Changing with the Times: Colorado School Gives Kids a New Path for Education and Sports

A school in Colorado is mixing sports training with a regular education — and students say it is changing their lives. Summit Academy Sports works with a charter school called Summit Academy, which is based in Westminster, Colorado. Together, they created a program for student-athletes in grades 6 through 12 who want to take their sport seriously without falling behind in school. The school is growing fast, and many families are finding out about it simply by word of mouth.

Youth sports across the country are changing. More kids are now focusing on just one sport at a young age, instead of playing several different sports as they get older. This shift is pushing schools to come up with new ways to support young athletes. Summit Academy Sports was built to answer exactly that need.

The school's Academic Director, Jordan Smith, explains why the program was created. 'We had a lot of high-level athletes needing a good education while also pursuing their sport,' she said. Students come to class in person on Tuesdays, and the state of Colorado pays for that day of school. That means families do not have to pay anything to attend on Tuesdays.

For the rest of the week, students do independent study and take part in sports development programs. Many of them train at a facility called the Blue Sports Stable in Superior, Colorado. Students are not required to train there, but Smith says most choose to go. Each day at the Sports Stable, students get one hour of training in their specific sport and one hour of weight training or speed and agility work.

Recent graduate Emily Wiese plays hockey and said the program gave her the freedom she needed to succeed. 'It's really given me the flexibility to get all my schoolwork done and not miss any of my classes,' she said. She also said that being around other dedicated athletes helped push her to improve. 'Everyone just pushes each other on and off the ice. I think we're just really motivated,' Wiese said.

Smith also pointed out that the program is helping female athletes thrive. She said people often think of sports as something mainly for boys, but the girls at Summit Academy Sports put in just as much effort. Seeing them grow with the flexibility the program gives them has been exciting, Smith said. She believes sports truly belong to everyone, not just one group.

Some families are also thinking about the future when they choose this kind of program. Smith mentioned that rules around name, image, and likeness — known as NIL — are making parents think about big-picture opportunities for their kids. If a young athlete develops their skills now, they could earn a major college deal later. That kind of thinking is one reason more families are seeking out programs like this one.

When the new school year begins this month, Summit Academy Sports will have 60 students enrolled. Smith is confident that this type of school will become more common in the years ahead. 'I do see this type of model growing in the future,' she said. For now, each new student who joins is helping prove that education and athletics can work hand in hand.