Physical education is a component of the American education system that politicians, administrators, doctors, and others often debate. Some see it as an integral part of a student's education, a part that is often overlooked due to time and budget constraints. Others consider it non-essential, suggesting that a student's academic day should not be interrupted by something non-academic such as sports (Pill, 2012). In fact, only 2.1% of high schools currently offer the nationally recommended daily physical education, the CDC found (Society of Health and Physical Educators, 2014). Based on recommendations from leading research, however, many schools are taking a more holistic view. of the student, emphasizing both the intellectual and physical aspects. The Bible fully emphasizes this holistic view of human beings (1 Corinthians 6:20), and research shows that “fitness and health impact…emotional well-being and intellectual success (Van Brummelen, 2002, p. 210)". Knowing this, the physical education curriculum – both implied and stated – should be planned and implemented as carefully as all other content areas. In the state of Indiana, high school students are required to participate in physical education classes for a minimum of two years. Unlike other states where extracurricular activities (sports teams, ROTC, marching band) may count toward high school physical education credits (Soukup, 2010), Indiana does not allow substitutions or exemptions. The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, a large school district in Indianapolis, offers a wide range of physical education courses for students to choose from. Students who cannot participate in regular physical education classes due to medical problems... middle of paper ...... explain how they can use their physical health and fitness to serve others and serve God (Van Brummelen , 2002). Works Cited Pill, S., Penney, D., & Swabey, K. (2012). Rethinking sport teaching in physical education: A case study of research-based innovation in teacher education. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 37 (8), 118-138. Society of Health and Physical Educators. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.shapeamerica.orgSoukup, GJ, Sr., Henrich, TW, & Barton-Weston, H. (2010) Differences in exercise identity between secondary physical education students and athletes. Journal of Research, 5(1), 33-36.Wayne Township Curriculum Resource Center. (2013). Curricular areas of interest. Retrieved from http://www.wayne.k12.in.us/curriculum/Van Brummelen, H. (2002). Stepping stones for the curriculum (2nd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design Publications.