At Heritage Academy Schools, we believe educating the whole child means more than strong academics and vibrant arts — it means giving students opportunities to move, compete, fail, try again, lead and belong. Athletics are not a distraction from the classroom; when done right, they’re a powerful complement to it — improving health, focus, teamwork, and even academic outcomes.

What the research says — the bullet points

  • Kids who are physically active tend to have better grades, attendance, classroom behavior, and cognitive performance (memory, concentration). CDC Archive

  • Organized sports and regular activity are linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression and better social-emotional health. Health.gov

  • Participation in school sports is widespread nationally and associated with long-term benefits such as higher graduation rates and improved life skills. assets.nfhs.org

  • In Arizona, however, youth sports participation trails many states — a gap communities and schools are actively trying to close. Cronkite News

Below we unpack those findings and explain how Heritage Academy puts them into practice.

Athletics boost academics — and not just because of exercise

Physical activity improves brain function. Studies summarized by the CDC show students who are physically active tend to have better grades and attention in class, and higher fitness levels correlate with better cognitive performance. That means field time and gym time aren’t separate from learning — they help students be more ready to learn when they return to the classroom. CDC Archive

Beyond raw activity, team sports add structured goals, accountability, and a social network that encourages attendance and persistence — factors tied to higher GPAs and graduation rates in multiple studies of interscholastic athletics. The structure and expectations of a team translate into study habits, time management, and resilience. assets.nfhs.org

Mental health, belonging, and life skills

We’re living through a time when student mental health needs are high. Participating in sports provides routine physical activity (which helps mood and stress), social connection, and a sense of belonging — all protective factors against anxiety and depression. Federal reviews of youth sports show links between participation and lower anxiety/depression as well as improved social and emotional skills. These benefits are not “extra”; they support students’ ability to engage with academics and arts. Health.gov

Sports also teach character: dealing with winning and losing, communicating under pressure, taking leadership, and supporting teammates. Those are the kinds of transferable skills employers, colleges, and communities value.

A national ecosystem — and a local challenge

Nationally, millions of students play high school sports each year and participation is rebounding after pandemic declines. Organized athletics are a cornerstone of many communities and provide pathways to scholarships, careers, and lifelong fitness. assets.nfhs.org

At the same time, participation is uneven. Recent analyses show Arizona’s youth sports participation rate is lower than most states — an equity and access challenge for families here. Cost, travel, early specialization, and the shift to pay-to-play models have created barriers that schools and community partners must address together. Heritage Academy sees this as an opportunity: to design inclusive, affordable programs that put kids first. Cronkite News

Balancing sports with academics and the arts — our approach

Athletics shouldn’t compete with academics or arts — they should be coordinated. Here’s how we make that balance real at Heritage Academy:

  1. Schedule alignment. Practices and games are scheduled with schoolwork in mind so students don’t have to choose between an ensemble rehearsal or a lab project and their team commitment.

  2. Encourage multi-sport participation. We discourage early specialization; playing multiple sports reduces injury risk and builds well-rounded athletic skills and social circles.

  3. Academic supports for athletes. Tutors, study halls, and grade checks help student-athletes meet classroom expectations while competing.

  4. Access and affordability. We teach families and our community about ECA Tax Donations to pay for their any extracurricular fees to reduce costs for families so participation isn’t limited by household income.

  5. Emphasize life skills. Coaches and staff prioritize teamwork, leadership, resilience and sportsmanship as core learning outcomes — not just wins on the scoreboard.

Practical tips for parents and community partners

  • Encourage children to try multiple sports and physical activities through the year rather than specialize too early.

  • Look for programs that include built-in academic support for athletes.

  • Support school-based and community opportunities that keep costs low (equipment drives, scholarship funds, volunteer coaching).

  • Watch for signs of burnout or injury — balance training and rest are essential for long-term participation.

  • Celebrate effort, improvement and teamwork publicly — not just trophies.

Closing — why Heritage invests in athletics

Heritage Academy believes the healthiest, happiest, and most successful students are those who have opportunities to excel in mind and body. Athletics are a powerful tool for strengthening academic outcomes, mental health, and community ties when programs are inclusive, well-managed, and aligned with educational goals. As educators and neighbors, we’re committed to providing athletic experiences that support learning, character, and lifelong well-being.

If you’d like to learn more about how sports are integrated at your local Heritage campus — or partner to expand access — reach out to your campus administration. Let’s give every student the chance to move, lead, and belong.

Sources & further reading

  • CDC — Physical Activity and Healthy Schools (academic and cognitive benefits). CDC Archive

  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services / ODPHP — Benefits of Youth Sports (mental, social, long-term health). Health.gov

  • NFHS — High School Athletics Participation Survey and research on activities and academic outcomes. assets.nfhs.org

  • Aspen Institute / Project Play — State of Play reports and participation trends (Arizona participation context). Project Play

Listen to the latest episode of the American Classroom Podcast to hear more about Sports-Related schools in Arizona. https://americanclassroom.show