News Archives

July 29th, 2025 – U.S. Ski & Snowboard and USPA to offer High Quality Flexible Education to U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athletes

Elkins, N.H. – US Performance Academy is thrilled to announce that it has become an Official Online Academic Partner of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding.

“Our athletes spend a lot of time on travel and competition,” said Trisha Worthington, Chief Revenue & Philanthropy Officer at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “USPA’s high quality, rigorous and flexible education aligns perfectly with their needs. In addition to USPA’s excellent education, this partnership offers our members exclusive discounts on tuition, collegiate eligibility guidance, and lifetime college counselling.”

USPA will offer online seminars to U.S. Ski & Snowboard members and attend select U.S. Ski & Snowboard events to provide in-person expert guidance from Family Advisors.

“USPA is thrilled to partner with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. We have many junior skiers and snowboarders that currently attend USPA, and we know that our flexibility and custom support are a great benefit to competitive skiers and snowboarders. At USPA, school goes wherever your travel schedule goes, and our accredited program and experienced learning coaches ensure student athletes don’t have to choose between pursuing their dreams and pursuing their education,” said Aileen Hawkins, CEO of Inspired Online Schools USA.

USPA Elite’s unique online learning model empowers motivated student-athletes to train, travel, and compete at the highest levels in their chosen sport. Unlike other online schools, USPA is fully accredited and NCAA approved. It offers flexible school schedules, academic calendars, and a comprehensive support system for students in grades 6-12. Through this partnership, young athletes can pursue their goals in sport without compromising their education.

To learn more about USPA, visit www.gouspa.org/USSS.

Follow USPA on social media:

Instagram: @usperformanceacademy Facebook: www.facebook.com/USPerformanceAcademy

Media Contact:

Esther Clark Email: esther.clark@inspiredonlineschools.com

About US Performance Academy:

USPA Live is open for enrollment with online classes starting August 2025, beginning with grades 6-10. USPA Elite is open for enrolment for middle and high school athletes and performers in grades 6-12. Through a comprehensive educational support program, USPA’s teachers, learning coaches, counselors, and coaches create a community where online education and performance intersect with a human connection. For more information, visit: www.gouspa.org

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard:

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine and Para snowboard. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org

USA Water Polo and USPA to offer Flexible Education to rising water polo athletes

Elkins, N.H. – US Performance Academy (USPA) is thrilled to announce that it has become the Official Online Academic Partner of USA Water Polo. USA Water Polo, the governing body for the sport of water polo in the United States, is responsible for fielding U.S. National and Olympic Teams while also hosting a wide variety of annual tournaments in an effort to grow the sport across the country. The organization is headquartered in Irvine, California with member clubs located throughout the United States. This collaboration establishes an academic and athletic pathway to enable junior water polo athletes to train and compete while receiving a high-quality online education.

“USA Water Polo members have long been high achievers in and out of the classroom and the USPA’s rigorous and flexible education aligns perfectly with their needs,” said Jamie Davis, CEO at USA Water Polo. “We’re excited that this partnership will offer our members exclusive discounts on tuition, collegiate eligibility guidance and more.”

In addition to online seminars, USPA will attend select USA Water Polo events to provide in-person expert guidance from Family Advisors and support junior water polo athletes on their journey to college as they train and compete at elite levels.

“It’s an incredible fit for USPA to partner with USA Water Polo,” said Pete Smith, Founder and President of USPA. “USA Water Polo has become synonymous with excellence in youth sport and we could not be more excited to work with such an amazing organization. Our school provides athletes the kind of academic flexibility that results in a distinct advantage over the competition.”

USPA’s unique online learning model empowers motivated student-athletes to train, travel, and compete at the highest levels in their chosen sport. Unlike other online schools, USPA is fully accredited and NCAA approved. It offers flexible school schedules, academic calendars, and a comprehensive support system for students in grades 6-12. Through this partnership, young athletes can pursue their goals in sports without compromising their education.

To learn more about USPA, visit www.gouspa.org.

Follow USPA on social media:

Instagram: @usperformanceacademy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USPerformanceAcademy

Media Contact:

Megan Burch
Phone: 603.715.0519
Email: megan.burch@gouspa.org

About US Performance Academy:

US Performance Academy is an online school for high-performance athletes in grades 6-12, providing the flexibility to achieve both athletic and academic success. Through a comprehensive educational support program, USPA’s teachers, learning coaches, counselors, and coaches create a community where online education and performance intersect with a human connection.

About USA Water Polo

USA Water Polo, Inc., is the national governing body for water polo in America, overseeing our United States Olympic program as well as 20 championship events annually, such as Junior Olympics and Masters National Championships. With nearly 50,000 members, USAWP also is the sanctioning authority for more than 500 member clubs and more than 400 tournaments nationwide. USAWP is committed to the development of the sport throughout the U.S., fostering grass-roots expansion while providing a national system of affiliated clubs, certified coaches, and officials. For more information, visit www.usawaterpolo.org

USA Volleyball and USPA offer Flexible Education to Junior Volleyball Players Worldwide

Elkins, N.H. – US Performance Academy (USPA) is thrilled to announce that it has become the Official Online Academic Partner of USA Volleyball. USA Volleyball is the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of volleyball in the United States and is recognized as such by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). This collaboration establishes an academic and athletic pathway to enable junior volleyball players to train, travel and compete while receiving a high-quality online education.

“USPA’s flexible, high-level education aligns perfectly with the needs of our junior volleyball community,” said Jamie Davis, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “Our athletes are constantly on the move and with USPA, school goes where they go, taking the worry out of missed school days.”

In addition to online seminars, USPA will attend select USA Volleyball events to provide in-person expert guidance from Family Advisors and support players on their journey to college and elite athletics.

“It’s an incredible fit for USPA,” said Pete Smith, Founder and President of USPA. “USA Volleyball is a top-tier NGB in youth sport and we could not be more excited to work with such an amazing organization. Our school provides athletes the kind of academic flexibility that results in a distinct advantage over the competition.”

To learn more about USPA, visit www.gouspa.org.

To connect with a USPA Family Advisor, visit https://gouspa.org/contact/

To register for USPA’s Virtual Open House, visit https://gouspa-2829907.hs-sites.com/virtualopenhouse

Follow USPA on social media:

Instagram: @usperformanceacademy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USPerformanceAcademy

About US Performance Academy:

About USA Volleyball

Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and World ParaVolley as the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball including the disciplines of beach, indoor, sitting, snow and beach Paravolley in the United States. With more than 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and officials certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, five Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball’s women’s teams are the reigning gold medalists in the Olympic indoor, beach and Paralympic events. The United States is the first country to have won a gold medal in each discipline at a single Summer Games. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium

Media Contact:Megan Burch
Phone: 603.715.0519
Email: megan.burch@gouspa.org

Innovative online school and USA Climbing join forces to provide elite student-athletes rigorous, flexible schooling option

Elkins, N.H. – US Performance Academy (USPA), the only fully accredited, NCAA-approved online school for committed student-athletes in grades 6 through 12, announces an exciting new partnership with USA Climbing. USA Climbing is recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of competition climbing. USPA will offer student-athletes the flexibility to train and compete at the highest level while obtaining a rigorous, high-quality education that is custom-tailored to fit within their family’s busy lifestyle.

“Our world-class athletes and aspiring Olympians have demanding schedules that require flexibility to fully accomplish their goals,” said Marc Norman, CEO of USA Climbing. “For our athletes and families, a world-class education is a top priority and USPA is meeting a need for us. This partnership signifies a commitment to reaching new heights, both on and off the wall, as we empower the next generation of climbers to excel academically and athletically.”

Blending rigorous, comprehensive, and technologically advanced curriculum with the human attention and guidance from individual learning coaches, USPA supports the student-athlete’s unique schedule, creates a pathway towards their personal, professional, and athletic goals, and leverages the latest technology for an on-the-go environment. Many of the school’s faculty members and learning coaches are former elite-level athletes who competed on the international stage and understand the challenges of balancing sports commitments with education expectations.

“At USPA, our team of learning coaches and teachers understand the demands of high-performing student-athletes,” said Pete Smith, Founder and President of USPA. “We are excited to introduce our model to USA Climbing families. USPA is a great fit for elite climbers that are traveling the world to compete at their very best.”

USPA will offer USA Climbing student-athletes a rigorous, yet supportive education experience and the flexibility to train, travel, and compete around the world. All students work with an individual learning coach who helps them stay connected and on track with their schooling. Whether a student aspires to compete in the Olympics, professionally, or at the collegiate level, USPA helps them achieve their athletic goals without missing a beat in school.

To learn more about USPA connect with a Family Advisor:

Connect with a Family Advisor (Contact Us)

or Register for a Virtual Open House:

https://gouspa-2829907.hs-sites.com/virtualopenhouse

Innovative online school and elite youth training program join forces to provide elite student-athletes rigorous, flexible schooling option

Elkins, N.H. – US Performance Academy (USPA), the only fully accredited, NCAA-approved online school for committed student-athletes in grades 6 through 12, announces an exciting new partnership with Sports Academy, one of the nation’s premier sports training organizations. Now the Official Online Education Provider of Sports Academy. USPA will offer student-athletes the flexibility to train and compete at the highest level while obtaining a rigorous, high-quality education that is custom-tailored to fit within their family’s busy lifestyle.

“Both Sports Academy and USPA strongly believe that education and sports play an important role in molding young people,” said Chad Faulkner, Sports Academy CEO. “It is our duty to make sure that our athletes have the right tools to thrive both academically and athletically. By joining forces, we provide athletes and families with a proven positive pathway for accelerated development.”

“At USPA, our team of learning coaches and teachers understand the demands on high-performing student-athletes,” said Pete Smith, Founder and President of USPA. “It’s an honor to partner with the team from Sports Academy. Their facilities and training programs are the industry’s best. It’s a natural fit for us, and I’m thrilled to welcome their student athletes to our school.”

USPA will offer Sports Academy’s dedicated student-athletes a rigorous, yet supportive education experience and the flexibility to train, travel, and compete around the world. All students work with an individual learning coach who helps them stay connected and on track with their schooling. Whether a student aspires to compete in the Olympics, professionally, or at the collegiate level, USPA helps them achieve their athletic goals without missing a beat in school.

To learn more about Sports Academy’s education partnership, please visit: www.sportsacademy.us/saprep. To learn more about USPA, visit www.gouspa.org.

ABOUT US PERFORMANCE ACADEMY: Founded in 2012 by athletes for athletes, US Performance Academy is the online school for elite athletes in grades 6-12 that provides the flexibility to achieve both athletic and academic success. Through a comprehensive educational support program for the whole student-athlete, USPA teachers, learning coaches, counselors, and coaches create a community where online education and performance intersect with a human connection.ABOUT SPORTS ACADEMY: Sports Academy, a premier institution in the world of human performance, fosters a high-performance culture driven by excellence, innovation, and expertise. Renowned as industry-leading experts, we empower individuals and teams to achieve extraordinary results through leading-edge protocols , state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class coaching. Our expert-driven, safe, and effective full-circle training approach caters to youth, adult, amateur, professional, tactical, and elite athletes. Collaborating with top professionals in sports medicine, rehabilitation, cognition, sports science, and research, we implement evidence-based practices and utilize best-in-class performance technology. Sports Academy’s leading-edge flagship facilities in California, and Texas are complete with full diagnostic, development, competition, and recovery environments that energize the training and competitive experiences that yield optimal results.

USPA will offer a flexible education to American junior cyclists competing around the world.

Elkins, N.H. – US Performance Academy (USPA) is thrilled to announce that it has become the Official Online Academic Partner of USA Cycling. USA Cycling is the national governing body for bicycle racing in the United States covering the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclo-cross, and BMX across all ages and ability levels. This collaboration establishes an academic and athletic pathway to enable junior cyclists to train and compete while receiving a high-quality online education.

“USPA’s flexible, high-level education aligns perfectly with the needs of the junior cycling community,” said Scott Usher, Chief of Corporate Development at USA Cycling. “These athletes are constantly on the move and with USPA, school goes where they go.”

In addition to online seminars, USPA will attend select USA Cycling events to provide in-person expert guidance from Family Advisors and support junior cyclists on their journey to college and elite athletics.

“It’s an incredible fit for USPA to partner with USA Cycling,” said Pete Smith, Founder and President of USPA. “We are honored that USA Cycling recognizes USPA as the best academic choice for their athletes, they excel in youth sport and we could not be more excited to work with such an amazing organization. Our school provides athletes the kind of academic flexibility that results in a distinct advantage over the competition.”

Enhancing College-Bound Success

US Performance Academy (USPA), is pleased to announce The PG@USPA postgraduate program. Offering a flexible online education for recent high school graduates, PG@USPA is designed to enhance elite student-athletes’ academic profiles, allow them to earn college credit without impacting NCAA eligibility, as well as improve study skills and executive functioning performance.

Elite athletes who have graduated from high school now have an additional edge to enhance their academic proficiency and profile while playing junior hockey.

“An academic option for students after high school is something we know is a great fit for our student athletes,” said Pete Smith, Founder and President of USPA. “Our school provides athletes the kind of academic flexibility that results in a distinct advantage over the competition.”

The PG@USPA program offers top-tier educators, dedicated support services for every student-athlete, and opportunities to earn college credit. From specialized support for neurodivergent students to comprehensive NCAA eligibility guidance, the PG@USPA Program ensures a well-rounded and empowering educational experience.Learn more about the PG@USPA Program at https://gouspa.org/elite/pgprogram/.

NAHL, NA3HL, NAPHL to offer Student Athletes Top-Tier, Flexible Education

ELKINS, NH – The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is pleased to announce that the US Performance Academy (USPA) has been named the Official Online Academic Partner of the NAHL, the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), and North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL).

This collaboration establishes an academic and athletic pathway to enable hockey players to train, travel, and compete while receiving a high-quality online education.

“USPA’s flexible, high-level education aligns perfectly with the needs of our elite players,” said Mark Frankenfeld, Commissioner and President of the NAHL. “Our players are committed to moving on to elite colleges and universities and with USPA they can get the flexibility to advance their hockey skills while obtaining a rigorous education and broadening their opportunity to secondary school participation.”

In addition to online seminars, USPA will attend select NAHL, NA3HL, and NAPHL events to provide in-person expert guidance from staff to support hockey players on their journey to college and elite athletics.

“It’s an honor to partner with NAHL and its associated leagues,” said Pete Smith, Founder and President of USPA. “The NAHL, NA3HL, and NAPHL have all become synonymous with excellence in hockey and we could not be more excited to work with such an amazing organization. Our school provides players the kind of academic flexibility that results in a distinct advantage over the competition on the ice.”

USPA’s unique online learning model empowers motivated student-athletes to train, travel, and compete at the highest levels in their chosen sport. Unlike other online schools, USPA is fully accredited, and NCAA approved. It offers flexible school schedules, academic calendars, and a comprehensive support system for students in grades 6-12. Through this partnership, young athletes can pursue their goals in sports without compromising their education.

To learn more about NAHL, visit www.nahl.com
Follow NAHL on social media:
Instagram: @nahlhockey

USPA and USODA Optimist Development Program join forces to provide a flexible education to junior sailors

Elkins, N.H. – US Performance Academy is excited to announce a partnership with USODA. USODA is the National class organization for Optimist sailing in the United States. This partnership will create an academic and athletic pathway that allows junior sailors to train and compete without sacrificing a quality education.

“USODA is pleased to partner with US Performance Academy. The flexibility and quality of USPA’s education is a great fit for sailors who are constantly on the go, training and competing.” Beth Danilek, Executive Director of USODA

Through this new partnership, USPA will attend USODA sailing events educating families on the value of the flexibility and ease of schedule that we bring to our students’ lives.

“Back in 2013, I created USPA with the express purpose of providing a rigorous online education to meet the needs of elite sailors.” Pete Smith, USPA President & Elite Sailor

USPA’s unique online learning model provides motivated student-athletes with the flexibility to train, travel, and compete at the highest levels of their chosen sport. Unlike any other online school, USPA is fully accredited and NCAA approved, providing 6-12 grade student-athletes with a flexible school schedule and academic calendar, and a unique support system to keep students involved, connected, and on track. The new partnership opens up a doorway for elite young athletes to achieve their future aspirations in their sport without missing a beat in school.

Callie Davenport and Devon Tresan with busy horse show schedules found that online learning was a perfect for their academic needs. Read More: https://www.horseillustrated.com/flipbook/YR/YR_May-June23/#page/16

Snowboard Icon becomes Family Advisor for Olympic Sports at USPA.

When the families of USASA athletes and other Winter Olympic hopefuls want advice on how to manage high-level academics while pursuing elite levels of sport, they can turn to Olympic snowboarder Tricia Byrnes at USPA.

“We’re thrilled to have Tricia join us,” said USPA Chief Business Officer Bill Kerig. “In her new Family Advisor role at USPA, Tricia will be sharing her sage counsel and hard-earned wisdom with prospective students and their families.”

A member of the U.S. Snowboarding team for 10 years, a 2002 Olympian (finishing sixth in halfpipe). Former professional snowboarder and industry icon, Byrnes has had her paws in everything shred for the last two and a half decades. Competing in nearly every halfpipe snowboarding event for 20 years, from backyard jams to the Olympics.

In addition to her advisory role at USPA, Byrnes will continue to manage marketing and partnerships manager for USASA.

“I”m passionate about supporting the future generations of snowboarders and freeskiers,” said Byrnes. “Both USASA and USPA are creating wonderful and unique spaces for athletes to discover and pursue their life goals.”

Welcome to the team, Tricia!

Many roads lead to college, but for US Performance Academy student athletes, the road is paved with perseverance and performance in sport and school. The road is also paved with a strong plan of study, and our USPA Student Success Coordinator and Learning Coach team advise students and families on how to choose a relevant and compelling curriculum along the way. A key decision students face in planning their high school coursework is whether or not to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This decision is easy when the student has the right motivation and information. Many students and parents believe APs are necessary for a competitive college profile and college acceptances, but USPA recommends a considered and balanced approach when selecting Advanced Placement courses. To ensure our student athletes do not stumble on the road to college and can succeed in AP courses, we require an AP application and verification process as well as recommend no more than two AP courses simultaneously or annually.

The GOOD

Taking APs can significantly enhance and deepen a student’s learning and interest in a specific subject. If a student is passionate about or has innate aptitude in math or biology or writing (for example), they should consider taking an AP in that subject area.

AP teachers are extremely passionate about and committed to their subject areas and have strong backgrounds, experience and credentials in their subjects.

AP courses are well-structured, so the syllabus is organized and consistent. Because AP content targets performing well on an end of year exam, the assignments and content are well prepared and planned. This consistency is a good fit for busy but motivated students.

APs can enhance and bolster a student’s transcript and college profile; colleges will see that the student is driven, dedicated and willing to take on academic challenge and rigor.

To excel or do well in an AP course, a student must demonstrate or develop discipline and work ethic. These skills are good preparation for college level work.

Some colleges will grant credit for good AP scores (usually for scores of 4 or 5).

The BAD

APs are more “labor intensive” and require more hours and deeper understanding of subjects and coursework. In addition to rising to the challenge of college level work, students must keep pace with the class to adequately prepare for the exam. Catching up in an AP is extremely difficult.

Only specific AP courses are worth their weight in effort. These “core AP” classes are the ones colleges prefer to see on a transcript; the others are often considered “satellite” or secondary AP courses. The core includes AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature, AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Physics, AP (plug in any world language), AP World History, and AP US History. The many other AP offerings, such as AP Human Geography, AP Music, AP Studio Art, AP Photography, AP Art History, just to name a few, are sometimes considered “filler APs” by selective colleges. Please note: USPA has chosen to offer AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, and AP Statistics because we believe these selective APs are excellent preparation for college bound student athletes.

AP courses do not always lead to college credit; many selective colleges do not accept AP credits; no credit is awarded and no college tuition is offset or saved.

The UGLY

AP exams are expensive ($95 per course) – and the exam can ignite undue or excessive stress for students.

Students sometimes take APs because they think they HAVE to, not because they WANT to; this pressure leads to academic resentment and frustration.

AP courses are sometimes a way for students or families to strive to compete with peers or keep up with values different from their own.

We hope that as our USPA students select their curriculum, they will consider the benefits, drawbacks and pitfalls of Advanced Placement courses. We are always available to help our student athletes and families navigate these important decisions.

Julie is the Director of School for USPA. She has 14 years of experience counseling students in college applications and course selections.

Pete Smith first conceived of US Performance Academy in response to this question from a frustrated parent: Why does the traditional academic model make you choose between achieving your athletic dreams and getting a good education?

That was in 2013, when remote learning and quality education did not coexist in most people’s minds. Smith, an elite sailor turned educator, was intrigued by the possibilities technology offered in revolutionizing education. He envisioned a remote learning model that could leverage technology to increase both flexibility and support to meet the unique needs of highly competitive athletes; a platform to accommodate a wide variety of learning styles and schedules, as well as connection within the school community. Such a school would allow elite athletes to maximize their athletic and academic potential, while fostering self-awareness, independence and self-advocacy.

That vision turned into USPA, a fully accredited, NCAA compliant online school for students in grades 6-12 and post graduate. Today, the academy serves 165 high performance athletes in a wide range of sports, like golf, tennis, sailing, soccer, hockey, paddling and, increasingly, skiing.

Post pandemic, some level of remote learning is the new norm. USPA offers not only a comprehensive curriculum and support system, but also a track record of success. Athletes from a wide range of sports have gone on to compete at the Olympic, National Team and NCAA level while also getting into colleges that match their academic and competitive dreams.

SELF-PACED AND FULLY-SUPPORTED

Allison Mollin first heard about USPA from an article in Ski Racing. She was heading into high school and wanted a school that allowed her to stay with her home ski program at Palisades Tahoe. Specifically, she wanted an option that would allow her to access prime morning training. USPA was an ideal solution. It allowed her to train and compete at the highest level, and also to complete courses at her own pace. That meant taking a couple summer courses to lighten her academic load in winter.

Even during the fall of her senior year—while taking three AP classes (USPA offers 10) at the same time as Chemistry and Precalculus, and attending early season ski camps—she had ample support and flexibility. “Every now and then you hit units that you just don’t quite understand,” says Allison. “Whenever that happened, it was a simple Pronto message to a teacher, and we set up a time to talk about it. Usually we talked about it within the hour of encountering the issue.” Compared to her peers, Allison found she devoted more energy to skiing, and less to being stressed about school deadlines. “They were far more worried, and I think it took more of a toll.”

Mollin—who foreran the Lake Louise World Cup last year, and ultimately has her sights set on competing at that level—graduated last spring. She is taking a gap year, concentrating on her ski racing on the NorAm speed circuit.

CONNECTION IS KEY

For remote learning to work, it also has to offer ample support because flexibility, while liberating, can also become overwhelming. Smith explains: “If you don’t have multiple touchpoints that are supporting students in different ways, the wheels can come off.”

USPA’s remote learning model is a far cry from the correspondence courses of yore, with mail-in assignments and minimal feedback; or the folder of worksheets that typically end up in a sorry heap on the car floor; or even the “upside-down” learning model with instructional videos and a virtual class meeting. USPA’s 70 core and elective courses are a combination of direct instruction, videos, interactive learning tools, discussion-based assessments and collaborative learning opportunities. Strategically embedded checks ensure that students are understanding material along the way. Director of School Julie Glusker calls it, “a learning system that empowers students with real-time, actionable content and data, enabling easy monitoring of progress and achievement.”

EMBRACING NEURODIVERSITY

Another challenge for every school, and particularly sports academies with limited staff, is supporting students who are “neurodivergent.” Says Smith, “Everybody learns differently whether you’re labeled neurodivergent or neurotypical.” Rather than label kids, USPA helps them develop skills and tools that allow them to work best with their learning style.

Carrie McGillicuddy is USPA’s Director of Student Development and Counseling. McGillicuddy designed a program called Guided Opportunities for Achievement and Learning (GOAL) aimed at helping an increasing population of neurodivergent students. Her “neurodiversity-affirming” approach includes the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, whereby putting accommodations in place for people who need them benefits everyone. “My approach with GOAL,” says McGillicuddy, “is let’s take what works for our neurodivergent students and offer those same options to all of our students.” GOAL offers four levels of individualized support in everything from emotional regulation skills to executive functioning, to specific content areas with learning specialists, to life skills.

“Every diagnosis has assets and liabilities,” says McGillicuddy. She explains that some things schools try to remediate—ADHD, for example—may be the very things that make an individual excel athletically. The success of GOAL led to BOOST, a student development program available to any student—enrolled in USPA or elsewhere—who is seeking additional learning support.

The concept of proactively meeting the needs of all learners permeates the USPA community, including teachers, learning coaches and parents. USPA students interact with teachers as needed, as well as learning coaches who meet with each student weekly. They can also participate in optional study sessions with peers. Parents have access to their students’ progress as well as teachers and learning coaches. “This is such a collaborative effort,” says McGillicuddy. The result is more kids learning in a way and at a pace that works for them, and fewer kids slipping through the cracks.

EDUCATION FOR LIFE

The very flexibility that facilitates impressive athletic accomplishments also naturally brings along invaluable experiential learning. Smith explains, “What most college admissions directors are really interested in is the idea that we’re building the skills that kids typically have to learn and build in their freshman year.”

The NCAA-approved school offers a flexible curriculum for student athletes

Since 2013, U.S. Performance Academy in Elkins, NH, has been providing online-based education for high-performing athletes in grades 6-12. The NCAA-approved school offers a flexible curriculum for student athletes who are currently training, traveling and competing worldwide, who aren’t able to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar education facility.

As founder and president, Peter Smith has designed a system that he says motivates young athletes, who need a connected support system to stay on track with their studies while also helping them succeed on the field.

Q. How does U.S. Performance Academy work?

A. We have athletes all over the world, five different continents, on multiple micro-campuses that offer a full-fledged academic experience — one that’s built flexibly without sacrificing quality. We set out to create a learning experience that students can take anywhere, whether they’re sitting in aisle 3 of a Delta flight or on the coast of Spain. No matter where they were, that quality and experience doesn’t change. But then we realized, to support these kiddos, we needed a tremendous amount of support.

Q. How do students connect with their learning coaches?

A. Every student can meet with their teachers almost on demand. We don’t have designated study halls or homework lounges, because kids can reach out to their teachers in a one-on-one fashion and have a discussion or get answers. On top of that, the learning coach is solely focused on not what we’re learning and grading, but how the students are learning.

Underneath all of that is allowing kids and families to really customize their own experience, because they’re often on the road too much. Our support system is really unique; similar to what other online schools do in the sense that it’s fully one-on-one, but we also have a dedicated learning professional that’s a personal trainer for your own learning.

Q. What sparked the idea to develop this type of education model?

A. Coming out of college, I did an Olympic campaign with sailing, and I understood how challenging that was, not necessarily on the water, but off the water. Ninety percent of the work is knowing what our athletes are going through. So I can relate to a lot of those kids. For me, it was the idea of putting the power in an individual’s hands.

A good friend of mine said, “My son is sailing all over the world. Why do you brick-and-mortar principals and teachers make it so hard for him to pursue both his athletic and his academic dreams? Why does he have to choose between one or the other?” And that was how the idea was originally, starting a sailing school down in Miami and then that blossomed into all sports at the same time. We’re going into our 10th year now.

Q. Does the school also accept students that require different learning assessments?

A. Across the board, we’re open to anybody that we feel is a good fit and is going to work really, really hard. We’re not a sign-up-and-register school; there’s an application process. We want to make sure you’re the right fit for us and we’re the right fit for you.

We just validated a program this past year for neurodivergent learners, working with some of the leading learning specialists in the country, coming from incredible schools on the higher end of things that were totally dedicated for kids that learn differently. What we’ve been able to build out is a tiered support model, one of the first in the world for asynchronous support for kids that learn differently.

Q. Why choose online learning versus going to school in person?

A. I keep thinking about how traditional schools are popularized. Kids are told when to come to school, what they’re going to do first, when they’re going to learn, what they’re going to learn, how they’re going to learn it, down to where they’re going to sit.

What we do is kind of flip that model on its head and say, “Here’s where we want you to be, here’s how you’re going to successfully complete this. You’re going to develop the manner in which you want. We’re going to help you on the way.” Those are the sort of things that I get most excited about at U.S. Performance Academy.

Ian MacDiarmid ‘18 Top Ranked US Olympic Sailing Class Crew in the World.

Ian MacDiarmid (USPA Class of 2018) and his driver Andrew Mollerus are now the top World Sailing ranked US Sailing Team boat in any Olympic Class for the second month in a row. 4th in the World Sailing Ranking System!

“For the first time in almost 20 years, the United States has an Olympic 49er team in the top 5 with two boats in the top 10, and we are excited USPA played a part in that,” said USPA Founder Pete Smith. “We worked with Ian during his first two years on the professional Olympic circuit to make sure he could get a leg up on his peer group competing with the best in the world at just 17 years old – while making sure he earned an elite education at the same time. It worked!”

The most demanding Olympic class, the 49er, is an overpowered boat capable of powerboat speeds and known for spectacular crashes. With most sailors in the 49er class, a generation older than Ian, the ability to train and compete globally at such a young age made the difference in his jump to the Olympic level.
“The phasing and adaptability of the USPA platform allowed me to compete in Asia, Europe, and South America while still achieving in my high school academics. There is just nothing like USPA; it will become a secret weapon for the smartest US sailors.

Innovative online school and USASA join forces to provide elite freeskiers and riders a quality, flexible schooling option

Elkins, N.H. – US Performance Academy (USPA), the only fully accredited, NCAA-approved online school for high performing student-athletes in grades 6 through 12, announces an exciting new partnership with the United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA). USASA hosts snowboard and freeskiing competitions across the country with a 30+ year history of cultivating Olympians, icons, and great human beings through fun, fair and progressive events.

“We are thrilled to partner with the US Performance Academy and provide our members with access to their exceptional educational resources,” said Michael Mallon USASA Executive Director. “It’s a great opportunity for the next generation of independent student-athletes to achieve their academic goals while continuing to progress in freeskiing and snowboarding”

USASA is the first-step in the Olympic pipeline and where every single US Olympic Snowboard and Freeski Team member got their start. USASA hosts over 500 events at 120 resorts nationwide.

USASA’s nationwide Regional Events Series (500+ regional events) give athletes of all ages and abilities an opportunity to hone their skills, build confidence, find community, and flourish in the safety of an environment that nurtures creativity, progression, and inclusion. As a 501(c)3 non-profit, USASA drives membership revenues back into snowboarding and freeskiing so the next generation of athletes will have a place to thrive in their development creating access to Olympic dreams and a whole lot more.

“At USPA, our team of learning coaches and teachers understand first hand the demands on high performing student-athletes because they have been in their shoes,” said Pete Smith, Founder and President of USPA. “We customize learning platforms that go where the athletes go and where the snow falls. Students at USPA have an academic edge because they can go to school on their own schedule. We are very excited to partner with USASA and look forward to welcoming new freeskiers and snowboarders to our USPA family.”

Blending rigorous, comprehensive, and technologically advanced curriculum with guidance from an individual learning coach, USPA supports the student-athlete’s unique schedule, creates a pathway towards their personal, professional, and athletic goals, and leverages the latest technology for an on-the-go environment. Many of the school’s faculty members and learning coaches are former elite-level athletes who competed on the international stage and understand the challenges of balancing sports commitments with education expectations.

Learn more about USASA.

Congratulations to our Student Athlete, Maya Gaudin won first place (Girls 12-13 years old division) in the Northeast Regional Finals of the Drive Chip & Putt Tournament! Maya now advances and will represent the Northeast Region at the DCP National Finals, which is played at the infamous Augusta Golf Club, during the week of the Masters (April 2023)! The DCP National Finals will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel. Maya’s family and the USPA Community could not be more proud! This is the first time she’s made it all the way to the National Finals. Out of thousands of junior golfers who began this tournament series across all of North America, only 40 girls make it to the National Finals at Augusta.

“Mom (Cass) was like Eddie Lowery (aka the best caddy ever) on the bag for Maya, keeping her calm, cool and collected throughout the competition. Contrasted to me, who buckled under the pressure, mostly crying behind a tree and making the sign of the cross on each and every one of Maya’s shots. ” – Stephen Gaudin (Maya’s Dad)

Background on the Drive, Chip and Putt National Tournament: A joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association and The PGA of America, Drive, Chip and Putt is a nationwide junior golf competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three key fundamental skills in golf. (driving, chipping and putting). By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip and Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers across the entire US and Canada. The tournament bracket is made up 342 Local competitions across all 50 States; followed by 60 sub-regional competitions; and the narrowing down to 10 regional finals. From there, only one junior golfer in each age/gender section will advance to the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club on the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and is broadcast live by Golf Channel.

In short, thousands of junior golfers golfers compete throughout the spring, summer and fall, with only 40 boys and 40 girls qualify to compete in the national finals at Augusta! How it works: Participants compete in all three skills (Drive, Chip and Putt) and hit three shots per skill for a total of nine shots. Points are accumulated per shot at each skill. The overall champion in each division is determined by the participant with the most points accumulated between all three skills. Drive Each participant will attempt 3 Drives down a 40-yard wide fairway. Drives must finish in the fairway to score points. Chip Each participant will attempt three 10-15 yard chips at the scoring hole. Chips will be measured from the center of the hole with scoring rings Putt Each participant will attempt one putt from 6′, 15′ and 30′. Putts will be measured from the center of the hole with scoring rings.

Excelling athletically and academically requires dedication, organization, and tenacity, and sport and school are both excellent environments where student athletes practice and hone these traits. Athletes frequently encounter challenges, including training, competition, logistics, weather, equipment, terrain, injury, finances, adversity, failure, loss, and (yes) even success. Athletes must learn to listen, attempt, adjust, try again, fail, practice, try again, and execute – the same approach good students employ in learning in the classroom. High performance student athletes ultimately must master learning to inquire and lead as individuals, competitors and teammates. All this development occurs in an iterative process on the field, in the gym, on the court, in a classroom, and even in a workplace. Sport and school should be interdependent and provide a strong foundation for an athlete’s wellbeing and vitality. This interdependence and our team’s ability to support student athletes across their roles are some of our greatest assets here at US Performance Academy, and US Performance Academy’s Learning Coach staff understands how student athletes learn best – through trial and error and goal setting and planning.

Beyond the joy and passion generated by its physical play, adrenaline, and entertainment aspects (the raw, pure fun factors), sport prepares athletes to navigate many different life challenges. Participation in sport, therefore, is a valuable and critical framework from which to develop lifelong learning skills. Some meaningful enigmas (and, conversely, opportunities) athletes face leading into each competitive season include goal setting, training, practice, and development. How to stay on track with everything beyond the travel, training, gear, and performance needed to succeed in sport? In some cases, this might be necessary from purely functional and logistical perspectives depending on an athlete’s age or competitive level, they must finish high school, apply to college, pursue sport at the highest level, and ultimately fund their pursuit. These experiences enable athletes to identify or spark curiosity in academic and career interests for future purposes. Many athletes choose business, communications, economics, orthopedics, sport training and management, psychology as majors that align with their athletic mindsets.

In other cases, setting goals and planning for life’s varied endeavors helps athletes feel better balanced and directed in their lives; they avoid burnout from myopic focus on or stress about competitive seasons, they subdue “being left behind” or FOMO (“Fear of missing out”), and they build a most vital identity beyond sport – student, friend, peer, activist, artist, engineer, musician, debater, performer, dancer, etc. – so many possibilities! A little planning goes a long way in helping athletes achieve balance and feel and be organized, prepared, and productive, and their ability to create a workable plan can help the entire cycle of performance. Creating a plan provides a detailed outline of activities and tasks required to accomplish a goal, breaking down the process into actionable steps based on a given timeline. No matter the end goal, a plan offers a clear roadmap for how to get there. Our USPA staff of Learning Coaches work with student athletes weekly to mentor them through keeping a healthy balance between school, sport and social.

Goal setting and planning for school and sport with USPA Learning Coaches, student athletes learn about organizing, communicating, and problem solving in ways applicable to other facets of their lives. Well-known author and motivational speaker Brian Tracy explains it as confidence-boosting: “A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power.” These skills will reap rewards as they transition to life beyond school and sport and also learn critical skills for their season and future realms of education and career. USPA is the most excellent online educational platform from which to develop young student athletes of all interests and abilities.

Human Connection in an online school:

Asynchronous learning provides real-world opportunities and critical thinking daily.
Students are challenged to find creative solutions around their learning, technology, sport, and schedule.
Students are constantly traveling and adjusting their schedules and adapting.
At USPA, we have differentiated instruction and demonstrations of learning embedded in our curriculum. Students have the traditional reading and written work, optional video content, interactive online tools such as edpuzzle, virtual field trips, and flipgrid and are also taught independent notetaking with strategies supporting their learning style.
Students have the unique opportunity for a verbal demonstration after every unit in a one-on-one discussion-based assessment with their teacher. This personalized interaction enables deeper reflection of the content and review.
Students are able to revise work based on teacher comments and suggestions and resubmit, ensuring that they master content.

“We are fostering Critical Thinkers, providing Real-World Experience and teaching 21st-Century Skills”