USPA X North Carolina Esports Academy
USPA is an official online school for North Carolina Esports Academy. Achieve your gaming goals without sacrificing a quality education.
The only online school built for athletes, by athletes.
years of delivering academic excellence for student-athletes.
different sports are represented in our talented student community.
star rating from current USPA families on Niche.com.
A Game Changer for Student-Athletes
About US Performance Academy
Designed by athletes and educators, our approach specifically benefits driven students who are training, traveling, competing, and pushing to the next level.
- Cognia-accredited
- NCAA-approved curriculum
- 1:1 academic coaching
- Built for athletes by athletes
Trusted by the Best
Partnerships
How we work together
We know how important it is for your child to have a daily training environment that supports their athletic and personal growth while still getting the academic support they need.
USPA’s online school offers:
- Fully online and self-paced courses tailored to student-athletes’ schedules
- Personalized learning coaches guiding academic progress
- NCAA-approved curriculum ensuring college readiness
This partnership creates a customized ecosystem where student-athletes can excel in training while receiving a quality education without compromise.
Working with us
Why Athletes Choose USPA
Balance your passion for e-sports with a world-class education.
Flexibility
Our flexible, online structure allows students to train, travel, and compete without sacrificing their education, empowering them to perform at their best in and out of the classroom.
Personal Support
Learning Coaches offer families peace of mind and students consistent support for their particular needs. Through regular check-ins and mentorship, they help students manage their time, advocate for themselves, and stay aligned with their academic goals.
Athlete-Centric
US Performance Academy is intentionally designed for athletes and performers, aligning academics with training, competition, and performance schedules rather than forcing students to fit into traditional school models.
Rigor
Students receive a high-quality, accredited education with personalized academic support, ensuring they stay on track for graduation and future opportunities while pursuing their sport or craft without compromise.
Early University Credits
An athlete’s time is their most valuable asset. Through our program, students have access to dual-enrollment options with Arizona State University (ASU). This allows them to advance and earn real college credits while attending high school, maximizing their time between training and travel.
NCAA Eligibility
The academic curriculum offered through USPA is rigorously certified to meet all NCAA standards. We protect our athletes’ futures by ensuring their academic profiles are impeccable for international college recruitment.
Hear from our students
What our students say
What to Expect
Upcoming virtual open house sessions
We host regular Virtual Open Houses to give families a closer look at US Performance Academy. Explore the upcoming dates below and register for the session that works best for you. Hear from our Head of School. Discover the unique features of our education model. Get answers to any questions you may have. We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
USPA Virtual Open House
Join us at our Virtual Open House. Meet our Head of School, discover the unique features of USPA and get answers to any questions you may have. We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
USPA Individual Courses Virtual Open House
Join us at our Virtual Open House on Individual Courses. Meet our Head of School, discover the unique features of USPA and get answers to any questions you may have. We can’t wait to meet you!
USPA Virtual Open House
Join us at our Virtual Open House. Meet our Head of School, discover the unique features of USPA and get answers to any questions you may have. We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
About partner
About North Carolina Esports Academy
North Carolina Esports Academy began in October 2020 by Caleb Smith and Vinny Smith. It is a hands‑on gaming, esports, and STEM education youth development organization that transforms students’ love of video games into a productive experience by teaching tech skills, character building, life skills, and health and wellness. They operate from their physical location and through mobile programs, offering camps, youth teams, and tournaments that emphasize growth, learning, and balanced development.
Learning Coaches: Support beyond the classroom
Academic Guidance, Made Personal
Learning Coaches are a central part of the USPA experience, offering families peace of mind and students consistent support for their particular needs. Through regular check‑ins and mentorship, Learning Coaches help students manage their time, advocate for themselves, and stay aligned with their academic goals as schedules and demands change.
Get started
Ready to excel in school without compromise?
Get started
Let’s talk about your academic goals
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
We know applying to a new school is a big decision. Here are answers to some of the most common questions families ask before they complete their application.
Can I join USPA while training and travelling full time?
Yes. USPA is fully asynchronous. Wherever you go, school goes with you. Our learning coaches help you manage your schedule so you can prioritize training and travelling while keeping up with your schoolwork.
What courses do you offer?
As a Cognia-accredited school with NCAA‑approved curriculum, we offer a range of courses. View our course catalog here.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students are welcome. USPA follows the U.S. Educational System, but if a student is seeking an online school aligned with their home country’s framework, we recommend exploring Inspired Online Schools.
What’s tuition like?
Our middle school and high school pricing varies. View our tuition page here.