Physical inactivity remains a leading global health issue, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges to physical activity promotion. The school environment can play a critical role in shaping a more physically active society by supporting children’s behavior, learning and development in ways that forecast healthy choices across the lifespan. Drawing upon recent advances in theory and research related to promoting youth physical activity through schools, the purpose of this presentation is to provide an update on best practices for teachers, school administrators, parents, and others in the school community to make a positive and sustainable impact on the physical activity behavior of children and adolescents. Specifically, the presentation will focus on the comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) framework, its application in research conducted both before and during the current pandemic, and the practical lessons learned from CSPAP scholarship.