When the school day ends, the extracurricular activities are just beginning! Whether students are interested in sports, academics, hobbies, service and leadership, or the arts, this wide range of extracurricular activities for high school has something for everyone.
What are the benefits of extracurricular activities for high school students?
There are many good reasons to offer and participate in extracurricular activities. They offer children the chance to meet other people with similar interests, encouraging them to make friends outside of their usual groups. Extracurricular activities can also encourage leadership and a sense of pride in the community and school. Students have the opportunity to explore new interests and delve deeper into their favorite subjects or hobbies.
Plus, extracurricular activities look great college apps And high school resumés. When children participate in a combination of clubs and teams, they show their enthusiasm for learning new things and serving their community. These are qualities that universities and employers really value.
Schools should strive to provide extracurricular activities that appeal to a wide range of skills, interests and talents. Encourage diversity with a range of clubs, sports and organizations that everyone can join and benefit from. This great list will help you find new, creative offerings to consider.
Athletics and sports for high school
Extracurricular sports activities can help students stay fit and learn to value a healthy lifestyle. These ideas include both team sports and individual competitions, from long-time favorites to new athletic opportunities.
- Archery
- Badminton
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Beach volleyball
- Billiards/Pool
- BMX
- Bowling
- Capture the Flag
- Encourage the team
- Crew/Rowing
- Cricket
- Cross country
- Curling
- Bike
- Dance team
- Disc golf/Frisbee golf
- Dodgeball
- Drill team
- Fencing
- Field hockey
- Figure skating
- Flag football
- Soccer
- Ball Gaga
- Golf
- Gymnastic
- Handball
- Ice Hockey
- Jai Alai
- Kickball
- The Crosse
- Martial Arts
- Pickleball
- Polo
- Quidditch
- Rugby
- Veil
- Skateboarding
- Skating (Inline or Roller)
- Ski
- Snowboard
- Soccer
- Speed skating
- Squash
- Surfing
- Swimming and diving
- Synchronized swimming
- Table tennis/ping pong
- Tennis
- Racetrack
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Bodybuilding
- Struggle
Academic clubs and teams for high school
These extracurricular activities provide students with the opportunity to explore their favorite subjects in more depth. Some are competitive, while others simply give children a chance to learn and make like-minded friends.
Competitive academic teams
- Academic decathlon
- American Mathematics Competitions
- Combat robots
- Chemistry Olympiad
- Debate team
- FIRST Robotics Competition
- Mock Trial Competitions
- Model United Nations
- Science Olympiad
- National History Bee
- National scientific bowl
- Physics bowl
- quiz bowl
- Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee
- VEX Robotics Competitions
Academic clubs by interest or achievement
- Astronomy Club
- Reading Club
- Creative Writing Club
- Economics Club
- Green Club
- History club
- Language clubs (French, Chinese, Latin, etc.)
- Math club
- National Honor Society
- Robotics
- STEM Club
After-school arts programs for high school
Tap into the creative side of teens with extracurricular activities that explore the visual, visual and performing arts.
Extracurricular activities in performing arts
- A Cappella Choir
- Barbershop quartet
- Chamber choir
- Harmony orchestra
- Dance club
- Theater club
- Cinema/audiovisual club
- Flag Team/Color Guard
- Glee Club
- Jazz group
- Fanfare
- Men’s choir/Women’s choir
- Choir/Mixed Choir
- Orchestra
- Choir show
- Vocal Jazz Choir
Extracurriculars in visual and fine arts
- Ceramics Club
- Comedy/Improv Club
- Drawing club
- Fashion drawing
- Graphic design
- Literary review
- Newspaper
- Photography club
- Puppet club
- Slam poetry club
- Visual Arts Club
- Phone book
Recreation clubs for high school
When students meet others with similar interests, they make new friends and learn many new skills. Any hobby can become a club, including these ideas.
- Ornithology club
- Bridge club
- Chess club
- Cooking Club
- Croquet club
- Dominoes club
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Equestrian club
- Esports/Video games
- Fishing club
- Gourmet Club
- Geocaching club
- Geology Club
- Hiking club
- Historical reenactment club
- Horticulture/Gardening Club
- LARP Club
- Magic Club
- Makerspace Club
- Minecraft Club
- Nature Club
- Orienteering club
- Philosophy club
- Model club
- Sewing/Quilting/Needle Club
- Table Gaming Club
- Toastmasters/Speech club
- Carpentry club
- Yoga Club
Career-Oriented After-School Programs for High School
These clubs and activities support students who already have a career in mind or those who want to see if a particular job or field is right for them.
- Anthropology/Paleontology Club
- Architecture Club
- Auto Mechanics Club
- Business Professionals of America
- Computer/Coding Club
- THIS SIDE
- Economics/investment club
- FFA (Future Farmers of America)
- Forensic Science Club
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- Future American Educators
- HOSA Future Healthcare Professionals
- Inventors Club
- Junior ROTC
- SkillsUSA
- Technology Student Association
- Women in science and engineering
- Young Entrepreneurs Club
Leadership, Service and Community Clubs
Try these clubs to encourage students who want to make a difference in their school or community.
- 4-H
- Amnesty International
- Scouts/Girl Scouts
- Cultural clubs (Asian Student Association, Latin American Student Association, etc.)
- Ethical bowl
- Gay-straight alliance
- Habitat for Humanity
- Key club
- Multicultural/diversity club
- NAACP
- National Women’s Organization
- Political affiliation clubs (Young Democrats, Young Republicans, etc.)
- Red Cross
- Social Justice Club
- Spirits Club
- SPCA Club
- Student Government
- Student union
- Tutoring club
- Volunteer Club
Are you planning to start new extracurricular activities at your high school? Come and ask for advice at WeAreTeachers Support Group on Facebook.
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