Grades 5-8 Athletics
Program Overview
Derby Academy's athletics program is a required, integral part of the Middle School experience designed to foster growth, sportsmanship, and leadership in every student-athlete, regardless of their skill level. By emphasizing the school's motto, Improve Both Mind and Heart, the program creates a positive and supportive environment for all participants.
Core Philosophy and Approach
The program's philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and growth:
- All Skills Welcome: Derby athletics embraces athletes of all skill levels and abilities, ensuring every student feels comfortable and excited to participate.
- Required Participation: Athletics is a required commitment for Middle School students, encouraging them to try something new and be pushed outside their comfort zone. Derby does offer an athletic alternative waiver for students who demonstrate exceptional skill or high level of dedication to a sport or activity which the school does not offer.
- Balanced Program: The program offers a balance between the fun and accessibility of a local community program and the values and skill development of a competitive club program.
- Coaching Excellence: Coaches strive to create a positive culture, prioritize teamwork, sportsmanship, and ethical play, and hold themselves to high standards of integrity and communication.
Athletics Teams
Athletic Offerings
Available Sports: The program offers a diverse range of sports across the fall, winter, and spring seasons, including:
- Fall: Soccer, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Flag Football, Fitness and Games
- Winter: Basketball, Ice Hockey, Yoga, Sports Training, Winter Drama
- Spring: Lacrosse, Tennis, Baseball, Softball, Track and Field
Grade 5 Intramural Program
The primary goal of Grade 5 sports is to prepare students for the expectations and experiences of our Grades 6-8 athletic program. Throughout the week, Grade 5 students participate in one-hour formal practices. Students will have the ability to select the sport in which they wish to participate each season.
Grade 5 Sports offerings include: Boys & Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Hockey, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, and Girls & Boys Lacrosse.
Grade 6-8 Interscholastic Athletics Program
Students in Grades 6-8 participate in our athletics program for three seasons.
Our twenty-one interscholastic teams cover 13 sports. At various times throughout the year, we offer non-competitive alternatives like sports training, yoga, and Winter Drama, so students may have ample opportunities to apply themselves, stay active, and discover new interests.
Impact on Student-Athletes
The athletics program focuses on developing the whole student, as highlighted by stories of individual growth:
- Exponential Growth: The program provides the opportunity for students with no prior experience to seamlessly integrate and become significant contributors. Coaches meet athletes where they are, resulting in rapid skill development and self-confidence.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Students learn the value of teamwork and leadership by excelling alongside both new and seasoned teammates.
Teacher-Coach Model
Derby’s teacher-coach model enables our teachers and staff to further connections with our students outside the classroom. Of our thirty-one coaches, twenty-seven are staff or faculty from within our Derby community. The teacher-coach model emphasizes not just performance, but also personal, social, and academic growth. It promotes consistent messaging about values, behavior, and expectations across the community.
It also enhances a positive school culture where teacher-coaches reinforce the importance of teamwork, respect, discipline, and leadership in both settings. Our teachers and staff ensure that many of the core values identified in The Portrait of a Graduate are seamlessly supported in the athletic setting, preparing our students for success–in a sports context and otherwise–in high school and the years to follow.
