Supporting Your Student-Athlete in Online High School 

Supporting your student-athlete as they navigate their online high school experience is crucial for their future, including acceptance into college, the opportunity to play college sports, and even the potential to go pro. In this article, we’ll explore tips and factors to consider for preparing for college athletics, along with resources that can aid your student-athlete throughout their online high school journey.

Why Student-Athletes Choose Online High School

Many student-athletes opt for online high schools that offer a self-paced learning model, which allows for flexibility in managing training and competition schedules. This arrangement enables students to take necessary time off for competitions without falling behind in their studies, reducing the stress often experienced in traditional classrooms

Building a Strong Foundation for College

Online high school can help students develop time management and self-discipline skills that are vital for success in college. For those aspiring to play sports at the collegiate level, it’s important to enroll in an accredited online high school with courses recognized by the NCAA.

The Role of the NCAA in College Sports

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) oversees collegiate athletics in the U.S. and Canada. It establishes the rules for college sports competitions, organizes athletic programs, publishes information about players, games, and seasons, and supports student athletes. Understanding the NCAA’s framework can help you navigate the path to college sports more effectively.

NCAA Academic Eligibility Requirements

Student-athletes planning to compete in NCAA Division I or II sports must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Division III schools are exempt from this requirement. This center certifies the eligibility of prospective college athletes in their pursuit of playing sports at the collegiate level. 

To play sports at an NCAA Division I or Division II college, students must:

• Complete the required number of high school core courses
• Achieve the minimum GPA in these courses
• Obtain a minimum score on the SAT/ACT
• Graduate from an accredited high school

It’s essential that the online high school you choose offers NCAA-approved core courses. This can position your student for success when applying to colleges where they can continue their athletic careers.

Verifying NCAA Core Courses

Academic performance and relevant coursework are crucial for NCAA eligibility. Too often, students fail to qualify to play NCAA sports due to a lack of relevant coursework. We recommend that parents review the resources available from the NCAA to ensure their students are enrolled in the right high school courses. Approved courses are listed in a publicly accessible database maintained by the NCAA Eligibility Center, allowing parents to verify compliance.

Acellus Academy’s core  courses have been reviewed and approved by the NCAA. By choosing our accredited online school, parents can position their students for success in gaining acceptance to top colleges and universities where they can play competitive sports. 

Features of Acellus Academy for Student Athletes 

At Acellus Academy, our enrollment process enables students to enroll year-round. With the freedom to take courses at their own pace, students can work towards earning an official high school diploma while pursuing their athletic goals. Some of our noteworthy attributes include:

• NCAA Approved Courses: This allows student athletes to become eligible to play sports at Division I & II colleges.
• College Board Approved Courses: We offer College Board audited and approved Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These courses provide high school students the opportunity to engage in college-level coursework and potentially earn college credit.
• Flexibility: Ability to study with a flexible schedule for training and competitions. 

Success Stories: Case Studies from Acellus Academy

Many students at Acellus Academy are managing both their education and successful athletic careers, taking advantage of the flexible online high school experience that helps prepare them for college and their future as athletes. Read about their experiences below.

Edouard Beland

After receiving offers to join teams across several countries, Edouard chose to play in Sweden, where he excels as a goaltender at the U18 junior level. Edouard’s ultimate goal is to fulfill his dream of playing in the NHL.