This study examined whether there was a significant difference between the End-of-Course Examination scores (EOC) across multiple academic disciplines between students who participated in sports and those who did not participate in athletics at all in three rural high schools in South Carolina. The theoretical foundation for this study was based on the theory that athletes outperform non-athletes academically and that female students do better than their male counterparts. It sought to determine if there was a statistically significant disparity between the EOC scores of athletes and non-athletes concerning gender. The first four research questions asked if there was a statistical difference between those who participate in sports and those who do not on EOC exams in English 2, algebra 1, biology 1, and U.S. History and Constitution. It was expected that the result would show no significant difference between the two groups. The data indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between athletes and non-athletes in English, algebra, and biology. Concerning gender, a statistically significant difference was found regarding passing rates of female athletes over males in biology only. The subsequent four questions inquired whether there was a statistical significance between male and female athletes and male and female non-athletes. The sources of the data were school district offices and athletic departments from three small rural high schools. The Mantel-Haenszel (CHM) and Pearson Chi-square tests were used to examine the data. The results indicated that athletes had significantly higher passage rates over non-athletes in English, algebra, and biology. Regarding gender, female athletes had significantly higher pass rates in biology than their male counterparts. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]