Students are required to earn at least one full credit of Physical Education by the end of their senior year. Fitness for Life, the required high school Physical Education class, is the foundation of individual lifetime fitness information. Additional courses are offered to support and extend individual fitness goals and interests. Personal fitness elective courses include aerobics, strength and conditioning, and walking wellness. Sport-oriented elective courses are offered in lifetime and team sports. A variety of dance courses also satisfy the Physical Education requirements for graduation (see Dance).

National Content Standards

The National Content Standards publications define what a student should know and be able to do as result of a quality physical education program. States and local school districts across the country use these requirements to develop or revise existing standards, frameworks, and curricula. 

• Standard 1 - The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.
• Standard 2 - The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.
• Standard 3 - The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.
• Standard 4 - The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.
• Standard 5 - The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction

More information on these standards can be found on the SHAPE America website.

Maryland State Department of Education

AACPS courses prepare learners as responsible members of society - self-directed learners, effective communicators, critical thinkers, and problem solvers - using curriculum designed from Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) standards.  Outcomes are integrated throughout various disciplines with an emphasis on knowledge and physical activity-enhancing skills.