Interscholastic Athletics
In order to graduate from Ross School, students must participate in an interscholastic athletic team at least once throughout grades 9–12. Interscholastic Athletics are a privilege, not a right. Athletic programs can be a demanding yet rewarding learning environment. Students who choose to participate in an interscholastic team are making a commitment not just to the school but also to the players, coaches, and community. Ross School's Athletics program offers a variety of activities. Interscholastic sports practices generally run 1.5–2 hours and are typically scheduled between 3:05–5:15 pm, Monday–Friday, with some Saturday afternoon practices. Games are played Monday–Saturday during the season. Students are expected to honor their commitment to the team they sign up for by attending all practices and games.
Fall Sports
$150 unless otherwise noted; tryouts may be required and take place at the start of the term.
Boys Varsity Cross Country
Boys Varsity Golf
Boys JV Soccer
Boys JV Football
Co-ed Rowing ($429)
Co-ed Sailing ($TBD)
Co-ed Surfing (There will be an additional fee for this course. Amount to follow.)
Girls Varsity Cross Country
Girls Varsity Tennis
Girls JV Volleyball
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Winter Sports
$150 unless otherwise noted; tryouts may be required at the start of the term.
Boys JV Basketball
Boys Varsity Basketball
Co-ed Varsity Cheer ($250)
Girls JV Basketball
Spring Sports
$150 unless otherwise noted; tryouts may be required at the start of the term.
Boys JV Lacrosse
Boys Varsity Lacrosse
Boys Varsity Tennis
Boys Varsity Track
Club Co-ed Badminton
Club Co-ed Rowing ($429)
Club Co-ed Sailing ($TBD)
Girls Varsity Golf
Girls Varsity Lacrosse
Girls JV Lacrosse
Girls Varsity Lacrosse
Girls JV Softball
Girls Varsity Track
Girls Varsity Baseball
Trimester Wellness Electives
Students are required to take at least one trimester of an Eastern Wellness class throughout Grades 9–12. Classes that meet this requirement are indicated below.
Afro- Cuban Drumming & Dance: An Approach to the Beat of a Nation (Frometa) SPRING TERM
This course is aimed at the learning of the basic beats for the main Cuban rhythms, and their relation with the dance steps used for them. Students will learn the historical and cultural aspects of the development of those rhythms, their origins and the transcultural process that brings them the present days. As a final project for the trimester, the student will be able to do a small presentation for their peers or for the school. 8 students maximum.
Basketball Training (Teacher TBD) FALL TERM
Basketball Training is a co-ed wellness course designed to offer skills development and conditioning opportunities for
students interested in the sport. Students improve their level of play through targeted drills and regular scrimmages.
The components of fitness addressed in this course include strength, agility, speed, endurance, and power
development. Basketball Training is programmed as pre-season training for Varsity and JV Basketball Teams but is
open to any students who enjoy the sport. 12 students maximum
Everyday Mindfulness (Hailey London) FALL TERM
Students will practice a variety of mindfulness tools and techniques to cultivate happiness, mental clarity, and
self-awareness. This course explores the philosophy of mindfulness, cognition, and the mind. Daily activities will
include a variety of meditation techniques and practices, such as exploring mantras, mudras, sitting meditation, and a
series of mindfulness-based activities and projects, as well as diving into thought patterns and distortions that inhibit
happiness. Each day will include movement practices that inspire mindfulness, such as restorative yoga, tai chi,
stretching, walking meditation, and creative movement play. This course fulfills the Eastern Wellness graduation
requirement. 20 students maximum.
Functional Fitness (Cathy Yun) FALL TERM
In this course, students develop an understanding of the human movement system with an emphasis placed on the
role of muscular and skeletal systems. They explore the body’s adaptive response to progressively gain strength,
mobility, endurance, power, and flexibility. Students engage in exercise modalities that support strength, power,
endurance, and mobility development and learn to use equipment and movements with specificity in the context of
athletic performance and functional training. Students develop basic knowledge of human physiology as they pertain
to human kinetics, adolescent nutrition, and training protocols that promote health and safety. 12 students maximum.
Pilates (Amy Kalaczynski) FALL, WINTER, AND SPRING TERMS
In this class students learn all the fundamental Pilates movement techniques. Mat-based Pilates focuses on strength,
stability, posture, breath control and flexibility by using slow, controlled movements. Students will finish the course with
a strong foundation of healthy habits and body/mind connection. 20 students maximum
Sports & Games (Teacher TBD) FALL, WINTER, AND SPRING TERMS
In this course, students improve athletic skills and promote fitness development by learning and engaging in various
sports and games. Students learn to be team players and strengthen interpersonal relationship through competitive
and collaborative activities both indoors and outdoors. Students are encouraged to contribute to the course content by
suggesting and leading activities that promote positive sportsmanship and athleticism. 20 students maximum
Strength Training (Cathy Yun) FALL, WINTER, AND SPRING TERMS
This course is designed for students to understand the basic principles of strength training and develop a solid
knowledge and skills in training methods and techniques. Focus will be on developing strength through back and front
squats, deadlift, and loaded push and pull movements. Depending on the progression and demonstrated abilities,
Olympic lifts may be introduced. Throughout the course, students examine how strength training can support athletic
performance and contribute to general fitness and health, and the role of nutrition and rest in developing and
maintaining strength. 12 students maximum
Jiu Jitsu (Virva Hinnemo) FALL, WINTER, AND SPRING TERMS
Jiu jitsu is an artful system of close combat sport that emphasizes skillful yielding and application of strength with
self-awareness and discipline. In this training course, students develop proficiency in jiu jitsu techniques that can be
applied in guided ground fighting and sports grappling. The training content includes developing self-defense and
neutralizing strategies and fitness training for strength, mobility, endurance, and stamina. This course satisfies the
Eastern Wellness graduation requirement. FEE: $100 for BJJ Gi 20 students maximum.
Shotokan Karate (Virva Hinnemo) FALL, WINTER
Shotokan Karate is a traditional form of Karate originating in Okinawa in the early 1900’s. Karate (meaning empty
hand) is primarily a kicking and striking art. In this course students will learn different Kata, or forms of movement.
They will also practice Kumite (partner drills) and work on self-defense. Students will learn about Budo (the Martial
Way) and they will develop skills such as how to use proper body mechanics, using center line, redirection and
spatial awareness. This course satisfies Eastern Wellness graduation requirement. FEE: $50 for Karate Gi. 20
students maximum
Tennis Training Class (Marcelo Reda) FALL, WINTER, AND SPRING TERMS
This is a fast-paced tennis class for students eager to learn tennis basics or improve their established game
skills. Students engage in daily drills, ball-striking practice, and play regular games. Students can bring their own
rackets or borrow rackets from the Tennis Center. Proper tennis shoes are required to be allowed to play on the
Har-Tru (clay) courts. Assessments are based on attendance, participation, and performance. FEE: $550. 16
students maximum.
Yoga + Ayurveda (Amy Kalaczynski) FALL, WINTER, AND SPRING TERMS
This course is designed to provide an overview of both Yoga and Ayurveda to help students find more balance within.
Students learn Yoga philosophy, asana and breathwork while also gaining knowledge about food, essential oils, herbs
and self care through the lens of Ayurveda. By the end of the course, students will have the tools and techniques to
become masters of their own bliss and chemists of joy. This course satisfies the Eastern Wellness graduation
requirement. 20 students maximum.
Kickboxing and Fitness (Cathy Yun). WINTER TERM
In this course, students develop kickboxing skills and techniques in combination with fitness training. They learn and
practice kicks and punches, kick and punch combinations, and defensive movements. Fitness training includes general
strength development, stamina, mobility, agility, speed, and coordination. In addition to physical and technical training,
students will examine different styles of combat sports that combine kicks and punches, such as Muay Thai, Savate,
Lethwei, and Sanda. This course emphasizes self-defense and self-regulation as the prevailing themes. FEE: $70 for
personal equipment 12 students maximum.
Soccer/Futsal Training (Teacher TBD)
Soccer/Futsal Training is a co-ed wellness course designed to offer skills development and conditioning opportunities
for students interested in futsal and soccer. Through targeted drills and regular scrimmages students refine soccer and
futsal techniques and skills to strengthen their game play. The components of fitness addressed in this course include
strength, agility, speed, endurance, and power development.
Winter Trail Walking and Outdoor Education (Cathy Yun) WINTER TERM
Winter Trail Walking and Outdoor Education engages students to be physically active and spend time outdoors during
the winter months. The course is designed to develop skills and habits to manage physical and mental well-being,
counteracting the effects of reduced daylight and the “winter blues”. Students walk, run, and explore the trails around
the school and collaboratively organize outdoor-based learning activities and projects that are experiential, interactive,
and community building. The course emphasizes mindfulness as the encompassing theme that connects self-knowledge and the experience of the natural environment. The course is recommended to students that seek to strengthen their body and mind for health and well-being while developing resistance to the cold weather. Students interested in improving athletic performance through cold weather training will benefit from this course. Students must be equipped with outerwear, gloves, andhats/headbands that support cold weather outdoor activities and waterproof winter trail walking shoes to participate.
This course satisfies the Eastern Wellness graduation requirement. 20 students maximum.
Self Defense (Virva Hinnemo) SPRING TERM
In this course students practice skills and technique in self-defense moves and learn about managing personal safety. The course will help students develop situational awareness and defensive strategies to mediate and respond in a pressured situation. Throughout the course students are introduced to different forms of martial arts, particularly from the Eastern traditions such as jiu jitsu, karate, and muay thai that informed the self-defense practice as well as general topics about movement, countermovement, and working with the element of surprise. There are ample room to discuss specific scenarios and for students to ask questions. All physical training will be light but with the understanding that all techniques can be used in a real self-defense situation. This course is meant to be both serious and fun. This course satisfies Eastern Wellness graduation requirement.
Spiral Garden Project (Cathy Yun) SPRING TERM
This is a hands-on, project-based learning opportunity for students to collaborate on the basics of growing food with
a focus on sustainability, stewardship, and mindfulness in nature. By growing vegetables and herbs served in the
school café, students participate in a holistic learning experience through the practice of "tending" while gaining
fundamental knowledge and skills related to the garden ecosystem and making contributions to a thriving
community. Throughout the course, students explore Eastern and Western traditional practices and modern
research on understanding the role of nature and gardening in health and well-being while engaging in collaborative
outdoor activities that promote kinesthetic intelligence, physical fitness, and social and emotional health. This course
satisfies the Eastern Wellness graduation requirement. Students can also earn up to 30 community service hours by
completing this course.12 students maximum.
Theater Practicum (Teacher TBD) SPRING TERM
This course is designed to give students exercise and movement training while supplying the spring musical with
choreographed scenes. Students participate daily in warm-ups and conditioning exercises for the body and the voice,
then move on to rehearse and polish musical numbers from the show. In addition to memorizing dialogue, blocking,
choreography, music, and lyrics, students practice healthy vocal production techniques for singing and
acting. Completion of this course also counts as a Performing Arts credit. 35 students maximum.
Volleyball Training (Teacher TBD) SPRING TERM
Volleyball Training is a co-ed wellness course designed to offer skills development and conditioning opportunities for
students preparing for the game season as well as students interested in the sport. Students improve their level of play
through regular scrimmages and training drills, and strength and power training. 20 students maximum.