The physical education program stresses the enjoyment of exercise in a supportive atmosphere. In the early grades, the P.E. faculty focuses on developing basic motor skills through a variety of activities that stress movement, manipulative abilities, and age-appropriate games. Students discover their athletic interests in a non-competitive environment that provides for safety and success. Physical education classes meet twice a week in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. In grades 1 through 5, classes meet three times a week. Starting in grade 3, the intramural program introduces students to different team sports, including basketball, lacrosse, football, field hockey, and track and field. A graduated approach allows students to progress to a more sophisticated level of play and to build athletic skills as they become more mature physically and emotionally.

The Lower School program seeks to prepare students with the skills needed for a wide range of sports and to instill a lifelong love of exercise. Brimmer and May students are encouraged to see physical fitness and the practice of a healthy lifestyle as a goal now and in the future.

Middle School students participate in team sports and prepare for the more advanced competition levels of the Junior Varsity and Varsity interscholastic program in the Upper School. In these important years, students have the opportunity to try a wide range of sports and to solidify their athletic skills. Students in grade 6 have the option of taking physical education or participating in an interscholastic team sport in the fall, winter, or spring. Middle School students in grade 7 and 8 are required to participate in interscholastic team sports two seasons a year. If they choose not to play a third season, they can participate in physical education.

Through participation in athletics, all students have the chance to experience what it means to work with their teammates toward a common goal. Regular practice sessions build fitness and stamina. The athletics program instills leadership skills and confidence. It is also a source of school pride and spirit shared by students, faculty, and parents alike.

In the Upper School, Brimmer and May fields teams in nine different sports. A strong program and competitive teams give all students the opportunity to excel in their chosen sports while also allowing them to try ones they may not have played previously. Brimmer and May offers thirds, junior varsity, and varsity teams in most sports. This allows every student to participate and insures that students get playing time. Coaches work closely with students to see that they learn the skills they need to progress to the next level. Brimmer and May also employs two professional trainers to assist athletes at all levels.
Upper School students are required to participate in sports two seasons a year, or a sport for one season and alternative activities for two seasons. Often students elect to compete in athletics all three seasons. Intramural activities, including recreational tennis, recreational golf, downhill skiing, fitness, and dance are offered each year.

Brimmer and May has a proud record of fielding winning teams that go on to compete in league and regional championships. Our teams compete in the Massachusetts’ Bay Independent League (MBIL), the Independent Girls’ Conference (IGC), and the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC), in addition to invitational matches. In recent years, the boys’ varsity basketball, baseball, and soccer teams and the girls’ varsity basketball and soccer teams have gone on to compete in tournament play. The girls’ varsity softball team has also posted outstanding records.