Our Philosophy

University School's physical education and athletic programs are important components of the overall school curriculum. These programs support the school's philosophy of participation, growth and achievement. We speak openly about and encourage the values of self-discipline, respect for others, integrity, responsibility and sportsmanship. Click HERE to view the University School Athletic Code of Conduct.

The programs reflect the equal importance of physical education and competitive interscholastic sports. In physical education, we strive to teach students the significance of their physical well being and to help them realize their capacities. The interscholastic program includes varsity, junior varsity, and freshman teams to provide broad participation in sports.

Physical Education Program

The State of Ohio requires students to complete 120 hours of Physical Education and one semester of Health in high school. US students generally take Health in their freshman year.

US students may fulfill the state Physical Education requirement by:
  • Completing two semesters of Physical Education;
  • Competing as a US athlete in at least two seasons of interscholastic sports as a member of a varsity, junior varsity, or freshmen team in different academic years;
  • OR completing three semesters of after-school Physical Fitness courses in at least two academic years. 
The Physical Education staff believes that every student at University School should receive instruction in the following areas:
  • Fitness and Strength Building
  • Lifetime Activities: To encourage students to develop skills that can become part of a healthy lifestyle, instruction in running, swimming, and rock-climbing are offered on our campus.
  • Swimming: Students must be able to pass a swim test prior to graduation. As part of the Lifetime Activities, swimming units can be designed to meet the needs of any level of swimmer.
  • Team Activities and Racquet Sports: Students have the opportunity to receive instruction and to compete in activities such as squash, tennis, badminton, table tennis, basketball, softball, Ultimate Frisbee, and soccer. These activities are part of the physical education program.

Physical Education Chair

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of John Ptacek

    Mr. John Ptacek 

    Director of Athletics 9-12, Soccer
    216-831-2200 x7332

Athletic Teams

FALL
Football (Varsity, Reserve)
Cross Country (Varsity)
Soccer (Varsity, JV)
Golf (Varsity 'A', Varsity 'B')

WINTER
Basketball (Varsity, JV, 9th Grade)
Swimming (Varsity)
Squash (Varsity ‘A’, Varsity ‘B’)
Wrestling (Varsity)
Ice Hockey (Varsity, JV)

SPRING
Baseball (JV, Varsity)
Track and Field (Varsity)
Lacrosse (Varsity, Junior Varsity)
Tennis (Varsity, Junior Varsity)

Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
JUNIOR K – GRADE 8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9 – 12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves 870 boys in Junior Kindergarten to grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved. 
© 2023 University School. All Rights Reserved.