Broward County Public Schools and Chess4Life are partners on a hands-on approach to chess. The Broward Chess Initiative affords all second grade students and all K-12 chess clubs with access to high-quality instruction and participation in a program that engages young minds, teaching critical and creative thinking skills.

If you would like to receive occasional chess news updates, please email Dr. Kourtni Gober.

Yes, Chess! 

Did you know there are more possible chess games than atoms in the known universe? We say yes to chess! Executive functions including memory, self-control, and problem-solving are all used and practiced in chess.  Essential skills of focus, choices, and planning are all taught and then played out on a chess board.  Players have the unique opportunity to build their mental stamina as well as recover from a mistake and show persistence.  

Chess Now!

Students at Broward County Public Schools have been actively involved in chess thanks to an initiative including direct services from Chess4life. All K-12 students and teachers have access to high-quality instruction and resources, including video lessons, puzzles, and games.  

Students and teachers can find the chess app on Clever.

Classroom

Teachers have found the online platform with short instructional videos helpful in teaching chess topics.  Students enjoy the practice and play options.  Second-grade classrooms around the district have included chess instruction in their schedules.  Chess and Math lessons mapped directly to the BEST standards can be found under the Additional Resources tab in the

Teacher Zone on the Chess4Life app on Clever.  We know that Math Matters!  

Chess Now! Three Ways to Play 

Find the Chess4Life app on Clever for challenges, games, and instructional videos.

Join LIVE, online classes 
Instruction is led by a Chess4Life coach. Classes are on Thursdays, from 4:30pm-6:00pm. Join Microsoft Teams through the Chess4Life app on Clever. Link Here. 

In-person 
Teachers have access to the Chess4Life curriculum that allows them to integrate chess instruction with their students during school. Chess Elective classes are growing in popularity at the Middle School level and gives students the opportunity to learn and play chess during school hours. Additionally, Chess clubs are held before or after school at elementary, middle, and high schools around the district.

Tournaments

Broward School District tournaments are a fun way for students to use what they have learned in a competitive setting. 

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the chessboards were set, the pieces were ready, and the competition was fierce at the AWESOME Olsen Middle School! Our Spring Chess Tournament brought together over 200 brilliant young minds from grades K-12, representing 47 schools across the district. Players strategized, outmaneuvered, and showcased their incredible skills in a day filled with intense matches, sportsmanship, and brainpower. It was a thrilling event that proved once again—chess isn’t just a game; it’s a battle of wits and a celebration of critical thinking! 

Tournament RESULTS!
Team Standings:
High School:
1st - Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High
2nd - Coral Springs High
3rd - JP Taravalla High
4th - Cypress Bay High

Middle School:
1st - Falcon Cove Middle
2nd - Tequesta Trace Middle
3rd/4th - Sawgrass Springs Middle
3rd/4th - Olsen Middle
5th - Beachside Montessori Village 

Elementary: (k-5 combined)
1st - Embassy Creek Elementary
2nd - Beachside Montessori Village
3rd- Indian Trace Elementary 
4th - Ramblewood Elementary
5th - Central Park Elementary

Please plan to join us at the upcoming Championship Chess Tournament on Saturday, May 17, 2025! Use this link to register: https://forms.office.com/r/ErDGtkaMrS

School-Based Chess Events!

Central Park Elementary hosted a "Family Chess Night" on December 7th with more than 65 people attending, including Principal Turner engaged in chess activities. 

Win, Draw, or Learn!  

We know that practice makes progress and that a loss is an opportunity to learn.  Along with the skills of decision-making and persistence, positive life skills are encouraged at a chess board. Goal setting, respect, and sportsmanship are just a few of the positive life skills that are woven into the chess curriculum.