The athletic program at The Burlington School challenges students to pursue athletic excellence, while honoring each student as an individual with unique potential. Students who participate in athletics are given support and guidance as they develop and refine their athletic skill, improve their physical fitness and build a higher degree of self-confidence.

Our coaches emphasize the importance of self-discipline, leadership, personal sacrifice and responsibility, while helping student-athletes identify themselves as part of a team.

Participation in athletics at TBS is a privilege. Students who wish to participate must adhere to the Honor Code, exhibit appropriate behavior in class and at practice and work to achieve a balance that allows for success in the classroom as well as in the athletic arena.

In addition to our athletic teams, we offer Healthful Living or Creative Movement that all Pre-K, Lower and Middle School students take. Healthful Living and Creative Movement gets students up and moving during the day and is structured much like a traditional gym class. Healthful Living takes its name from its additional components of teaching students about healthy choices. 

Athletics in Middle School

The purpose of athletics at the Middle School level is to develop skills, sportsmanship and behaviors that are part of a healthy, active life. Except for sports that have facility-related limitations on the number of participants (i.e. golf and tennis), TBS does not conduct skill-based cuts for its athletic teams because participation is the key emphasis at this level. Skill, effort and attendance at practice, as well as attitude and conduct, will influence playing time. However, coaches will make every effort to get each student-athlete into each game.

TBS currently offers Middle School teams in basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

Athletics in Upper School

The purpose of the varsity athletics program is to develop skills, sportsmanship and behaviors that are part of a healthy, active life. TBS will conduct skill-based cuts for its athletic teams if there are a high number of students wishing to participate. Competition and preparation are key areas of emphasis at this level. Skill, effort and attendance at practice, as well as attitude and conduct, will influence playing time. All Upper School students must participate in at least one sport each year to fulfill their Healthful Living credit.

TBS is currently an independent member of the 2A division of play in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association and offers teams in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

Our student-athletes are supported in part by The Spartans Club (athletic boosters). The Spartans Club is an organization comprised of parents who work to enhance the quality of our athletics program. Proceeds from The Spartans Club fund items such as new uniforms and equipment. Please consider joining The Spartans Club in support of our student-athletes.