Students find joy through physical activity

Health, wellness, character, and leadership drive Nightingale athletics and physical education. Students learn to build their physical literacy in the Lower School, where the focus is on movement, socialization, sportsmanship, and fun. A focus on connecting joy and physical activity, whether through sports, dance, or individual pursuits, continues throughout their Nightingale years. In Middle School, students can advance their dance education, try yoga, or take self-defense. Upper School students have over 20 PE electives from which to choose, from running to ice skating to Zumba and take four classes per year. Middle School athletics have a no-cut policy to encourage students to join teams and learn team sports, and Upper School students can compete on and lead varsity teams.

Lower School

A modern approach to movement

Climbing, fitness, and sport skills development are some of the activities Lower School students do in PE to help build dexterity, upper-body strength, and endurance. As students improve motor skills and overall fitness, they also grow in confidence and learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Whether through sports or play, there is an intentional focus on body awareness and strength. Time is devoted during the school day to free play on Nightingale’s rooftop playground, where students can couple PE skills with creativity.

An intentional focus on body awareness and strength.

Middle School

Moving in new ways

Experimentation. Options. Exploration. Middle Schoolers experience a full range of activities, games, and sports in PE where success and failure aren’t the drivers: It’s about putting themselves out there. Students experiment with yoga, resistance training, and even adventure activities. Focus on character traits such as responsibility, inclusivity, trust, and leadership is intentionally filtered throughout the curriculum. Options keep them open-minded and nimble while learning the many roles, benefits, and opportunities being physically active can have.

Success and failure are not the drivers: It’s about putting yourself out there.

Learning to play as part of a team

The athletics program in Middle School is designed to give students as much exposure and active playing time as possible. Simultaneous games keep students energized and give them equal turns. Though the clock is running, the scoreboard is not, making the games a lot more fun and fluid. Competing in team sports with a no-cut policy brings them the freedom to try whatever they choose. Students gain practice, team values, and go on to become enthusiastic participants of Upper School athletics.

Though the clock is running, the scoreboard is not.

Upper School

Students take charge of their wellness

Nightingale takes the importance of a balanced state of physical, mental, and social well-being very seriously. At annual Wellness Day, the Upper School has expert-led workshops on everything from healthy cooking to healthy relationships, mindfulness to breast health. Students find essential resources to take ownership of their health while preparing for a life of well-being beyond the blue doors.

Expert-led workshops on everything from healthy cooking to healthy relationships.

New York as a classroom

Upper School students choose four activities to pursue each year. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education and choose activities they want to try or feel connected to. Students use Central Park for running and ice skating as well as local playgrounds and fitness centers for activities like Parkour. New York becomes their PE classroom.

Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education and choose activities they want to try.

Competing for the Nighthawks

Upper School students can compete for spots on 12 varsity and JV athletic teams. Sports are played at Nightingale in three seasons, and tryouts are held before each begins. The Nighthawks compete as part of the Athletic Association of Independent Schools (AAIS) of New York and have won recent championships in cross-country, lacrosse, and tennis.

Fall
Cross Country
Soccer
Tennis
Volleyball
Winter
Basketball
Indoor Track
Squash
Swimming
Spring
Badminton
Lacrosse
Softball
Track and Field

Calendars

Athletic Calendars

View our Athletic Calendars to see practice and game schedules for each of our teams.