Catalina Foothills School District

In Catalina Foothills School District, physical education is more than movement—it's a vital part of whole-child development. From kindergarten through high school, students engage in a comprehensive PE program that builds physical literacy, fosters lifelong fitness habits, and promotes social-emotional well-being.

Our standards-based program emphasizes the development of motor skills, physical fitness, responsible behavior, and an appreciation for the value of physical activity. Students learn to move with purpose and confidence—whether hopping and jumping in kindergarten, strategizing in small-sided games in middle school, or creating personal fitness plans in high school.

A Developmental Approach

CFSD’s physical education curriculum is designed to be age-appropriate and sequential. Early grades focus on foundational motor skills like balancing, rolling, and skipping, while upper grades introduce more complex concepts like teamwork, fitness tracking, and sport-specific tactics. By high school, students are proficient in movement and performance across a range of lifetime fitness activities, from resistance training to dance and net/wall games.

Our Scope and Sequence ensures students build and apply skills over time:

• Elementary students explore basic locomotor and manipulative skills through fun, structured play.

• Middle schoolers develop offensive and defensive tactics, rhythm and dance patterns, and begin goal setting.

• High school students refine technique, assess personal fitness, and design their own training programs using technology.

More Than Just Physical

Through physical education, students also strengthen their mental and social skills. They learn the importance of teamwork, communication, and perseverance. They build confidence as they take on new challenges, and they develop respect for themselves and others through fair play and collaboration.

CFSD's physical education standards are aligned to national and state guidelines, ensuring that every student is equipped to:

• Demonstrate competency in a variety of motor skills

• Understand and apply movement concepts and strategies

• Engage in regular physical activity

• Exhibit personal and social responsibility

• Recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, and self-expression

Lifelong Benefits

Whether they're racing on the playground, analyzing heart rate zones, or leading a team-building activity, CFSD students gain skills they’ll use for a lifetime. We believe that an active body supports an active mind—and physical education lays the foundation for a healthy, balanced, and successful life.