Storm King School requires students to participate in athletics and complete elective courses in fine arts in addition to academics to earn a diploma. Research shows that athletics promotes physical and mental health while fine arts cultivates problem solving and motor skills. By maintaining requirements in these areas, Storm King bucks national trends and aims to prepare students for all aspects of life after primary school.

1. Comprehensive
Education Prepares
Storm King School
Students
By David Chirls

2. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, Storm
King School students must participate in athletics and
complete elective courses (including those in the fine
arts) in order to earn a diploma. At a time when funding
for physical education and fine arts is being cut in
much of the country, Storm King’s example reminds us
that these non-academic activities truly have a place in
institutions of learning.
 Research has shown that participating in
athletics helps kids maintain a healthy body
weight and reduces the likelihood that they will
use drugs. Athletics also promote positive self-
image, teach discipline, encourage strategic
thinking, and show kids how to win and lose
gracefully.

3.  Research into the benefits of fine arts education
shows that their study promotes creative
problem solving, strategic thinking, and fine
motor control. Studying the arts also teaches
children to take pride in their work and complete
tasks they start.
 Storm King School boldly bucks national trends
to prepare its children for all aspects of post-
primary-school life.

4. About David Chirls
A retired architect and business executive, David Chirls sits
on the board of trustees of the Storm King School in
Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. In this role, Chirls helps
ensure the long-term viability of the school’s dedication to
offering a comprehensive education to its students.