The Impact of Extracurricular Activities on High School Students’ Academic Success

“Although we cannot conclude from the data that extracurricular activities alone caused these improvements, we can say with virtual certainty that when we help a student move from no participation in extracurricular activities to engagement in three or four such activities, it does not harm academic performance” (Reeves, 2008, p.2). Previous research concluded that participation in extracurricular activities does correlate to academic achievement in the classroom. This research examined how students perceived their involvement in extracurricular activities affected their academic performance. Surveys were distributed to a local, rural high school and students were asked to document the amount of time they spent in extracurricular activities and whether it affected their academic performance. Students’ feelings about the effects of part-time employment and their sleep patterns on academic success were also investigated. Results showed a positive correlation between involvement in extracurricular activities and academic achievement. This study aims to enhance the research already done on the topic and open new doors for further research.