At Saratoga Springs High School in New York, student choice is the cornerstone of its physical education program. Health and Physical Education Department Head Kelsey Allen explains the overarching goal of a student choice model in PE,
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“We believe in empowering students to find their passion for physical activity. By connecting them with something they love, we know there is a higher chance they will participate in those activities beyond graduation and for the rest of their lives.”
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Thanks to this student choice model, Kelsey says Saratoga Springs has seen an increase in student engagement, participation, and overall success since implementing a wide range of PE electives. Here’s how Saratoga Springs has transformed its physical education program to support all students with meaningful connections to physical activity, exercise, and wellness.
Saratoga Springs’ Shift from General PE to PE Electives
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Historically, students at Saratoga Springs High School fulfilled their physical education graduation requirement by taking general PE classes throughout their four years, from 9th to 12th grade. While this approach met state standards, it often felt like a box to check rather than an opportunity for personal growth.
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Recognizing this, the school undertook a comprehensive curriculum review process to reimagine its PE program. The PE department sought to move beyond traditional practices and create a program that would empower students to develop meaningful skills and make real-world connections.
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Kelsey explains the goal of transforming PE into a space where students could cultivate lifelong fitness habits, discover activities they genuinely enjoy, and connect their learning to broader aspects of health and wellness,
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“It was a collective effort across teachers, counselors, staff, and administrators to make PE something that served our students’ interests, passions, and pursuits.”
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After visiting other schools, crafting detailed plans, and refining their vision, Saratoga Springs launched its new PE elective model in 2021. The PE electives offered for 10th–12th graders include:
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- Adventure Education
- Lifetime Activities
- Strength & Conditioning
- Team Sports
- Unified PE
Intro to PE as a Gateway for Student Choice Success
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While the electives themselves were an exciting addition for 10th–12th graders, Saratoga Springs also reshaped its 9th-grade offering to serve as a gateway for future student choice success.
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Every 9th grader at Saratoga Springs High School now takes an Intro to PE course that introduces students to the basics of fitness while allowing them to sample a wide array of activities available in future electives.
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Kelsey explains that this course has not only helped students build general confidence in physical activity but also changed perceptions of who participates in different electives,
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“When we first started our elective model, there was a stereotype or assumption about what type of course students would sign up for. But through exposure in the 9th-grade course and students talking about the different options, you now see a broad range of students in everything from Adventure Ed to Strength and Conditioning.”
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Transforming Teaching Spaces Boosts Student Choice Model
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In addition to the new curriculum and courses, Saratoga Springs underwent a massive “Legacy Construction Project” in 2023, transforming its physical education facilities.
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As a result, the Fitness Center tripled in size, enabling what Kelsey describes as a “Fitness for All” approach throughout the PE program,
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“With our new space, our PE team has pushed for all students, no matter the elective, to be more comfortable in the Fitness Center and learn foundational skills. Because of this, we can now get all classes into the Fitness Center.”
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Additionally, the school developed an open-concept Wellness Studio, perfect for activities such as yoga, meditation, group fitness, adaptive biking, and more.
Boosting Student Choice with Technology & Resources
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To further enhance the program, Saratoga Springs has incorporated technology to support the student choice model. After adopting PLT4M during the pandemic, the school continues to use this curriculum and technology resource to individualize and enrich the PE experience.
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Kelsey highlights how PLT4M has deepened the student choice experience,
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“For example, in our strength and conditioning classes, we can provide individualized workouts that meet students’ different goals and abilities. The word is out that this class is for ALL students. It provides a safe and structured environment for each and every student to improve their overall fitness, increase strength, prevent injuries, and build confidence, especially for our non-athletes.”
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Beyond the weight room, PLT4M also supports other electives. Kelsey explains its role in the Lifetime Activities course:
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“Our Lifetime Activities course offers students a different and unique path for fitness, and the PLT4M mobility, yoga, and other supplemental programs have been a great fit for that group.”
A Snapshot of Success for Saratoga Springs PE
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Now in its fourth year, the student choice model at Saratoga Springs High School has transformed the physical education program, yielding remarkable results. Kelsey points to significant increases in participation, confidence, engagement, motivation, and connection among students:
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“It has been such a wonderful transformation of our PE program, and it truly is a testament to our hardworking PE team, supportive school, and dedicated students.”
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This shift has not only enhanced students’ experiences in class but also extended into other areas, such as the after-school lifting program, where attendance has surged as students take greater ownership of their fitness journeys.
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The ripple effects of this innovative approach are evident throughout the school. Grades in PE have improved as students thrive in classes tailored to their interests and goals. More importantly, students are forming meaningful connections with peers and discovering physical activities they genuinely enjoy—connections likely to last a lifetime.
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By prioritizing student choice, Saratoga Springs High School has created a PE program that benefits the entire school community, fostering a culture of wellness, engagement, and lifelong health.
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