IntroductionDo extracurricular activities have a positive or negative effect on a student's academic performance? If they do, then why do schools take away activities from students at the first sign of academic problems? If they are scientifically proven to be positive, then why are they not curricular and not extracurricular? There are numerous factors that impact a student's academic performance outside of after-school activities. However, this study will focus on the effects of extracurricular activities on academic achievement. In many cases, participation in extracurricular activities positively influences attendance and connection to school. This study will investigate the impact of extracurricular activities that require daily commitment over an extended period of time, exceeding one month. Athletics is the dominant after-school activity that requires daily commitment; therefore, this study will involve student athletes as well as students involved in other extracurricular activities. Another reason student athletes will be an important part of this study is that there may be a correlation between the skills needed to be successful in athletics and academics (American Sports Institute, 1991). While most evidence in the literature demonstrates that extracurricular activities improve academic performance, the Solanco School District has no program that supports or promotes the connection between the two. This study will examine the effects of participation in extracurricular activities on student academic performance at Solanco High School. The results of this study could be examined by Solanco High School and similar school districts to support and promote extracurricular activity programs as…half of the paper…as researchers. 2005Emmons, Leonard S (1995). Athletic participation and academic achievement: Can they coexist? National Association of Secondary School Heads. NASSP Bulletin.Vol. 79, Iss. 574; P. 107.Libbey, Heather (2004). Measuring students' relationships with school: attachment, bonding, connection and involvement. The journal of school health. vol. 74, Iss. 7, page. 274, 10 pages.NEA Today (2004). See you after school. vol. 22, Iss. 6, page. 13. Neill, James. www.wilderdom.comParks and Recreation (2003). After-school programs help children achieve. vol. 38, Iss. 6; p.15.Schneider, Timothy and Klotz, Jack. November 2000. The impact of music education and athletic participation on achievement. 36 pages.Seigle, Del. http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/siegle/research/Qualitative/qualquan.htm. 1979