Alternative Sports
An alternative to the regular Palm Beach Day Academy athletic curriculum is available to 8th- and 9th-grade boys and girls.
Rafe Cochran (’20) Alexa Lignelli (’22)
The school recognizes that many of our elite student-athletes are involved in other competitive and meaningful activities in addition to their athletic commitments at PBDA. Our athletic Alternative Sports Policy is an opportunity for these student-athletes to live the full independent school experience while enjoying ample time each day to pursue their outside interests.
Previous sports that have been accommodated include equestrian competitions, golf, tennis, and sailing, among others.
Policy Guidelines
The guidelines to be granted permission to seek an alternative to athletics are as follows:
- The Palm Beach Day Academy athletic curriculum must be substituted with a meaningful activity as deemed by the Head of School, Head of Upper Campus and Athletic Director. It is strongly recommended that the activity have a high-level competitive component. Recreational activities will not be approved.
- The intention to seek an alternative to a particular season must be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director two weeks prior to the beginning of the season that will be affected by the alternative sport.
- The alternative activity must be supervised by an experienced coach or instructor and meet on a daily basis.
- A written request addressed to the Athletic Director needs to be completed and approved by the Head of School, Head of Upper Campus and Athletic Director one week prior to the season.
Ryan Wuhrman (’21)
