By Jason Robinovitz — CEO of Score Academy
For many talented student-athletes, the dream of a college education hinges on their ability to give their all to their chosen sport. However, complexity can arise when one’s school schedule fails to align with the need to practice or play games.
For years, elite high school athletes have sought ways to fit their education around their sports. With Score Academy’s flexible and individualized education options, student-athletes with college-level careers in mind no longer have to sacrifice their education to follow their dreams.
In an era when college recruitment of athletes is more competitive than ever, student-athletes need a school structure that allows them to succeed both on and off the field.
Athletics as the gateway to college admissions
Excellence in athletics, from football to table tennis, has often opened doors to educational options that would otherwise not be available. Although admittance to top universities, scholarships, and incredible life experiences can be within reach for students who excel in a certain sport, the journey toward playing a sport at the collegiate level can be fraught with hurdles.
Many elite student-athletes must attend practices year-round for several hours a day, travel to tournaments, and remain dedicated to continually improving themselves. Yet, these unique circumstances can clash with the structure of a traditional school’s schedule. The typical 8-to-3 school day may not align with an athlete’s need to train consistently, and their inability to work within that traditional structure can lead to failing grades and their college dreams disappearing.
Score Academy has recognized this struggle and worked to provide an education solution for student-athletes and other students who could benefit from a flexible school structure and more individualized attention.
A student-centered approach
Score Academy sets itself apart with a flexible, student-centered approach to learning. The curriculum is tailored not only to students’ strengths but also to their personal goals and the realities of their lifestyles, including elite athletic responsibilities.
Student-athletes benefit from Score Academy through customized schedules that allow them to train, attend tournaments, and still receive the full range of classes and lessons they need to be successful students. Whether they’re getting up before sunrise to hit the gym, traveling to a tournament in another state, or even recovering from an injury, Score Academy works individually with each student to customize timetables and lesson plans to the student’s needs, ensuring that each student has enough spare time to chase their dreams while maintaining a strong academic record.
Classes feature small-group work and one-on-one attention, so student-athletes can receive the necessary guidance to stay on track with their academics. Even if they’re away from the classroom, playing in a tournament or practicing, they can maintain strong foundations in core subjects such as math and science.
Score Academy also offers rolling enrollment — an open, year-round approach that caters to unique students, such as student-athletes. This flexible enrollment approach allows students to start sports seasons, continue learning during off-seasons, and stay engaged with their education without compromising their athletic goals or graduation requirements.
The value of flexible education with Score Academy
Ambitious student-athletes often have big dreams for what comes next after graduation. Many of them are hopeful that their athletic abilities will secure them a spot at a top university, where they can further develop their skills and careers as athletes and gain a well-rounded education. These top schools often seek more than just athletic skill; they want students who possess leadership qualities, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to take initiative.
Score Academy gives students a solid foundation for future college plans. With a challenging curriculum that offers AP and honors courses, as well as remedial support and credit recovery, Score Academy provides a comprehensive approach to academics for every type of student.
For college-bound students, the school offers counselors who work one-on-one with all students, including student-athletes, to select the right classes, build their educational portfolios, and prepare applications for their target schools.
Score Academy’s proof of success is in its student outcomes. Many of its student-athletes have successfully been admitted to college and advanced their athletic careers after high school.
Flexible education for student-athletes
As more student-athletes (and their families) begin to realize how competitive the college admissions process is today, even compared to just a few years ago, flexible schedules for education will become increasingly popular. They can get the full range of a competitive academic curriculum while still building their athletic careers.
Score Academy enables student-athletes to learn without missing critical opportunities because its model adapts to the needs of each student, rather than being a strict, immovable monolith. The tailored learning offered allows students to maximize their potential, letting them push themselves academically while they work on their chosen sport. With this flexibility, these unique students have a better chance at admission to top-tier schools.
For student-athletes, pursuing both academic success and dreams of a professional career in sports can work hand in hand. Score Academy’s flexible, customized approach is convenient, comprehensive, and academically rigorous. For students whose path to college admission is paved with athletic achievement, Score Academy offers an option that makes athletic and academic dreams possible through a flexible, customizable school option.
