Athletics & Wellness

Quaker School Life (Required) (Fall or Spring semester)
Part of Quaker School Life, Quakerism focuses on the basics of Quaker theology (including the principles behind Meeting for Worship) and the testimonies of truth, peace, simplicity, and equality. These concepts are tied to discussions of what it means to be a Friends school community. Part of Quaker School Life, Human Sexuality explores the basic concepts in human sexuality essential to healthy adolescent development. Sexuality education in the Upper School is taught through the lens of social justice education. As such, the values of equity, integrity, stewardship, and respect guide decisions about course procedures and content. Major topics studied include: defining and developing healthy sexuality throughout the lifespan; sexual anatomy and physiology, body image, and care of the sexual systems; gender and sexual orientation as biological and sociological constructs; developing and maintaining healthy relationships; and the key role of deliberate, values-based decision making in healthy sexuality.

Human Sexuality (Required) (Fall or Spring semester)
This required class explores the basic concepts in human sexuality essential to healthy adolescent development. Sexuality education in the Upper School is an important part of our work in diversity, equity, justice, and belonging. As such, the values of equity, integrity, stewardship, and respect guide decisions about course procedures and content. Major topics studied include: defining and developing healthy sexuality throughout the lifespan; sexual anatomy and physiology, body image, and care of the sexual systems; gender and sexual orientation as biological and sociological constructs; developing and maintaining healthy relationships; and the key role of deliberate, values-based decision making in developing healthy sexuality.

Health (Required) (Fall or Spring semester)
This required semester-long course focuses on many health-related topics that are bookended by mindfulness and yoga practices each week. Designed to provide factual information on areas which include mental health, human sexuality, drug awareness, nutrition, and physical fitness, this course also helps students explore how each of these issues affects his or her own personal development and decision-making. Additionally, students will be trained in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer with the objective of earning their certification through the American Red Cross.

The Independent Athletic Credit (IAC-1) is an option for students who participate in a sport that Friends’ Central School does not offer (i.e., rowing, ice-skating, fencing, horseback riding, ice-hockey, skiing, rock-climbing, etc.) and who participate at a level that is commensurate with a Varsity schedule (8-10 practice hours per week), including travel to competition.

The Independent Athletic Credit (IAC-2) is an option for those who play a sport that Friends’ Central School does offer (i.e., basketball, golf, squash, soccer, swimming, tennis, dance, etc.) but who participate in the off-season at a level that is commensurate with a Varsity schedule (8-10 practice hours per week), including travel to competition. It is understood (with little exception) that students who choose this IAC will participate for Friends’ Central during the season the sport is played.

All students will have opportunities to develop lifelong habits that will enhance their quality of life and will introduce students to a holistic approach to wellness. The following Wellness Education Credits are offered that will require students to participate in some activity, either on or off campus, for a minimum of two hours per week. In some instances, students can do their wellness program on the weekend. Students can choose one or several of the below on-campus options* OR choose off-campus: 

• Pilates 
• Yoga
• Community Block Activities* 
• Lower School Farming or City Avenue Gardening
• Strength and Conditioning 
• Walking or Running on the track
• Off-campus wellness options could be for students who take a class, lesson, clinic, or go to a gym that might be more convenient for your schedule or in closer proximity to your home. Students who choose this option must provide contact information for their wellness program. 

*Please note that on-campus options may vary from season to season. 

As an alternative to the Upper School athletics and wellness education curriculum, students may take Lifeguarding. Lifeguarding will be considered an athletic credit. This course must be scheduled with the Athletics and Wellness Department and will need to fit into a student’s academic schedule. There is a possibility that the course will meet on nights and/or weekends. This lifeguard certification course is pass/fail. A student must be 15 years of age by the end of the academic year in order to participate and must pass a swim test to qualify for the course. If the student meets the standards set by the American Red Cross, the student will earn certification in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Lifeguard Training & First Aid.