Physical Education
As Athletic Director, one of the things I love most about sports at IDEAL is how every student can find a place to belong, grow, and thrive. Whether it’s a student discovering a new sport for the first time or an experienced athlete stepping into a leadership role, I’ve seen how our inclusive approach helps young people gain confidence, build community, and learn what it means to be part of a team. At IDEAL, sports aren’t just about competition – they’re about connection, growth, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed both on and off the court.
Rory Plunkett
Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher
Physical education at IDEAL
At IDEAL, we believe in the connection between a healthy mind and body, and thus all IDEAL students participate in physical activity at least four days a week. Our physical education program develops skills and practices that foster a lifelong appreciation for physical fitness, emphasizes good sportsmanship and teamwork, and highlights the significance of health and wellness. As in academic classes, we differentiate physical education lessons to accommodate activities for students with physical and motor challenges. Often, physical education classes are held outdoors.
Learn about APEX after-school sports for students in Grades 5-12
Lower School
In Lower School, physical education classes include units that incorporate individual and team games, as well as group movement lessons to promote physical fitness. Students are taught to take responsibility for their bodies, minds, and actions. They develop spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills as they learn to be more aware of their bodies, problem-solve physical challenges, and collaborate as a team. Instructors inspire creative leadership and emphasize the importance of accountability for behavior and healthy competition.
Middle School
In Middle School, students strengthen basic skills in team sports such as volleyball, soccer, pickleball, and basketball. The program helps students see how daily movement benefits both their current and future health, and furthers their understanding of what it means to be a member of a team. Beginning in Grade 5, students can join the after-school APEX sports program.
High School
IDEAL’s High School physical education program helps students stay active by focusing on their individual interests, including a dance option. They can earn PE credit through classes or by joining a season of APEX after-school sports.