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NFHS National parentbenchmark study
Education-Based Case for Athletics and Activities: The Parent Perspective
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Education-Based Case for Athletics and Activities: The Parent Perspective
What parents and guardians across the United States say about the experience and value of school-based athletics and activities.
What Parents Told Us
Parents report strong experiences, meaningful student benefits and broad support for continued investment.
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About the Study
A national benchmark of the parent-reported experience The NFHS National Parent Benchmark Study was conducted to better understand how parents and guardians experience and value school-based athletics and activities. The research gives the NFHS, State Associations and schools credible national evidence to communicate the role these opportunities play within the broader educational experience—and a baseline for measuring change overtime. | 2026 NATIONAL ONLINE SURVEY 2,500 parents and guardians of current high school participants across the United States This Study Examines
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WHY THIS MATTERS
Parent voice adds evidence to the conversation
Participation figures, schedules, facilities and budgets describe the scale of school-based programs, but they do not fully explain what these opportunities mean to students and families. This study gives the NFHS, State Associations and schools a credible national evidence base for communicating that value and safeguarding future opportunities.
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Important context for interpreting the findings
The findings reflect the reported experiences and perceptions of parents and guardians of current participants. They do not directly measure student outcomes or establish that participation caused changes in school connection, motivation, well-being or other areas. Many students participate in both athletics and activities. Segment findings reflect each student’s assigned primary reporting context and should not be interpreted as results from two mutually exclusive populations. Small differences between groups should be interpreted cautiously.