Independent PE Requirements
Are you a swimmer? A dancer? A lacrosse superstar?
Consider applying for independent PE credit!
All Upper School students are required to complete seven trimester credits of physical education, along with two trimesters of health; of the PE credits, up to six may be earned independently. To qualify for independent credit, an activity must meet the following criteria:
- The student applies for credit prior to the term in which the coursework will be completed. (Download an application at the bottom of this page.)
- The PE department approves the application.
- The activity is not offered through Catlin Gabel during the term in which the coursework will be completed.
- Participation occurs over the course of the entire twelve-week trimester.
- Participation is supervised by a professional teacher or coach (other than a parent or friend).
- The student completes a minimum of fifty hours of supervised coursework.
- The student submits bi-weekly progress reports, completed by the coach or instructor. (Download a timesheet at the bottom of this page.)
Does your activity qualify?
| Independent PE | Not Independent PE | Why? |
| Club volleyball during the spring season | Club volleyball during the fall season | In the fall, you can play for Catlin. |
| Applying for winter credit in October | Applying for winter credit in February | You must apply before the term in which you want the credit. |
| Summer soccer league, totaling 50 hours | 10-day soccer camp, totaling 50 hours | Activity must be spread over 12 weeks. |
| Lifting weights in a fitness class | Lifting weights alone at the gym | Activity must be supervised. |
| Swimming every day with your swim team | Swimming every day with your dad | Supervisor cannot be a parent or friend. |
| 50 hours of ballet | 49 hours of ballet | You must document at least 50 hours of activity. |
| Application followed by biweekly reports | Application followed by nothing | You must turn in biweekly reports, or you will not receive credit. |
When should you apply for credit?
| Fall Trimester | Winter Trimester | Spring Trimester | |
| When is it? | First day of school to Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving to spring break | Spring break to last day of school |
| When should I apply? | In the summer or during the first week of school | Before Thanksgiving | Before spring break |
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact Sheila Williams, the PE Department Chair.
