Physical education is a very important part of the student’s overall development. The program includes lifetime fitness and skills, wellness-oriented activities, and academic courses. Students may earn a maximum of eight credit hours in physical education activity courses toward the 124 hours required for graduation. The riding curriculum offers Hunter Seat Equitation as the basis of the teaching system and seeks to refine and improve the rider’s technique through lessons and competition in the show ring.

Courses numbered 100 to 172 denote beginning level of skill; 200 to 272, intermediate level; 300 to 372, advanced level; and 400 to 472, team level. Most of the activity courses are scheduled by quarters, each quarter lasting half a semester. Each quarter of an activity carries one-half credit hour.

A student who is unable, because of physical limitations, to participate in the regular program of activities may take Physical Education 101, which will be designed to meet individual needs and interests.

An interdisciplinary concentration is also offered to students interested in more in-depth study. See Sport and Exercise Studies Concentration.