Aztec High School competes in the 4A State Spirit Championships at the Pit in Albuquerque on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Jon Austria / For The Tri-City Record)
Aztec High School competes in the 4A State Spirit Championships at the Pit in Albuquerque on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (Jon Austria / For The Tri-City Record)Jon Austria

High school parents across the nation overwhelmingly support school-based athletics and activities, viewing them as vital to student development as the traditional classroom setting, according to a recent national survey.

The National Federation of State High School Associations released the results of its National Parent Benchmark Study, which surveyed 2,500 parents and guardians of current high school participants nationwide.

The findings show that 93% of respondents rate their child’s experience in school sports and activities as good or excellent, and 93% support continued financial investment in these programs.

Additionally, 68% of parents said school-based programs offer a unique experience that cannot easily be replicated by club teams or non-school organizations.

“Families do not see education-based athletics and activities as extras,” said NFHS Executive Director Davis Whitfield. Instead, parents pointed to character development, teamwork and stronger school engagement as the primary benefits of participation.

Key NFHS Findings

96% of parents would encourage their child to participate again.93% reported that participation helped develop teamwork and communication skills.82% felt a stronger connection to school, while 75% noticed greater academic motivation.80% reported an improvement in their child’s overall well-being.91% supported the environment, culture and education-based model of school programs over non-school options.

Unlike private club sports, school-sponsored activities tie participation directly to academic standing, attendance expectations and student conduct rules. Survey responses indicated that parents value this integrated structure, noting that it provides safety, adult guidance and a sense of belonging.

When asked to identify the main value of these programs, parents rarely focused on winning or personal awards. Instead, they highlighted life skills such as discipline, leadership, stress management and building relationships.

The survey sample consisted of parents whose children participate in athletics, performing arts and other school activities. Sixty percent of respondents reported their child participates in both sports and activities, 21% in athletics only and 19% in activities only.

NFHS officials hope the survey results encourage school districts and decision-makers to protect sports and extracurricular budgets when facing financial challenges.

Davis Whitfield is the executive director of the Indianapolis-based NFHS, the national governing body for high school sports and performing arts programs.