Families searching for the ideal school environment in Scottsdale often place academics at the forefront—but the most forward-thinking schools know that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Athletics play a central role in shaping confident, capable, and resilient young people. One of the key advantages of being at a private day school in Scottsdale like Pardes is the opportunity to participate in a robust sports program with opportunities traditionally reserved for older students. At Pardes, fourth graders are offered the chance to practice with middle school sports teams, laying a strong athletic and character-driven foundation long before they officially join the active rosters in fifth grade.

Pardes fields 18 competitive athletic teams, most of which compete in the Mountain Valley Athletic League (MVAL). The MVAL combines teams from private schools from throughout the greater Phoenix Valley who share the same vision on athletics. Some of our athletic teams also compete in the Canyon Athletic Association, which spans even further across the Phoenix metro area and includes both public and private schools.

While many of those public and private schools restrict fourth graders to only lower-school physical education or casual play, our approach gives younger students meaningful exposure to team dynamics, coaching, and structured skill development. Although they don’t compete in games until fifth grade, the experience they gain during practices is invaluable—socially, physically, and emotionally.

One of the most celebrated benefits of early athletic involvement is the development of teamwork. Sports provide real-world opportunities for students to collaborate, communicate, and rely on one another. When fourth graders practice alongside older and more experienced athletes, they learn to listen carefully, observe group dynamics, and contribute in age-appropriate ways.

This early immersion helps them understand that success in sports—much like success in life—depends on the ability to work together toward a shared goal. By the time they reach fifth grade and are eligible to play in official competitions, these students are already fluent in the “language” of teamwork.

Leadership does not suddenly appear in adolescence; it is cultivated through meaningful practice and guided support. Allowing fourth graders to practice with middle school teams helps them begin to develop leadership qualities much sooner than their peers at other schools.

They witness older students demonstrating responsibility, discipline, and sportsmanship. Over time, they begin to model those behaviors themselves. The team environment also encourages younger athletes to speak up during drills, take initiative, and offer encouragement—all early signs of growing leadership.

By integrating into a multi-grade team setting, fourth graders internalize the idea that leadership is not defined by age but by character, effort, and attitude.

Sportsmanship is one of the most crucial values students gain through athletics, and our early-practice model helps instill it sooner. Fourth graders learn how to handle both success and setbacks with grace, even before they play in official games.

By observing older athletes, they learn what it looks like to:

This modeling has a powerful effect. When younger students join practices, they see firsthand how character matters as much as skill. They understand that representing the school means representing its values. By the time they compete in fifth grade, they do so with a foundation of respect, integrity, and fairness—qualities that last long after their sports seasons end.

Scottsdale families deeply understand the value of an active lifestyle, especially in a region where outdoor fitness, sports, and year-round recreation are embraced by the community. Introducing structured athletics in fourth grade helps students build healthy habits at a critical developmental stage.

Regular practice enhances motor skills, coordination, strength, endurance, and agility. Students begin to appreciate the importance of warm-ups, stretching, hydration, and overall physical wellness. These lessons, reinforced consistently over several years, create lifelong patterns that support both their physical and mental well-being.

Competition can be a powerful teacher—but only when introduced appropriately. One significant advantage of our program is that fourth graders practice without the pressure of competing in games. This allows them to explore their athletic abilities in a stress-free environment where learning, not winning, is the central focus.

However, as students grow and take the court or field in official play beginning in fifth grade, they join teams with a strong tradition of excellence. For example, our girls volleyball program recently strung together three straight Mountain Valley Athletic League championships—a remarkable accomplishment for any school. Although the streak ended this year, our girls still made it to the championship game, demonstrating perseverance, skill, and heart. These kinds of achievements inspire our younger athletes, showing them what is possible with dedication and teamwork.

By allowing fourth graders to be a part of practices early on, they get to see this culture of excellence firsthand, preparing them to contribute meaningfully once it’s their turn to compete.

As a private day school, we are able to offer a comprehensive array of middle school sports—giving students the chance to discover their interests and talents across a variety of athletic disciplines, and providing us an opportunity to compete against a host of Phoenix schools. Our program includes:

This variety ensures that every child can find a sport that resonates with them. Some students thrive in fast-paced team environments like volleyball or basketball, while others excel in individual or endurance-based sports such as swimming, tennis, golf, or cross country. Allowing fourth graders early exposure helps them explore their interests long before competition begins.

We recognize that not every child feels immediately drawn to competitive athletics, and that’s perfectly okay. That’s why we also offer a Lower School Run Club, designed specifically for younger students who want regular physical activity without the structure of a competitive sport.

The Pardes Run Club helps students build cardiovascular fitness, enjoy peer camaraderie, and develop personal goal-setting skills. For some, it becomes a stepping-stone into middle school cross country or other sports. For others, it simply serves as a fun and healthy outlet.

The advantage of being a private day school in Scottsdale extends beyond the ability to offer more sports or earlier practice opportunities. It’s about cultivating a community that values whole-child development—academically, socially, and physically. Early access to athletics helps build confidence, belonging, and resilience.

Our fourth graders don’t simply practice sports—they practice life skills. When they join middle school rosters in fifth grade, they are ready not only to compete but to contribute meaningfully to their teams.

By giving students the chance to practice early, explore a wide range of sports, and cultivate leadership and teamwork from a young age, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow into the best version of themselves—both on and off the field.