School-based athletics and activities have long been part of the high school experience in the United States. They give students opportunities to belong, represent their school, connect with supportive adults and peers, and develop confidence, responsibility, leadership, and teamwork.
At the NFHS, we believe these opportunities are not extras. They are part of a student’s overall education.
That belief is at the center of the National Parent Benchmark Study, which was created to understand how families experience school-based athletics and activities, what parents believe students gain from participation, and why these opportunities matter within the school setting.
The findings are clear. Parents report strong experiences, positive family impact, and broad support for continued investment. They associate participation with meaningful student development and believe school-based opportunities provide something valuable that cannot easily be replaced outside of school.
That matters now.
Across the country, schools and communities are making important decisions about funding, access, transportation, staffing, eligibility, student support, and future opportunities. In that environment, stories alone are not enough. We need evidence. We need parent voice. We need a clearer understanding of how families experience and value these opportunities.
Clearly, the results of this survey indicate that parents view their children’s participation in after-school activities equally as important as the classroom experience. Specifically, the study revealed that:
93% rated their child’s experience as good or excellent, and 96% would encourage their child to participate again.
93% said participation helped their child develop teamwork and communication skills.
Compared with before participation, 82% reported a stronger connection to school, 75% greater motivation to do well in school, and 80% improved overall well-being.
More than two-thirds of parents (68%) said the school-based experience provides something unique that cannot easily be replaced outside school.
93% support continued investment in school-based athletics and activities.