The Effect of Extracurricular Participation on Academic Outcomes and Attendance with Middle School Students

It is unknown if participation in extracurricular activities without having a requirement for minimum grade point averages had a significant effect on student academics and attendance at this school. The purpose of this study was to explore if middle school eighth graders in Southwestern New Jersey see the benefits of continuing to fund and encourage students to participate in after school activities. This study examined the PARCC levels, final grade averages, and attendance of middle school students and compared extracurricular participation in athletics and the music program as opposed to non-participants to discern if participation increases a student's academic achievement and attendance. The participating school district provided the participation records, grades, attendance, and PARCC scores. Data was collected for the 2014-2015 school year. The research suggested a significant statistical effect for females and free and reduced lunch extracurricular participants for academic achievement.