Physical Education

"Mens Sana in Corpore Sano"
"A Sound Mind in a Sound Body" 
-Decimus Junius Juvenal, 130 A.D.

Physical Education is an essential part of the total educational process. The Overlake program offers a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional activities, which allow for the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of each student. The department strives to instill a positive attitude toward an active and healthy lifestyle that will enrich the quality of life.  In his book Brain Rules, John Medina writes, “The benefits of exercise seem nearly endless because its impact is system wide, affecting most physiological systems.  When combined with the intellectual benefits exercise appears to offer, we have in our hands as close to a magic bullet for improving human health as exists in modern medicine.”

Physical education at Overlake is a very positive experience. Students are expected to dress for action and participate to the best of their ability every day. Classes are designed to serve all students regardless of age, gender, athletic ability, or physical capacity with high expectations for all students to reach their personal potential. The department is committed to delivering a planned and purposeful high activity-based, success-oriented program to our students.  Sequential skill building, game strategies, aerobic fitness, wellness, strength building, team building, cooperative challenges, and sportsmanship are the basis for a program that encourages healthy choices now and in the future.  All activities are conducted in a safe and nurturing environment, in keeping with the mission of the school. Students work daily on personal fitness, skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Overlake is committed to educating the whole child and health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Part of this education involves information presented and discussed in eighth grade and tenth grade Life Skills that includes social-emotional intelligence, basic competencies for interdependence, cultural competency, sexual and relationship wellness and mental health.

Curriculum Requirements

For the graduating classes of 2020 - 2023

The Physical Education requirements are two full credits (four semester classes). Required courses are Lifeskills in grade 10 and either Comprehensive PE or Conditioning during a student’s four years of Upper School. The remaining 2 semesters may be selected from the electives.

For the graduating class of 2024 and beyond

The Physical Education requirements are two full credits (four semester classes). Required courses are 9 PE in grade 9 and Lifeskills in grade 10. The remaining 2 semesters may be selected from the electives.