traditional public schools. For example, charter schools often have smaller budgets and less funding for extracurricular activities.

However, that doesn't mean students are left without options. In fact, many charter schools partner with local community centers, clubs, and organizations to provide students with opportunities to participate in sports activities.

Additionally, some charter schools may have access to nearby public school sports programs or even create their own intramural sports leagues.

"Laws or regulations [in Florida] explicitly allow charter school students in schools not providing extracurricular and interscholastic activities to have access to those activities at non-charter public schools," the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) affirms.

What Are the Benefits of Extracurricular Sports?

Extracurricular sports offer numerous benefits to students, both physical and mental, and can even shape their personalities.

Firstly, sports have a positive impact on the physical health and fitness of students. Participating in sports activities like running, jumping, and playing can improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and enhance endurance.

Furthermore, regular exercise can help regulate hormones and improve overall well-being.

Sports also offer a platform to enhance social skills and teamwork abilities. Specifically, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, "80 percent of parents believe that sports helped their child learn about discipline and dedication, as well as how to get along with others."

Participating in sports also boosts a student's self-esteem and confidence. When they win, they feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. When they lose, they learn to handle defeat graciously and pick themselves up to try again.

Sports teach students to believe in themselves and their abilities, and strive for excellence — both personally and academically.

Can My Student Go for Gold with GOCA?

As a school that places significant importance on the holistic development of its students, Global Outreach Charter Academy's (GOCA) team understands that athletics play a vital role in fostering the personal, social, and academic growth of students.

Therefore, our athletic credo is “Better Students. Stronger Athletes. Greater Leaders.”!

The specific sports we offer (both for high school and middle school) include:

• Volleyball

• Basketball

• Cheerleading

• Soccer

• And more!

From academics to extracurriculars, the GOCA team strives to create a safe, encouraging environment where students are free to explore and develop their individual talents. Overall, our mission is to prepare our students to be the global leaders of tomorrow — and for some students, sports is integral to that growth!

To learn more about GOCA and our different campuses, or to schedule a tour, reach out to our team today!