How to Support Academic and Athletic Growth Throughout High School

​

Many families feel pulled between encouraging athletic ambition and preserving strong academic options. The reality is that the two don’t compete, but they do require thoughtful balance over time.

​

In this session, we’ll discuss:

​

• How colleges evaluate academic growth across all four years

• How course choices, rigor, and consistency shape long-term options

• When athletic specialization helps–and when patience is wiser

• How to support your child’s development and other extracurricular interests without creating unnecessary pressure

• What keeps academic and athletic pathways open as your child matures
   

Parents leave with a clearer framework for thinking about high school as a whole–not just season to season–so their child can grow steadily, confidently, and keep doors open. This session will be held in the morning on site at camp. 

A deeper conversation about admission at academically elite institutions

​

At the most selective colleges, athletic ability can create opportunity, but it always operates within a larger, more comprehensive admissions process. Families often hear about “support,” “bands,” or the Academic Index without fully understanding how those pieces fit together.

​

Academic strength matters… and so do character, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and how a student is perceived within both the classroom and team environments.

​

In this session, we’ll dig deeply into:

• How highly selective colleges evaluate student-athletes

• How coach advocacy works within institutional admissions standards

• What Academic Index ranges and academic “bands” mean in practice

• How character, fit, and intellectual engagement influence decisions

• Where families most often overestimate or underestimate competitiveness
   

The goal is not to temper ambition, but to bring clarity to a process that can be confusing so you can aim high with both confidence and perspective. This session will be held at lunchtime on site at camp. 

A Clear Month-by-Month Plan for the Year Ahead

​

Junior year is when academic performance and recruiting timelines begin to intersect - especially for NESCAC schools. Held just after the coaches' recruiting talk, this session will focus on the critical academic elements that families tend to overlook. With insights from a former college coach and admissions officer, this conversation will go behind the scenes to illuminate what really matters in the homestretch of this process.

​

In this session, we’ll walk through:

• What truly carries weight academically during junior year…and what doesn’t

• How to make smart standardized testing decisions

• When academic pre-reads typically occur–and how to prepare for them

• How and when to communicate with coaches thoughtfully and effectively

• What does it take to get into more selective academic programs if you get the athletic offer
   

Parents leave with a practical understanding of what deserves attention each month–and how to support their student-athlete child through the most important year of high school. This session will be held in the afternoon on site at camp after the coaches' recruiting talk.