The Physical Education program at Grace Church School is formally presented to all students in Junior Kindergarten through the eighth grade. The program begins with movement education and locomotor skills in the lower grades and leads to the teaching of traditional and non-traditional sports to the older grades. The principles of the program place Physical Education as a broad and balanced curriculum. The importance of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle is emphasized, as are fair play, cooperation and kindness.

       The Physical Education program allows students to witness and experience the progression of the curriculum from being teacher-centered for participation and organization, to assuming the responsibility for the preparation, carrying out and reviewing their own program of activity. Students are taught from the earliest age how to win or lose in an appropriate manner. Developing “ good sports” is an integral part of the program.

       The Physical Education curriculum reflects the experience of the members of the department. Each individual teacher brings with his or her class a unique teaching method. Similar to other academic subjects there is a spiral approach to Physical Education. Skills such as throwing and catching and movement skills are constantly being developed and refined, from Junior Kindergarten to eighth grade. Games and activities gradually become more complicated, both in the skills required as well as the rules and level of cooperation needed to be successful.

        The Early Childhood and Lower School Physical Education program consists of movement education and aspects of traditional Physical Education. The program is designed to help children feel enjoyment and confidence in themselves and their abilities, to promote good health and physical development and to foster an appreciation of physical activity through their lives. Physical Education classes promote social and emotional development through the teaching of games and sports.  The curriculum for the younger children uses movement, rhythms and non-competitive games to build a strong foundation of confidence, positive attitude and physical experience. New physical skills, games, and competitive sports are introduced gradually as children become physically and emotionally ready for them.

        The Upper School Physical Education program is designed to develop and refine previously acquired skills. The process of learning and refining physical skills and concepts enables students to achieve a level of performance, understanding and participation in sports and fitness that encourages a sense of personal satisfaction and enjoyment. The program promotes an understanding of the relationship between activity and the maintenance of general well being, encouraging students to adopt physical activity as an integral component of their lives.

         The Physical Education program is fortunate to have two indoor spaces, and two outdoor spaces available to host the many aspects of the program, including recess and athletic programs.

There are five full-time members of the Physical Education department:

Chante’ Stone, Department Chair; Celena Crase, Athletic Director; Eliana Armijos, Lisa Quirk and Manny Pazos.

- Sneaker policy in Physical Education at GCS