Texas public schools offer a wide range of athletic programs alongside physical and health education that build fitness, teamwork, and academic success. This page covers the importance of PE, how student-athletes benefit, athletic scholarship opportunities, and after-school sports, with an FAQ on the sports offered and who can participate.
Teamwork lives here
Public schools offer a wide variety of athletic programs
Students can explore many choices when it comes to athletic programs. Public schools offer individual and team sports including:
Baseball
Softball
Men's and Women's Basketball
Beach Volleyball/ Court Volleyball
Football
Field Hockey/ Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Men's and Women's Soccer
Swimming, Water Polo, Fishing
Tennis
Track and Field/ Cross Country
Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Yoga
Wrestling
Health Education in Schools
Health and physical education introduces students to essential knowledge of:
The human body
Illnesses
Nutrition
Healthy lifestyles
What is the importance of physical education to kids?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines physical education in schools as instruction that develops knowledge, motor skills, and behaviors for physical activity and fitness. Physical education can provide students with the confidence and ability to be physically active throughout their lives.
Physical education benefits
Improved standardized tests and grades
The ability to stay on-task in the classroom
Learning how to stay active and healthy
Confidence in and out of school
How do student-athletes benefit from athletic programs?
The National Federation of State High School Associations states:
Athletes are less likely to be sedentary and overweight.
Athletic programs emphasize health and well-being.
Students are less likely to participate in risky behavior or to experiment with drugs.
Athletes earn higher grades.
Students gain educational and occupational aspirations.
Athletes have a high rate of college enrollment.
Athletic Scholarships for College
Colleges consider a student's overall transcript, which includes test scores, grades, and extracurricular activities. These records give them an idea of a student's ability to multitask and his or her general well-roundedness.
Scholarships for athletes
Next College Student Athlete, is a college recruiting website, providing facts and suggestions on how to get recruited, as well as the various high school division levels.
A Campus Explorer article states that colleges consider a student's overall transcript, which includes test scores, grades, and extracurricular activities.
Do all college athletes get scholarships?
A full-ride athletic scholarship is not possible for all student-athletes in high school. An academic scholarship must be considered as a supplemental form of aid.
Student-athletes usually need good grades and test scores, like an ACT score of 25+, SAT of 1200, and a GPA of 3.5 in order to receive a full scholarship in college sports..
Sports scholarships for athletes are available from corporations, non-profits, and individual donors. If you need help finding options, check out Scholarships.com for a list of ongoing opportunities.
After-School Sports Programs
Find out more about the sports and athletics options at local public schools by visiting their websites.
Sign up for newsletters to see what districts offer.
Tour campuses and attend high school sports games.
School Athletics FAQ
School athletics programs are organized sports opportunities offered through public schools that allow students to participate in physical activities and team sports.
Public school athletics programs may include a variety of sports such as:
Football
Basketball
Baseball
Soccer
Track and field
Volleyball
(Offerings may vary by school district.)
Students enrolled in public schools may participate in athletics programs, depending on eligibility requirements set by the school or district.
Yes. School athletics are part of the public school system and are offered as extracurricular programs that support student development.
School sports help students:
Stay physically active
Learn teamwork and collaboration
Build discipline and responsibility
Stay engaged in school
Many school sports programs are offered through public schools at no cost, though some may have fees for equipment, uniforms, or participation depending on the district.
Some sports teams may require tryouts or skill evaluations, depending on the program and level of competition.
School athletics typically take place after school hours, with practices and games scheduled throughout the school year depending on the sport.
Yes. Students may need to meet academic and behavioral requirements to participate in school athletics programs.
Athletics opportunities vary by school and district, with different sports offered at middle school and high school levels.
Students develop skills such as:
Teamwork
Leadership
Time management
Physical fitness
School athletics support both physical health and personal development by encouraging responsibility, discipline, and teamwork.
Student involvement in athletic programs can set them up for success and achievements throughout their academic life.
