The Griffin was named Buckley’s spirit mascot in the early to mid-1960s by Ted Hartman, the school’s first athletic director, and Isabelle Buckley. Half eagle, half lion, the mythical Griffin spoke to Dr. Buckley’s affinity for the classics and is a symbol of courage and perseverance. Greek mythology—along with the wishes of several Upper School athletes who asked to move beyond intramural competition—also inspired Hartman’s creation of the Delphic athletic league (in which Buckley still competes in today), named after the ancient Greek city of Delphi.
Athletic activity is regarded as vital to the total educational experience at The Buckley School. We consider sports and games to be a necessary and integral part of every child’s education and work consistently to introduce skill development at the age appropriate levels.
In Middle School, students become active participants in their own physical education. Students can opt to take a physical education class and experience multiple sports and activities, or they can join one of our many sports teams. Our Middle School athletics program is exciting and rigorous and provides students with a healthy amount of competition.
This program is a “no cut” program, meaning that any student who wishes to play on a sports team is allowed to do so. During our tryout process, students are grouped by ability and experience. They are then assigned to teams that are suitable for them to achieve personal success and contribute to team success. We encourage all Middle School students to take ownership of their own physical education experience.
Boys Flag Football
Girls Basketball
Co-Ed Swimming (7/8)
Equestrian (7/8)
Co-Ed Cross Country (7/8)
Girls Tennis (7/8)
Girls Volleyball
Boys Volleyball (7/8)
Boys Tennis (7/8)
Boys Baseball
Boys Soccer (6)
Equestrian
Co-Ed Golf
Boys Basketball
Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer (7/8)
Equestrian
Our Upper School students are challenged to take their physical education to a higher level. Students are invited to try out for any of our interscholastic athletic teams or to continue physical education classes. Upper School runs Flex PE for students who choose not to participate in an athletics team. Flex PE consists of personal fitness training and group exercise classes. We encourage all Upper School students to find the activity that is right for them whether it’s excelling on a sports team or continuing with a lifetime fitness program.
Co-Ed Cross Country
Girls Volleyball
Equestrian
Girls Tennis
Girls Golf
Spirit Team
Girls Softball
Co-Ed Swimming
Boys Tennis
Boys Baseball
Boys Golf
Equestrian
Girls Basketball
Girls Soccer
Boys Basketball
Boys Soccer
Equestrian
Spirit Team