The Importance Of Sports And Extracurricular Activities For Home-Schooled Students

I have many opinions on traditional vs. non-traditional schooling, as a former; virtual, home, independent study, and traditional public-school student. While the learning aspect of school is similar across the board, the social aspect is totally different for students taught outside of traditional methods. They often miss out on certain experiences common to traditional students and often feel isolated. Home-schooled students are often denied participation in school sports and extracurricular activities, but they should have the same opportunities to participate as traditional students.

NCES research suggests, “that participation in extracurricular activities may increase students' sense of engagement or attachment to their school, and thereby decrease the likelihood of school failure and dropping out. If, indeed, participation in extracurricular activities can lead to success in school, then the availability of these activities to students of all backgrounds becomes an important equity issue. Also, students are more likely to graduate when they have other interest outside of school.”

After two years of traditional high school, I switched to an independent study program at the same school. The rules have changed since, but I was not allowed to participate in some activities and had to give up my photography club. I also had to fight for my right to attend graduation services with my fellow students. The school wanted me to attend a private graduation in the district office with my family. Today more non-traditional students are protected from this previous bias. It is hard to comprehend how someone would try and deny students the same rights as others who attend school in the same district. California lawmakers made provisions for this and “According to California law, 5 CCR11701.5. Equitable Provision of Resources and Services: District policy and practice may not prevent students from participating in a graduation ceremony or from participating in sports or any other social activities for the school in which they are enrolled simply because the students have taken or are taking their classes in independent study. Any denial of that right or privilege to independent study students is a prohibited form of discrimination. Whenever possible, it is recommended that districts make services and resources equally available to all district independent study students.”

Although people are confused as to what is actually “home-schooling” many alternate forms of schooling are referred to as being in this category. The number of parents who teach their own children has diminished with increased options. Many parents choose virtual, blended, charter and independent study programs. These are often referred to as “home school” because students are taught outside of a traditional classroom. A better way to think may be that students go to school at their house.

I once attended a virtual public school that was a part of a very affluent public-school system that did not have enough students in the district to remain independent. They decided to do open enrollment [virtually] to increase enrollment, so they would not have to accept students from neighboring districts. The virtual students were not allowed to participate in sports or extracurricular activities, even though the state provided funding. Initially, the school was going to allow students to participate but voted against it. The virtual school parents were outraged and felt that their students were being treated like second-class citizens and should be afforded the same benefits as the other students. After all, they were saving the whole school district from being dissolved. Those who do not believe home-schooled students should be allowed to participate in school sports may do so out of fear. Some hold the belief that their students will lose something in order for the others to gain. Whether it be funding or just more competition, they may feel it will disrupt the sports program to accommodate the home schoolers. However, they may be surprised to find out that the flexibility of alternative learning can greatly benefit athletes. NCAA approved school Primavera has done that for professional ballerina, Hannah Potter. She states on the Primavera-online-high-school.com website, that when she “needed to spend up to six hours a day at the studio and needed to travel for international competitions and auditions in order to further my goals; thanks to the flexibility of Primavera I was able to pursue that opportunity and finish high school at the same time.” Hannah was able to fulfill her life’s dream because her family was open to change. Change is a part of growth and as society grows and alternative ways of schooling evolve, others will also adapt to these changes and may change their rigid views about learning options.

Parents of both non-traditional and traditional students want the best for their children. They have based decisions about schooling on what they think will bring about the best outcome for their futures. Sports and extracurricular activities benefit all students, so denying home-schooled students access to these benefits is not the answer. We must consider the well-being of all students and make compromises that will make our society better because we care about our children.