#United States #San Juan Capistrano #student-athlete #Fairmont Schools #Athletic Academy

Transforming Education for Student-Athletes at Fairmont Athletic Academy

In an exciting development for young athletes, Fairmont Schools has launched the Fairmont Athletic Academy (FAA) in San Juan Capistrano, California, a groundbreaking program dedicated to fostering both athletic prowess and academic excellence. Known for its innovative educational methods, Fairmont continues to push the envelope by ensuring that student-athletes can pursue rigorous sports training without compromising their academic achievements.

The Concept Behind FAA

Traditionally, student-athletes have faced the dilemma of choosing between devoting time to sports or concentrating on their studies. The Fairmont Athletic Academy dismantles this barrier by integrating elite training sessions directly into the normal school day. The program is tailored specifically for middle school students, providing a unique combination of comprehensive academic instruction and professional athletic coaching.

Phil Lopez, the Program Director, emphasizes the intention behind FAA: "We designed this program so families no longer have to choose between top-tier athletics and top-tier academics. With Fairmont Athletic Academy, students get the best of both worlds—exceptional training and a world-class education."

Daily Schedule and Training

The culmination of thoughtful planning, FAA delivers an impressive schedule that includes:

• - 80 minutes of daily strength conditioning and speed agility training.
• - 80 minutes, three days a week, dedicated to sport-specific training with expert coaches.

This structure is designed to nurture athletic skills in a concentrated yet manageable time frame, allowing students to develop individually while still attending academic classes. According to Gustav Gratzer, a coach affiliated with the renowned Strikers FC soccer club, the program offers a level of training that is hard to find elsewhere: "A club coach typically gets limited time with the team, but here, I get an athlete for an hour and twenty minutes, three times a week to enhance those individual skills."

Addressing the Needs of Student-Athletes

In response to feedback from parents regarding the struggles faced by their student-athletes—who often return home late after practices and find it difficult to manage homework—Fairmont Schools has thoughtfully devised the FAA program. Rebecca Lugo, Head of School at Fairmont San Juan Capistrano, expressed that the initiative arose from the need to help students find balance: "Our leadership heard from many parents about their student-athletes' challenges. Fairmont responded by developing Fairmont Athletic Academy to address these concerns."

Advanced Training Techniques

The FAA employs experienced trainers who utilize cutting-edge technologies, such as VALD SmartSpeed, JumpMat, and ForceDeck, to track and improve the athletic metrics of their students. This focus on technology ensures each athlete receives personalized regimens that optimize their training effectively.

Notably, the coaches at FAA are drawn from some of Orange County’s top programs, thus guaranteeing a high standard of training. The academy collaborates with distinguished organizations, including Tstreet Volleyball Club and OC Elite Football, aimed at cultivating student-athletes who excel in both sports and academics.

A Legacy of Success

Although the San Juan Capistrano campus is a recent addition, it enriches Fairmont Schools’ rich tradition of over 70 years in delivering exceptional academic results. In fact, Fairmont SJC has already earned an A+ rating from Niche, highlighting the school's dedication to excellence.

With its commitment to helping student-athletes achieve their full potential in athletics and academics, Fairmont Athletic Academy continues to set a benchmark in educational innovation. For families interested in this transformative program, inquiries can be directed to Betty Petersen at [email protected] or by calling 714-234-2784.

Fairmont Athletic Academy not only symbolizes a new direction for student-athletes but also reflects Fairmont Schools' dedication to creating an ecosystem where academic and athletic success go hand in hand.