Junior Physical Education, sometimes referred to as the “Prep Program,” is a specifically designed physical education offering that is required of all juniors (ninth graders). It meets four days per week each of the three terms of the school year. Exceptions to this requirement exist for ninth graders who make varsity or junior varsity interscholastic sports, earn a place in a dance class, or are selected for a part in the main stage drama production. When signing up for courses in April, all entering ninth graders must sign up for the Junior Physical Education Program. The goal of the Junior Physical Education Program is to provide a supportive learning environment for our four-year students through the structure of physical education and sport. Each of the three terms is organized slightly differently. All three terms incorporate group fitness activities, team building, socialization and fun, with the intent that each student will accomplish a comfortable transition to the Exeter community while having the opportunity to build strong bonds with instructors and classmates alike. The fall term allows students to choose three activities from an extensive list usually including such sports as: crew, volleyball, cross-country running, cycling, field hockey, tennis, weight lifting, water polo, flag football, soccer and fencing. The winter is presented as a sampling of sports including skating, squash, swimming and diving, track and field, wrestling, basketball, and fitness. The final term, spring, allows the ninth grader to transition to Exeter’s custom of choosing one sport for the bulk of the spring. Tennis, diamond sports, lacrosse, track and field, cycling, crew, badminton, street games and lifetime sports, as well as ultimate Frisbee are some of the choices.