Beginning this fall, Ravenscroft Athletics will launch a new Sixth-Grade Athletics Pilot Program, expanding opportunities for the school's youngest Middle School students to earn a place on a Ravenscroft roster and compete for their school.

"This is an exciting step forward for Ravenscroft Athletics and, most importantly, for our sixth-grade student-athletes," said Dr. Ryan Holleman, Director of Athletics. "Our goal is to create more opportunities for students to experience the benefits of being part of a team while continuing to prioritize athlete development, safety and the overall student-athlete experience. We are excited to see how this pilot grows and how it can help strengthen the future of Ravenscroft Athletics."

The pilot program follows extensive research and benchmarking of peer schools, along with careful consideration of roster sizes, staffing, student-athlete safety, game schedules, uniform availability and the overall student experience.

This initiative does not create new teams or add new sports offerings. Instead, it extends access to existing middle school athletic programs, allowing eligible 6th-grade students to compete within the athletic system already in place.

The pilot will span all three athletic seasons and include a combination of cut and non-cut teams. Participation, athlete development, competitiveness and the overall student-athlete experience will guide the program's implementation. The pilot includes eight girls' teams and six boys' teams, reflecting Ravenscroft's commitment to expanding opportunities for its female athletes.

2026–27 Sixth-Grade Athletics Pilot

Fall

• JV Cheerleading
• JV Cross Country — Boys and Girls
• JV Field Hockey
• Middle School Boys Soccer

Winter

• JV Cheerleading
• Middle School Girls Basketball
• Middle School Boys Basketball
• Middle School Wrestling

Spring

• Middle School Track and Field — Boys and Girls
• Middle School Girls Lacrosse
• Middle School Boys Lacrosse
• JV Girls Soccer

The pilot will be closely evaluated throughout the school year, with regular opportunities for feedback from students, families, coaches and the broader Ravenscroft community.

Looking ahead, the long-term vision is to transition to a true Middle School athletics model for grades 6–8 and a High School athletics model for grades nine–12. Over time, this structure could allow Ravenscroft to field Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity teams across all sports offered by the school.

This model would provide student-athletes with a clearly defined pathway to compete at a higher level when their skill, physical maturity, readiness and safety support that opportunity.

Ultimately, the goal of the Sixth-Grade Athletics Pilot Program is simple: expand opportunities for younger student-athletes to participate in Ravenscroft Athletics while strengthening team offerings, developing athletes and building a more competitive and sustainable athletics program for years to come.

Additional information regarding tryout registration, key dates and required paperwork will be shared directly with eligible families.