All policies are subject to change at the discretion of the Athletic Director or the Head of Schools.
Department Philosophy
Washington Latin Public Charter Schools have a proud tradition in athletics.
At Washington Latin, we believe in the value of athletics for the entire student body. Coaches not only teach their players the skills and strategy behind the game but also instill respect for the tradition of the game, including honorable behavior. Learning to honor the game builds a sense of responsibility. Coaches realize that what they are teaching their players carries far beyond the field into the classroom, into the home, and eventually into adulthood. Coaches encourage their players to focus on their level of effort and personal improvement in addition to the final score, and help student-athletes recognize that mistakes are inevitable and an important part of the learning process. The key to success is being able to rebound from mistakes with renewed determination.
Our coaches are expected to embrace two goals in all athletic endeavors: the first goal is to prepare our student-athletes to compete, but the second, equally important goal, is to teach life lessons through sports. Athletic activities are seen as an important part of the total learning experience at Washington Latin. These lessons are invaluable and help in the overall development of an individual. Sportsmanship, commitment, teamwork, competition, cooperation, and fair play are learned when students are taught to respect the game—to bring dignity and self-control to the contest, win or lose. Athletic participation also plays an important part in helping each student develop a healthy self-image as well as a healthy body.
Successful school athletic programs depend on a large percentage of student participation. This fact encourages multi-sport student-athletes. Our coaches will not pressure players to give up other sports to secure a winning season in a particular program. Maintaining a culture where positive character traits are developed in our players must come first. When the game is on the line and tensions run high, we will teach our student-athletes invaluable lessons by helping them focus on what is important.
It is the primary goal of the physical education program that each student enjoys every activity while participating in a socially comfortable atmosphere. Competition and winning and losing have little emphasis within the parameters of the physical education curriculum. Fair play and good sportsmanship are encouraged and expected in all activities.
The Washington Latin Physical Education program seeks to develop:
- Fundamental and age-appropriate skills
- Physical, social, and emotional growth
- Compassion and good sportsmanship
- A sense of responsibility to one’s team, coaches, and the sport
- A feeling of enjoyment and self-accomplishment
- The understanding that winning and losing is not the ultimate end in athletic participation
Team Sports
Washington Latin has more than 30 teams for students in grades 6-12 (open to students at both campuses) that foster the same values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and participation that are embodied in the classroom. An experienced coaching staff, primarily drawn from our faculty, fosters a positive attitude about learning and challenges our athletes to achieve their highest potential in all aspects of their development. Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition, and how to win and lose gracefully are an integral part of each Latin team. Participation in interscholastic sports also adds to school spirit and helps all athletes, spectators, as well as the student body as a whole, develop pride in their school.
