A successful interscholastic athletics program is vital to the sense of pride that members of our community feel.
Participation in interscholastic athletics promotes the development of physical, mental, and social skills, a positive self-image, an understanding of teamwork and cooperation, and a sharing of personal experiences. Both coaches and athletes involved in the Ethical Culture Fieldston School’s Athletics program teach each other life skills and values. Our program is designed to empower student athletes while instilling self-confidence and creating leaders.
Our Athletics Program Goals
ECFS makes every effort to hire the most qualified coaches to ensure our students’ experience is the best it can be. We aim to ensure all those involved embody our School’s progressive ideals. We seek to inculcate in individual athletes the dedication, discipline, and spirit of personal sacrifice a successful team depends upon. Making such a commitment nurtures the overall character of our students and thus supports the mission of the School. Our goal is for students to graduate as better people because they have experienced our Athletics program.
Our goal is to graduate students who have become better people because they have been through our Athletics program.
The ECFS Philosophy on Winning
While many of our teams have won state and league championships, we believe that titles and win-loss records are not the sole indicators of a team’s success. To a good coach, guiding a team to attain the maximum potential of its individual members — as well as ensuring that the overall experience of the participants is a positive one — is the ultimate goal. At ECFS, it is more important that we are winning in a way aligned with our overall school and athletic philosophy.
Read more about the academic curriculum, including Physical Education, in each of our four divisions here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does participation in athletics support student development at ECFS?
Athletics helps students learn life skills, understand teamwork, and develop character through dedication and personal growth. Our program is designed to empower student athletes while instilling self-confidence and creating leaders.
What is the role of coaches in the Athletics program?
Coaches are not only skilled professionals but also mentors who teach values, life skills, and leadership through sport. They model dedication, discipline, and integrity. The School makes every effort to hire highly qualified coaches who align with the school’s mission and values.
What defines success for an ECFS athletic team?
At ECFS, success is measured not just by wins or championships, but by personal growth, team cohesion, and a positive experience for all participants.
