As the 2025 school year gets underway, many students at Coral Gables Senior High have expressed concerns about the rising costs associated with school activities. Participation in clubs, sports, and certain classes often requires mandatory fees, which can quickly add up. Students have voiced frustration over both the number of fees and the high cost of each, noting that these expenses create financial challenges for many families.
Clubs at Coral Gables Senior High give students a chance to explore their interests and connect with others who share the same passions. Whether it’s academic clubs like National Honor Society or those ones centered on artistry like Creative Writing, Gables strives to make sure there is something for everyone. These activities are important to students and staff alike, as they help students build leadership skills and strengthen their college applications.
Still, many clubs require fees for membership, supplies or events, which can be a burden for some students. While the costs can add up, many believe the benefits like gaining experience and getting involved in the school community make participation worth it.
“I have been the sponsor for NHS for several years now and the club fee has increase throughout the years. We try to make the money for club events and club shirts. I’ve had students with financial challenges and we usually find ways to make it work,” Ms. Landsea said.
Sports are a big part of life at Coral Gables Senior High. From football to tennis, they exist to give students a chance to stay active, make friends and show school spirit. Students pay to participate in games and meets because they bring the community together and create lasting memories for both athletes and fans.
At the same time, playing sports can be expensive. Students often have to fundraise money for uniforms, equipment and even travel costs, which can be tough on families. On top of this, students have to pay an insurance for safety measures. However, students consider that the football insurance is expensive for high schoolers. Even with these challenges, many athletes stay committed because of their love for the game and the experiences they gain by being part of a team.
“For cross country, fundraising is essential because all of the meets we go to cost money, as well as the buses for bigger meets. Also, as we get better, we want to go to more meets with better competition which costs more money. With the money left over, we are fortunate enough to get team shirts that help build a sense of unity. Although fundraising can be tedious, we turn it into a friendly competition to see who can get the most donations. At the end of the day, what we put in always goes towards the team,” senior Adrian Perez said.
Although students already face fees within their extracurriculars, many classes at Gables require students additional money for equipment or even monthly class treats. This not only adds more weight onto their shoulders, but makes some students contemplate whether it is worth it to pay for various class dues.
Courses with fees such as culinary, chemistry and numerous academies have begun to put immense pressure on students trying to make ends meet. While some may argue that these fees are minor, they can be significant for students with financial struggles, leading some to see the school as less accessible.
“A lot of the fees we have are from classes we are required to take, and it just isn’t fair. It is not reasonable to have to pay for math and science courses. Paying for supplies in classes such as art and culinary might not seem like such a big deal, but when you are in multiple classes with fees, it becomes overwhelming,” sophomore Abigail Fleitas said.
Clubs, sports and class fees are meant to support opportunities for students, but Cavaliers feel that the rising costs have put many at Gables in a difficult position. Some feel these fees limit their ability to be able to participate in activities or extracurriculars, perhaps preventing them from fully experiencing the high school experience.
“It feels like we get more fees to pay every year. I understand that the school needs to cover costs, but when you add up the fees from a theatre class, sports uniforms and club fees, it is a huge inconvenience. Not everyone can afford to pay a hundred dollars just to participate in school life. It makes it feel like certain opportunities are only for certain people, the people who can pay for them, and it just takes away from high school life,” sophomore Chanel Navas said.
As the price of student life grows, it makes many question of whether schools should rethink balancing opportunities and providing accessibility for every student, no matter their financial background.
