Every student has the opportunity to participate in athletics at Bernard Zell. Our primary commitment is making it possible for all to participate regardless of skill or experience, while still building a strong athletic program that generates school pride and enthusiasm. It’s a spirit of inclusion that matches our overall community approach, where children develop confidence, responsibility and character, pursue a passion, and enrich their potential to learn and grow.

Physical education, after-school programs and interscholastic athletics take place on 35,000 square feet of soft green turf in the heart of our campus, or in our gymnasium or fitness center. 

Students in grades five through eight can participate in interscholastic team sports throughout the fall, winter and spring:

• Girls’ volleyball

• Cross Country

• Flag Football

• Coed soccer

• Boys’ and girls’ basketball

• Boys’ volleyball

• Girls’ softball

• Coed track and field

• Intramural opportunities and more

Teams practice three to four times per week and participate in games and matches against Chicago-area schools. All of our teams, except our soccer program, are part of the CAMS League Conference. 

Whatever passion Bernard Zell students pursue, they benefit from heightened personal integrity and self-discipline, good sportsmanship, self- confidence and pride, an appreciation for competition and perseverance, humility in loss, and the pride of a well-earned win.