Academic & Attendance Outcomes of High School Esports – Zimmerli (ERNC25)

This presentation by Jennifer Zimmerli from Rockhurst University examines the relationship between high school esports participation, academic performance, and student attendance using a quantitative, comparative research design.

Drawing on district-level data across two semesters in a Midwestern suburban school district, the study compares esports participants’ cumulative GPA and attendance records with both the total district high school population and students participating in activities governed by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Students self-selected into competitive (Team A) or recreational (Team B) esports formats, allowing analysis of participation intensity.

Results show that esports participants maintained GPA levels comparable to the general student population, indicating no academic harm associated with participation. However, GPA was significantly lower compared to KSHSAA participants—likely reflecting the absence of academic eligibility requirements in esports, which may attract students underserved by traditional extracurricular activities.

Attendance findings reveal a statistically significant increase in Fall 2024 for esports participants compared to both district-wide and KSHSAA populations, suggesting a delayed engagement effect. No meaningful GPA or attendance differences emerged between competitive and recreational esports players.

Zimmerli argues that esports should not be framed as a guaranteed academic booster, but rather as a potential engagement intervention—particularly for students at risk of disengagement or chronic absenteeism. The study calls for longitudinal, multi-site research to better understand how esports program design, participation thresholds, and belonging influence long-term academic outcomes.

Keywords: high school esports, GPA, attendance, student engagement, extracurricular activities, evidence-based education

About the ERN Conference 2025:

The Esports Research Network Conference 2025 took place online from November 12–14, 2025 as a continuous, 72-hour global livestream. Guided by the theme “Future Realities: Esports as a Global Lab,” the event explored how esports serves as a living laboratory for understanding digital transformation across education, media, technology, and society. This innovative digital-first format followed the sun across three regional hubs, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania & Michigan State University (Americas), Staffordshire University (EMEA), and UNSW Sydney (Asia-Pacific), creating a nonstop, interconnected academic experience available to participants worldwide.

This ambitious production was made possible through the support of Corsair for Business, whose Elgato technology powered high-quality broadcasting and seamless livestreaming across all three hubs. ERNC25 continues the network’s mission to unite scholars, practitioners, and students while fostering open, global collaboration in esports research.

Full abstracts for all presentations can be viewed in the official Book of Abstracts at: https://book.esportsresearch.net

Website: https://esportsresearch.net