Dozens of Section XI schools have once again demonstrated that success in athletics begins in the classroom.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has announced its 2025-2026 Schools of Distinction and Schools of Excellence, recognizing member schools that have shown an outstanding commitment to academic achievement across their varsity athletic programs.

The recognition reflects the dedication of student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, teachers, administrators and families throughout Long Island, where academic excellence remains a defining characteristic of educational-based athletics.

The prestigious honors are designed to encourage every varsity team within a school to earn NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team recognition by achieving a team grade point average of 90 or higher during its respective sports season.

Schools earning the School of Distinction Award had 100 percent of their varsity teams achieve Scholar-Athlete Team status, while School of Excellence Award recipients saw 75 percent or more of their varsity teams reach that benchmark.

Statewide, 118 schools were recognized as Schools of Distinction and 237 earned Schools of Excellence honors during the 2025-2026 school year. Both totals represent an increase from the previous year, when 110 schools received Distinction status and 221 earned Excellence recognition.

“The commitment demonstrated by our member schools to academic excellence continues to be one of the greatest strengths of educational-based athletics,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “These awards recognize entire school communities that value success in the classroom as much as success in competition.”

For Section XI, the statewide recognition reinforces what communities across Suffolk County witness every year: student-athletes are excelling not only on playing fields, courts, tracks and in pools, but also in classrooms where discipline, perseverance and teamwork translate into academic achievement.

The impressive number of Section XI schools earning statewide recognition reflects a culture in which athletics complements education, helping students develop leadership skills, accountability and a commitment to excellence that extends well beyond competition.

As the number of recognized schools continues to grow across New York, Section XI remains well represented among the state’s leaders in combining athletic participation with academic success.