Every parent wants their kids to thrive in school by earning good grades that will hopefully set them up on the road to success. However, extracurricular activities can be just as important in raising a well-rounded, balanced, and creative member of society. Independent schools recognize this and most have a host of ways to learn outside the classroom and get involved in the school community.
Clubs, arts, and athletics
Most schools have a host of school-sponsored activities, ranging from sports to orchestra, school newspaper, student government, competitive academics such as a debate team, and special-interest clubs such as a drama club. Try joining a club that your friends belong to or ask your school counselor for a list of clubs. If you cannot find one that matches your interest, look into how you could start your own club.
Outside of school, local community groups, organizations, and houses of worship also offer opportunities to engage in the community and volunteer.
Extracurricular activities help kids develop important social skills and provide opportunities for leadership, organization, decision-making, and working together as a team. Whether you choose to get involved with people of similar backgrounds and interests or choose a club to explore new interests, extracurricular activities help boost confidence, provide opportunities to make new friends, and are highly regarded by college admission offices. According to College Board, a not-for-profit organization established to expand access to higher education, “participating in extracurricular activities like clubs, sports, or a job can foster new interests and help you discover more about yourself. Admissions committees also review the extra-academic activities listed on your college application to help decide whether to give you an offer of admission. While grades and test scores are important, colleges also want to see the person you’re becoming and the skills you’ve learned outside of class.” College Board recommends that “rather than joining many different groups or the most prestigious clubs, focus on the ones that spark your talents.”
Extracurricular activities a focus of independent schools
Most independent schools take a holistic approach to education by focusing on the whole child—mind, body, spirit, and soul. Beyond academics, these schools also emphasize helping a child become kind, productive members of society, while exploring their passions—the arts, leadership, athletics, or serving in the community.
Due to a deliberately small student body at many independent schools, there are more opportunities for students, too. At large schools, it may be difficult to make the tennis team or participate in a drama club because there simply are not enough slots available; however, smaller schools expand opportunities. The student-centered approach of independent schools also helps contribute to more opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, and the supportive environment fostered by faculty and students alike can help a fellow student feel confident enough to audition for a part in a theatrical production or enter a robotics competition.
Leadership skills are increasingly becoming more and more important on college applications, and independent schools have developed programs to help fuel this skill such as clubs structured with officer opportunities, peer mentorships where older students help younger ones acclimate to a new school, or planning committees for events such as homecoming or prom.
Another advantage of independent schools is that many times members of the faculty or administration serve as club advisors. This can help students identify their interests. For example, if a math teacher has an exceptional student, she may encourage him to join the math club or enter a local math competition. These advisors can also help boost confidence by a drama teacher helping a young theater performer spread their wings in a school or community play or musical.
Forming a close relationship with a faculty advisor can also result in finding a mentor who can help the student as they progress by assisting with college application essays or writing a letter of recommendation.
When parents visit various independent school for tours or open houses, academics, of course, should be a focus, but it’s also important to inquire about what extracurricular activities and clubs are offered and what the school’s approach is to incorporate these into the educational experience. Who knows? A child who finds their passion for acting may one day be on stage accepting an Oscar, Golden Globe, or Tony award.