At Dripping Springs ISD, Physical Education programs are an integral part of every student's education. DSISD believes that students will perform better in the classroom and in all phases of life when they have an active lifestyle and feel positive about their physical development. PE programs include a multitude of activities at all levels so that each student can experience success.

Physical Fitness Assessment Initiative
In an effort to improve children's health through the public school system, state law requires that the Fitnessgram physical fitness assessment be administered to all students in Grades 3-12 who are enrolled in a Physical Education course or a course for which physical education credit is awarded. At the end of the school year, a parent may submit a written request to obtain the results of his or her child's physical fitness assessment conducted during the school year.

The Off-Campus Physical Education Program (OCPE) is designed to accommodate secondary students who demonstrate a high level of training in their sport. Through OCPE, qualifying students may apply to receive PE credit at an approved off-campus private or commercially-sponsored physical activity program.

In alignment with High School UIL expectations, students may not participate in both Off-Campus/Olympic PE and an on-campus PE or UIL athletic course. Students cannot participate in both Cheer and OCPE. Students can participate in both OCPE and dance class/drill team, as long as students are taking the dance course as a Fine Arts credit, not a PE credit. 

Category I: Students must participate in the OCPE activity, under professional supervision, a minimum of 15 hours a week at one approved facility. Student participation is required for a minimum of four days during the week (Monday through Friday), plus one additional day that may fall on a weekend or during the week, for a total of five days per week. The hours may not include travel time. Only 6 hours of tournament or competition play per week may be included in the 15 hours per week for Category I activities. The training facility, instructors, and program activities are of exceptional quality.

Students participating at this level are dismissed from school no more than one class period per day and shall not miss any class other than physical education. Students must make arrangements to be off campus at the designated release time each school day, and are not permitted to remain on campus during their OCPE class period. Students must maintain a passing average in all classes to be eligible to participate. Students may not be enrolled in another class for PE credit while taking OCPE.

Category II: Students must participate in the OCPE activity, under professional supervision, a minimum of 5 hours per week at one approved facility. The hours may not include travel time. Students are well supervised by appropriately trained instructors.

Students are NOT released from school. Students must maintain a passing average in all classes to be eligible to participate. Category 2 qualifiers are eligible to receive PE credit in exchange for their off-campus training time. Students may not be enrolled in another class for PE credit while taking OCPE. 

Students may not High School students may take a full-year, first-semester-only, or second-semester-only OCPE course. High School students can participate in both OCPE and dance class/drill team, as long as students are taking the dance course as a Fine Arts credit, not a PE credit. High School students cannot participate in both Cheer and off-campus PE.

Middle School OCPE
Middle school students are only eligible for the full-year OCPE program. Students in middle school are required to take the OCPE for the entire school year. 

High School OCPE
High School students may take a full-year, first-semester-only, or second-semester-only OCPE course. 

Category I Annual Enrollment Fee: $300 (full-year) or $150 (per semester)
Category II Annual Enrollment Fee: $100 (full-year) or $50 (per semester)

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, there is an annual enrollment fee to participate in OCPE. This fee covers the administrative costs to maintain the program, monitor the vendors, and submit the required documentation through TEA. No student will be enrolled in OCPE without payment. Enrollment fees will be waived for students receiving free/reduced lunch.

1. OCPE Student Application (submitted by parent/guardian)

   • Full Year and Fall 2026 Deadline: Applications due by August 7, 2026

   • Spring 2027 Deadline (High School ONLY): Application opens November  

     2, 2026, and is due December 11, 2026

2. OCPE Athlete Training Plan and Certification (completed by the provider/coach for each student athlete)

   • Full Year and Fall 2026 Deadline: August 14, 2026

   • Spring 2027 (High School ONLY) Deadline: January 1, 2027

3. Pay the enrollment fee (no student will be enrolled in OCPE without payment. Students receiving free/reduced lunches will have their enrollment fee waived.)

   • Full Year and Fall 2026 Deadline: August 21, 2026

   • Spring 2027 Deadline (High School ONLY): January 8, 2027

4. The student and parent/guardian will be notified and the student registered in OCPE.

OCPE Providers
OCPE providers must apply and meet DSISD and Texas Education Agency requirements. Approved Providers are placed on the Provider List for three consecutive school years, and then must reapply to remain on the list. Provider applications must be submitted by the deadlines below for approval.

• Fall 2026 Approval - Deadline May 1, 2026

• Spring 2027 Approval - Deadline November 2, 2026

Kathy Cornett
Director of Student Services
Email Kathy Cornett