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Beyond Academics: Why Every Student Should Participate in School Organizations

Delphian School

Did you play a musical instrument as a youngster?


Lawyers like to joke that they learn everything in law school except how to be a lawyer.

That’s not meant as a slight against lawyers. Many professions are the same way. Employers in these fields might require a college or even graduate degree, but they don’t expect entry-level hires to know everything about the job on day one. On-the-job training is part of the bargain.


Why require a degree at all? Because there are a lot future professionals need to know before they’re ready to put all the pieces together in a real-world job, for one. And, more importantly, because a rigorous and well-rounded academic program ensures those future professionals know how to think when the stakes are higher.


At Delphian School, we believe our unique academic program does an excellent job of teaching future leaders how to think. But we’re also big believers in giving our students a head start on the more practical aspects of professional life. That’s why we require participation in school clubs and organizations that most schools consider “extracurricular” and treat as strictly optional.

Here’s how we think about the benefits of robust extracurricular programming.


More Opportunities for Teamwork & Belonging

Among the many benefits of extracurricular activities spotlighted by the U.S. Department of Education, “a sense of belonging” stands out.


Although the situation is different at Delphian School thanks to our unique curriculum and classroom experience, it’s simply a fact of life that kids don’t always feel seen or appreciated in “traditional” educational settings. It’s a very different story in extracurricular settings where students work more closely together toward shared goals: on the playing field, in the theater, or on the debate stage.


A sense of belonging is crucial for effective teamwork. Teammates who feel like they don’t belong on the pitch or stage may not give their all. Here at Delphian School, our extracurricular programming — and the fact that participation is obligatory — is designed to help students find their place and create a set of shared experiences that serve them well for years to come.


New & Different Leadership Pathways

Leaders often emerge in team and group settings, of course. That’s expected and encouraged at Delphian School, even as our faculty and staff work to help each child realize their full potential inside and outside the classroom.


We take “full potential” very seriously. Successful leaders are as diverse as those they lead, and trying to fit each one into the same box is counterproductive at best. Robust and varied extracurricular programming, and the freedom to choose opportunities within that variety, expands rather than restricts the possibilities for leadership development.


Chances to Learn Skills &; Concepts Not Taught in Class

Delphian School is renowned for a far-ranging educational program that helps students master fundamental and secondary concepts while gaining lifelong skills along the way. Our extracurricular programming builds on this by exposing participants to new ideas, activities, and capabilities that they might not encounter in the classroom. Many of our students find their true passions on athletic teams, in choir, or as part of one of the many other student organizations we offer.


Constructive “After Hours” Activity

This is an important one for parents, who have every right to worry how their children spend their time outside the classroom while away at school. Our obligatory extracurricular programming provides some reassurance that students aren’t going straight from the classroom to the residence hall to spend the remainder of the day isolated in front of a screen.


“Professional Social” Skills (Networking) Development

Finally, group extracurricular activities (including athletics) foster professional skills that students can use in whatever career they choose to pursue. They’re able to practice a mix of “professional” interactions in structured settings and more informal social activity during periods of downtime or transition (like the ride to an away game). Some argue that networking skills can’t be taught, but our observations of extracurricular life at Delphian School lead us to disagree.

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Delphian School is a private and independent coed boarding school in Sheridan, Oregon - USA

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20950 SW Rock Creek Road
Sheridan, Oregon, USA 97378

Tel: 503-843-3521

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info@delphian.org

This is not the official site of Delphian School. It is a project made by Delphian Alumni and therefore no part of it reflects the official views of Delphian School.​

Stick around though, as it does reflect the views of people that actually attended this school. To visit the official website go to: www.delphian.org

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