At least not all the time. That’s why every Green Vale student engages in physical education four days a week. PE is integrated into the overall school curriculum in a manner calibrated for each grade level. The frequency and duration of PE and sports periods is a hallmark of a Green Vale education. Regardless of age or skill level, athletics exposes a child to diverse situations presenting endless opportunities for empathy, goal setting, problem-solving, improvement through practice, leadership, and resilience. When physical activity is a standard part of the day’s structure beginning at an early age, a commitment to lifelong health and wellness becomes second nature.

A whistle, a ball, and some good sneakers...

...are all it really takes to create a PE class. At Green Vale, we benefit from much more: an experienced Athletics faculty (four full-time PE-degreed teachers) and facilities that allow our program a high degree of variety and flexibility.

In addition, nearly all Athletics teachers and team sport coaches are Green Vale faculty from other departments. This adds to school spirit, cohesiveness, and inter-disciplinary dialogue throughout the campus.

We recommend: Recess by Ben Applebaum and Dan DiSorbo

The state-of-the-art Watters Center is the nexus of Green Vale athletics. It features one oversized gymnasium with an electric dividing wall that accommodates two full-size basketball courts plus bleacher seating. This multi-use recreation space is also equipped with two climbing walls, a high-tech stereo, and microphone system. (Certain activities are accompanied by energizing music.) A mirrored dance studio with sound system, comprehensive fitness room and expansive locker rooms also occupy the Watters Center.

Extensive grass fields are impeccably maintained and accommodate all teams without sharing field space.

From scooter tag to soccer strategy

In the Early Childhood years, the primary goal of the physical education program is to help develop self-confidence, promote exercise, and acquire, through a play approach, movement patterns that provide a foundation for more complex physical ability in later years.

As students progress from 1st through 4th Grades, class time increases, as does the level of game organization and corresponding skill acquisition. Balance, agility, hand-eye coordination, sequencing and speed are developed through the use of age-appropriate obstacle courses, scooters, various types of balls, goals, racquets and gymnastic equipment. By the end of 4th Grade, students have begun to explore sport-specific skills in preparation for interscholastic sports beginning in 5th Grade.

Education surrounding the importance of fitness and exposure to methods for improving and maintaining fitness are introduced gradually.