I’ve known some local private schools to allow students to complete their athletics requirement off campus. For example, a pre-professional-level dancer can leave campus to go to Washington School of Ballet rather than attend the 3:30-5:30 p.m. athletics period. Such waivers are usually granted only for elite athletes and those who have a demonstrated, long-standing commitment to a sport that the school does not offer.

I have not heard of a school hosting an athlete who is enrolled at a different school. (It’s possible it happens; I just haven’t encountered it.) I feel like it would upset any home athletes who were cut from the team, and there would be logistical challenges with timing, transportation, and insurance coverage.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought you could play for your home public school. Is that not right?

Fir DCPS, only if the kid attends another dcps high school.
I know this from the crew world. We had some parents of kids in private school insist their kids should be allowed to participate but the answer was always "No".

For crew, a scholastic team is required to pull its student-athletes from one school. So no Walls kids on the J-R team. It’s not a DCPS rule. J-R did still have a few Walls kids last season despite the rule. But I think they are in compliance now.

Anonymous wrote:I thought you could play for your home public school. Is that not right?

Fir DCPS, only if the kid attends another dcps high school.
I know this from the crew world. We had some parents of kids in private school insist their kids should be allowed to participate but the answer was always "No".

If a school didn’t offer the sport my kid plays, it would not be a fit. I would narrow my list to places that offer above average to good academics that have a team.

For example, we are Catholic. I’ve already eliminated a local diocesan high school (even though it’s strong academically and has a beautiful facility) because they don’t offer ice hockey. It’s a nonstarter.

Anonymous wrote:You have to actually attend the school to play for the team.

Not true.

I can think of at least two arrangements between local private schools where this has occurred. One school doesn’t have a team and the other school lets their students join the team. Rare but it happens.

You have to actually attend the school to play for the team.

I thought you could play for your home public school. Is that not right?

Ohh, Jeez!

"Pandora's Box" springs to mind.

What happens when a kid loses a spot on a team to another who doesn't even go to that school?

What happens when a school loses to a rival whose team has several kids that don't even go to that school?

What private school is crazy enough to sign up for that?

And for that to be allowed in a Conference, a majority of the schools would have to approve it.

Public schools are different. The Administrations can say its OK and the parents have to go along with it. That's not what the private school is like.

Anonymous wrote:What sport is this? Must be football or field hockey?

Ice Hockey maybe? I have heard of this happening in DCPS/Charter Schools but never in any DC private schools. Part of evaluating a school's fit is if it has the sports/activities your child is interested in.

OP

Thanks all. Yes, should have shared context that I know public schools do this so am hopeful private leagues offer the same flexibility. I will check with ADs if DC gets into the school. Was just curious if anyone had heard of this happening.

Thanks!

Yes, our school does this with football. Talk to the athletic director!

What sport is this? Must be football or field hockey?

In DC if your public school doesn’t offer a sport that another does, you can play for another dcps school. Doubt it applies to privates, but you could ask. (Meaning you might be able to play for a dc public high school if you are a dc resident)

ha ha. No.

We are looking at HS and the number one choice so far for academics and cultural fit does not offer my child’s sport.

Trying to see if it’s possible for DC to attend a school they love and play the sport they love (and hope to play in college.)

Club teams aren’t active during the normal season because it is assumed kids will play for their school. Does anyone know if athletes are allowed to play on another school’s team if their school does not offer their sport?

Thanks.