Canandaigua Academy, one of the oldest schools in the United States, was founded in 1791. The school has built a legacy of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and a deep commitment to student development. Canandaigua takes great pride in its long-standing traditions, particularly in its Physical Education and Athletics programs, which have played a vital role in shaping well-rounded students’ overall well-being and performance.
But Canandaigua is not a school that relies solely on history. Instead, it embraces innovation to ensure its students have the skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong health and fitness. This balance between tradition and technology is especially evident in the school’s approach to Physical Education and Athletics, where technology is integrated to enhance student learning and performance.
“Canandaigua has always been a school that values the complete development of its students,” says Jeff Welch, a PE teacher and Head Football Coach at Canandaigua. “We are proud of our history, but we also know that education—especially physical education—has to evolve. Our goal is to prepare students not just for sports, but for a lifetime of fitness.”
Canandaigua’s 9th-12th Grade PE Approach
Canandaigua Academy structures its PE curriculum to expose students to various fitness opportunities, ensuring they build a foundation for lifelong physical activity.
9th and 10th Grade: Laying the Foundation
All 9th and 10th graders participate in general PE classes. These classes cover a variety of fitness activities, from traditional team sports to individual workouts and wellness-based exercises. While students follow a structured curriculum, they are also given choices within their classes, allowing them to explore different forms of exercise and discover what works best for them.
“The 9th and 10th-grade classes serve as a first exposure to future electives available for older students,” explains Jeff. “In addition, we also layer in choice within classes when possible so that students have another layer of options and choice.”
By offering variety and choice, Canandaigua’s PE program encourages students to take ownership of their fitness journey early on.
11th and 12th Grade: Selective Electives & Personalized Fitness
As students move into their junior and senior years, they can select from a range of PE electives that align with their interests and goals. One of the most popular electives in recent years has been Personal Fitness. Now in its third year, the course has grown from an experimental offering to a staple of the PE program, with five full sections.
“The class has been popular for all types of students, ranging from our student-athletes to students looking to get a good workout during the school day,” says Welch. “Students appreciate the chance to focus on their own development in a way that’s meaningful to them.”
Instruction to Independence
One of the defining characteristics of the Personal Fitness course is its focus on developing student independence. While the initial months of the course emphasize mastering fundamental movements and proper lifting techniques, the long-term goal is to equip students with the confidence and knowledge to design their own workout programs.
To support this approach, Canandaigua integrates PLT4M, a digital curriculum and technology that helps incorporate instructional videos and other resources into class. Jeff uses a Smart Board to display workouts and real-time movements.
“The videos and guided workouts are a game-changer,” says Welch. “Students can see exactly what they need to do, watch videos to check their form, and take ownership of their training. Instead of me just explaining things, they have a visual reference to learn from.”
For Welch, one of the most rewarding aspects of the program is seeing students progress in their confidence and ability.
“It’s great to see kids come in unsure of themselves and then, over time, really start to move well and lift with good form,” he says. “By the end of the semester, they’re not just following instructions—they’re making informed decisions about their own workouts and training plans.”
On days when students aren’t lifting, they participate in other fitness activities to build well-rounded fitness habits. Some of these include yoga, mobility work, and even boxing sessions, all guided by PLT4M’s instructional resources.
“Mixing things up keeps it fun,” says Welch. “Not every student wants to lift weights every single day, so having other options keeps them engaged and helps them see fitness as more than just strength training.”
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Athletic Excellence Starts in the Weight Room
While PLT4M has become an integral part of the Personal Fitness course, its impact extends far beyond the PE classroom.
Many of Canandaigua’s athletic teams also utilize PLT4M for training, both after school and during the summer off-season. Jeff says that the added technology goes a long way in a busy weight room.
“We can have over 100 students moving through the weight room at any given time, and the addition of PLT4M helps us make the most out of our time.”
Jeff, who has used PLT4M with his football team and many other groups at the school, has customized his own workout plans into PLT4M to utilize technology while still hitting the key pieces he wants to achieve with student-athletes.
“PLT4M is great because I can build out workouts for my football team and athletes exactly how we want them. It gives us a great amount of flexibility that we love.”
A Growing Female Student-Athlete Group
One of the most impactful expansions has been the after-school girls’ strength program, spearheaded by English teacher and coach Ashley Tapscott. The program provides female student-athletes with an opportunity to develop strength and confidence in a supportive environment.
“We want the weight room to be something that helps our female student-athletes now for performance, but also helps them build skills for life,” says Ashley.
“With PLT4M, we can offer structured, scalable workouts that make strength training accessible to all levels. Whether they’re beginners or experienced lifters, every girl can find success.”
And because the girls have their own dedicated time, Ashley says it allows the student-athletes a chance to really build confidence.
“Confidence is one of the biggest things we see take form. And it has been a lot of fun to see the girls who have been dedicated to lifting go crush it on the field or court!”
Key Takeaways From Canandaigua
Canandaigua Academy’s approach to PE and athletics perfectly exemplifies how tradition and innovation coexist. While the school maintains its long-standing commitment to excellence in academics and athletics, it is also embracing modern tools to enhance student learning and engagement.
Through a thoughtful PE curriculum, innovative use of technology, and a commitment to developing independent, lifelong fitness habits, Canandaigua is setting a new standard for what physical education can be.
“This is about more than just getting a grade in PE,” says Welch. “It’s about giving students the skills and confidence to take control of their health for the rest of their lives.”
And better yet, Canandaigua is seeing this commitment to excellence not just in PE, but across the Athletic program as well.
Whether it’s through structured PE classes, off-season training programs, or specialized strength programs for student-athletes, Canandaigua continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fitness education—all while staying true to the traditions that have defined the school for years.
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