The Effect of Athletic Participation on Academic Achievement for Private High School Students

Education's role in society is crucial for the sustainability of civilization (Ball, 2021). Education consists of people training people for the future and the betterment of humanity. Governments often prioritize education reform, and decision-makers and school leaders constantly look at ways to improve student gains (Ball, 2021). Further, improving the education system is an ongoing process that is an absolute necessity, and the intent behind this research was to contribute to that endeavor and promote progress.

The relationship between athletics and academic performance has been studied broadly in literature. However, there is a literary void and lack of delineated exploration regarding the impact of athletic participation for different target groups or school types (i.e., grade, age, gender, race, social-economic status, public, private, or charter schools). This research examined this area of exposure in student curriculum within the private high school setting.

A comprehensive research design was imperative to determine the effect of athletic participation on academic achievement for private high school students. A complete literature review created a framework for theory. As this was a study about private high school students, the best population to provide input and data are those who work in a private high school setting. The perceptions of fifty private high school professionals utilizing surveys befittingly assisted in determining the effect of athletic participation on academic achievement in private high schools.

Findings fully suggested that athletic participation positively affects academic achievement for private high school students. Thus, it should be a significant area of focus for private high school decision-makers, school leaders, and governing agencies. Recommendations for future research are provided, and this dissertation serves as a stimulus for future studies.