What families should know about the West Bay Athletic League and Episcopal Day’s inclusive athletics model.
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In This Guide
Quick Answer for Busy Parents
Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew competes in the West Bay Athletic League, established in 2002, alongside schools like Castilleja, Harker, and Keys School. Athletics run on a no-tryout model open to all eligible students starting in 4th grade (basketball) or 5th grade (other sports), spanning cross country, flag football, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, lacrosse, golf, and swimming across the school year.
West Bay Athletic League Overview
The West Bay Athletic League brings together independent schools including Castilleja, Crystal Springs Middle School, The Girls’ Middle School, Harker, Highlands Christian, Keys School, Menlo, Nueva, Pinewood, Redeemer Lutheran, Sacred Heart, The King’s Academy, Woodside Priory, and Woodland. Competing in this league gives Episcopal Day students regular exposure to other well-regarded Peninsula independent schools across a full slate of sports.
Balancing Athletics and Academics?
Cardinal Education helps families think through how athletics fits into a competitive application, not just a schedule.
Sports Offered by Season
| Season | Sports |
| Fall | Co-ed Cross Country, Flag Football, Girls’ Lacrosse |
| Winter 1 (per school schedule) | Girls’ Soccer, Boys’ Basketball |
| Winter 2 (per school schedule) | Girls’ Basketball, Boys’ Soccer |
| Spring | Co-ed Tennis, Girls’ Volleyball |
| One-day events | Golf, Swimming |
The No-Tryout Philosophy
Unlike many competitive middle school athletic programs, Episcopal Day does not hold tryouts: any eligible student who wants to play can join a team. The school reports that more than 90% of students participate in at least one sport, reflecting a deliberate emphasis on participation and sportsmanship over early competitive cuts.
How Athletics Fits Into Middle School Life
Basketball eligibility begins in 4th grade, with the rest of the athletics program opening up in 5th grade alongside the broader shift into Middle School academics and leadership expectations. For families evaluating how competitive sports factor into private school admissions, Episcopal Day’s model rewards consistent participation over travel-team-level specialization at this age.
Get Into Episcopal Day with the Best Consultants in the Bay Area
Cardinal Education’s private school admissions consultants help families weigh athletics honestly alongside academics and other activities when building out a well-rounded application narrative.
Families specifically interested in how these same fundamentals apply to Asian American applicants can also see our dedicated guide to Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew for Asian American families.
Applying to Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew?
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