Extracurricular Activity

Extracurriculars are classified as any activities, hobbies, sports, etc. that occur outside of a student’s academic environment.¹ Of students from 1st through 12th grade in the United States, 57 percent participate in some form of extracurricular activity. Within those involved in extracurriculars, 34.7 percent are in a sport, 29.2 percent are in some form of lesson — music, dance, language — and 28.8 percent are in clubs. Some students participated in multiple activities. In a study conducted by the United States Department of Education, students with single or cohabiting parents were found to be less likely to participate in extracurricular activities than those living with married parents. ² Studies show students who engage in extracurricular activities are likely to have higher academic performance than their peers who do not.³ Extracurricular activities can improve time management and other life skills, as well as raise the individual’s opinion of academia. These activities also give students opportunities to explore interests, passions and new social circles.⁴