Preparatory schools are growing across the United States, as is the incentive to become a major player in high school athletics.
The recently formed USA Academy, opening next fall in Coosada, Alabama, is the newest competitor in the circuit. USA stands for “Ultimate Student Athlete,” and the school is set to open no school buildings, as it has a virtual school curriculum with dorms to create an environment for the top student-athletes to excel on the field.
This is right in line with some of the best schools in the country, including IMG Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas, and many others. In fact, many private schools require students to participate in some sort of athletics, as they teach lessons of leadership and teamwork. But is this what is best for the sports and the students?
Many feel that prep schools create an unfair advantage in the sports landscape. Many coaches in states like Pennsylvania have proposed separate state championships for private schools and public schools.
In Florida, they created a new law in 2017 so that all students can go to whichever high school they want, which I believe many states will begin to adopt as a way for the athletic system to create a balance and fairness within the game. But even with that, prep school teams continue to be among the most successful in the state. St. Thomas Aquinas has won eight state championships in the last 12 years, including in 2019.
Prep schools undoubtedly have a competitive advantage, as they have the resources to pay for the best facilities and coaches. And they certainly benefit the athletes and their dreams to reach their full potential.
There’s no doubt that prep schools are putting athletes in the best positions to make it to the next level and even to the professional level. Many prep schools provide great exposure for student-athletes. IMG Academy delivers talented players year after year. Montverde Academy produced top NBA draft picks Ben Simmons and R.J. Barrett.
There’s no question that going to a prep school has its advantages if you’re a top student-athlete. You’re exposed to top colleges constantly and have the best coaching and facilities available to help build their game. USA Academy is conveniently placed in between Auburn and Tuscaloosa, giving students great exposure to both major universities.
The question becomes this: Which do we care about more? The competitive advantage in high school sports or promoting the best student-athletes?
Written by: Kyle Grondin
