After teaching at several New York City charter schools, Caitlin Franco co-founded Equality Charter School in 2009. As the school’s executive director, Caitlin Franco oversees Equality Charter School’s academics and athletic programs. The high school offers 10 interscholastic sports.

1. H O W
I N T E R S C H O L A S T I C
AT H L E T I C S
S U P P O R T S T U D E N T
A C H I E V E M E N T
C A I T L I N F R A N C O

2. INTRODUCTION
• After teaching at several New York City charter schools, Caitlin
Franco co-founded Equality Charter School in 2009. As the school’s
executive director, Caitlin Franco oversees Equality Charter School’s
academics and athletic programs. The high school offers 10
interscholastic sports.
Being involved in school athletics can be an advantageous
experience for students. School sports have the following benefits:
Build character: Competitive youth sports team require players to
be committed and goal-oriented. Players must also be organized
enough to manage before- and after-school practice alongside
school work and other extracurricular activities. These life skills are
important for being successful in higher education and the
workplace.

3. INTERSCHOLASTIC
• Avoid risky behavior: Participating in school athletics is correlated
with better social and academic outcomes. For example, the
Women’s Sports Foundation found that girls who play high school
sports are much less likely to experiment with drugs or have
unplanned pregnancy. Researchers at the University of Chicago also
confirm that student-athletes are more likely to graduate from
college.
Supportive mentors: Coaches and older players act as role models
for younger athletes. Further, student-athletes experience positive
and respectful interactions with authority figures. A healthy
coaching relationship can help athletes develop intrinsic motivation
and perseverance.