Washington Latin Public Charter Schools have a proud tradition in athletics.
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.
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
We have a shared program across both our campuses with more than 35 teams offered. In addition, we offer sports clinics for those who wish to improve their skills and wellness classes for students who want to earn sports credits without competitive play.
Athletic Requirements Grades 7-12
Athletic participation plays an important role in helping the individual student develop a healthy self-image, as well as a healthy body. From 6th grade on, Latin students may participate in our cross-campus athletic program, including competitive team sports and non-competitive classes and training sessions offered in three seasons each year.
Requirements include:
- Middle School (Grades 7-8) – One season during 7th grade, one season during 8th grade
- Upper School (Grades 9-12) – Four seasons during grades 9-12; 12 seasons are offered (Varsity/JV)
Washington Latin may approve student participation in outside sports teams and activities count for the requirement, with the specific permission of Director of Athletics Bob Eleby-El. Please contact him directly about the process for approval.
Academic Eligibility
Middle School students must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 and have no failing grades to participate fully in our athletic programs. A student in grade 6, 7 or 8 must be eligible at the end of the published grading period immediately preceding the sports season in which the student wishes to participate.
Eligibility for Middle School athletic seasons is based on the following:
- Fall – All students are eligible
- Winter – 1st Quarter of the current school year
- Spring – 2nd Quarter of the current school year
Upper School students must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 to participate in our athletic programs. A student in grades 9, 10, 11 or 12 must be eligible at the end of the grading period immediately preceding the season in which the student wishes to participate. All new-to-Latin 9th graders are eligible for the fall season.
Eligibility for Upper School athletic seasons is based on the quarter preceding the season as follows:
- Fall – All students are eligible
- Winter – 1st Quarter of current school year
- Spring – 2nd Quarter of current school year
In addition, Upper School athletic participation for ineligible students is restricted in circumstances:
- A student who is ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics may not play, practice, or otherwise, participate with the school sports team during the period of such ineligibility.
- If the student is ineligible at the beginning of the season, then the student may not try out, or join, the team at any point during the season.
- The period of ineligibility will last until the end of the next grading period when report cards are issued.
Other Requirements for Participation in Team Sports
- Students must meet residency requirements as set in the DC Municipal Regulations, Chapter 27.
- Post-graduates of any high school are not allowed to play on Latin interscholastic teams.
- For students in grades 9-12, eligibility shall cease at the end of the 8th semester after first entering 9th grade.
- A student who has attained the following ages on or before August 1 preceding the following school year shall not be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics offered for the grade levels indicated:
- Grade 6: 13 years old
- Grades 7 and 8: 15 years old
- Grades 9-12: 19 years old
- A student may not play in both a varsity and junior varsity game on the same day.
For more information on the Athletics Policies, please see the full Athletics Policy.
