Inclusive Athletics

We offer an extensive opportunity for student-athletes to develop mind, body, and character while representing their team and their school. We believe each student-athlete should be given the opportunity to learn and improve their knowledge and skills in a supportive learning environment.

While competing to win is important, the greater value lies in competing with honor and displaying sportsmanship at all times, whether winning or losing.

After-school sports offered in the fifth through eighth grades include Girls’ Volleyball, Flag Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, and Golf. We also offer one-day events for Boys’ Volleyball, Swimming, Street Hockey, Bowling and Ultimate Frisbee.

Fifth Grade athletes are given the opportunity to participate on a team at various levels of competition and commitment. The emphasis of fifth grade sports is on sportsmanship, skill building, teamwork and providing each player a chance to participate in a structured competition. Many students will be playing a sport for the first time and need the opportunity to learn the basics, while more experienced players may benefit from a more advanced program.

Sixth Grade teams focus on sportsmanship, skill development, and team camaraderie. These are essential to a solid athletic program. Athletes compete against other schools with commensurate ability. It is in this grade that some stratification begins in terms of sixth graders playing on a team at the next level up. This is a careful decision based on the number of athletes and the individual child’s desires and abilities.

Seventh Grade athletics continues the development of skills along with team play, and there begins to be an emphasis placed on developing competitive teams. Teaching sportsmanship and fair play continue to be important, as is honing the skills and teamwork of all players.

Eighth Grade program places more emphasis on developing competitive teams. Teaching sportsmanship and fair play are as important as teamwork and honing the skills of all players.

Players are expected to play, but are not guaranteed playing time in all athletic events. Athletes in seventh and eighth grade who are more skilled and who show a high degree of effort and commitment may get more playing time in athletic events.

Any student-athlete who does not participate in or attend a PE class may not participate in the Sea Crest team that afternoon for either practice or games. They should attend the practice or the game but may not suit up and participate.

Further, all student-athletes will adhere to regular school attendance policies. Any violation of attendance policies may result in suspension or dismissal from the team, as determined by the Director of Athletics and the Head of School.

Being a good Sea Crest Teammate means:

• Improving on one’s skills outside of regular practice.
• Attending all practices and games on time.
• Giving your best effort in practice and games.
• Supporting teammates and coaches.

Athletics Awards Ceremony
At the end of each season, the Athletics Department will hold an Athletics awards celebration for all of our athletes, coaches and their parents.

Student-Athletes of the Year
The Student-Athlete of the Year Award is given to the one girl and boy who epitomize what it means to be a student and an athlete at Sea Crest School. Their work ethic, dedication, and determination have led to successes both on and off the playing fields. These students characterize the true meaning of sportsmanship by respecting their opponents, playing multiple positions, and encouraging their teammates. They are natural team leaders with positive attitudes that carry over into the classroom as well. To choose the two athletes, input is considered from all Middle School teachers, all coaches, and finally from the school administrative team. Sea Crest School puts character above all else in the final decision of this award.

Smith Cup
The Smith Cup is awarded to the one school each year that accumulates the most points from standings in the A-level league while participating in major sports offered in the S.S.I.L. These sports include cross country, volleyball, flag football, basketball, and soccer. Sea Crest School has held the cup for seven years running.

The ultimate goal of the Small Schools Intermediate League (SSIL) is to provide and administer interscholastic competition by means of a constitution, bylaws, and an efficient organization while recognizing the importance of fair play and good sportsmanship.

The SSIL is comprised of the following independent/public schools: 

• Pacific Bay Christian School (Pacifica)
• Bowman International School (Palo Alto)
• Charles Armstrong School (Belmont)
• Corte Madera School (Portola Valley)
• German International School (Mountain View)
• Waldorf School of the Peninsula (Mountain View)
• Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School (Palo Alto)
• Pescadero School (Pescadero)
• Sea Crest School (Half Moon Bay)
• Wornick Jewish Day School (Foster City)
• Synapse (Menlo Park)
• Alto International School (Menlo Park)