Philosophy

Middle School

The Buckley Middle School Athletic Program is based on the belief that the truly important things that athletes gain from sports have little to do with winning and losing. Discipline, self-direction, self-esteem, leadership, fundamental skill development, and the enjoyment of participation are the overall objectives. While developing athletes for our Upper School program, we also believe that all students should have the opportunity to participate at the Middle School level.

Upper School

The interscholastic athletic program of the Buckley School is an important component of the overall school curriculum. Students participate in a program that reflects the school’s philosophy of diversity, continual growth and achievement, participation, and the development of the individual’s greatest potential. Also recognized is the importance of equal programs and equal opportunity for both sexes. Throughout the interscholastic athletic program, the goal is to provide fair and equal competition where all participants have a chance for success.

The interscholastic athletic program at Buckley provides the opportunity for both gifted athletes and those of more modest talents to identify and learn a strong set of values. Among the values we seek to cultivate are:

• a sense of teamwork and cooperation
• an understanding of the need for sacrifice, discipline, dedication and commitment
• the establishing and achieving of goals
• self-confidence
• sportsmanship
• respect for others and self
• a feeling of individual, team and school spirit
• the acquisition of new physical skills