Fairmont Athletic Academy: A Revolutionary Approach for Young Athletes' Growth

Fairmont Athletic Academy: A Revolutionary Approach for Young Athletes

Fairmont Schools has a long-standing reputation for educational innovation, and their latest venture, the Fairmont Athletic Academy (FAA), is no exception. Located in San Juan Capistrano, California, this program is designed specifically for middle school student-athletes, allowing them to receive both athletic conditioning and premier academic instruction without compromising their education.

Traditionally, young athletes have faced a challenging dilemma: to excel in sports while maintaining academic performance. Fairmont Athletic Academy seeks to resolve this by integrating specially tailored athletic programs directly into the school day. In this innovative setup, student-athletes benefit from 85 minutes of daily strength conditioning and speed agility training, in addition to three weekly sessions of sport-specific training under the guidance of expert coaches.

Phil Lopez, the Program Director of FAA, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. “Families no longer have to choose between top-tier athletics and top-tier academics. With Fairmont Athletic Academy, students can enjoy exceptional training in tandem with a world-class education.” This unique model not only streamlines training but also alleviates the stress of late-night practices and extensive travel, thus providing students with more valuable time for family interaction, academics, and rest.

In practice, FAA offers a comprehensive development program that incorporates advanced performance tracking technologies. Coaches utilize tools such as VALD SmartSpeed, JumpMat, ForceDeck, GymAware, and dynamometers to assess metrics like speed and strength. Furthermore, advanced testing measures like resting metabolic rates and VO2 max calculations ensure each athlete’s training is meticulously personalized.

The caliber of instruction at Fairmont Athletic Academy is unparalleled, attracting elite coaches from renowned local clubs, including Strikers FC for soccer, Tstreet Volleyball Club, Tribe Baseball, OC Elite Football, and iTennis. Each of these programs enhances the training environment, ensuring students not only compete at the highest level on the field or court but also thrive academically.

Although the San Juan Capistrano campus is relatively new, established only four years ago, it has a solid foundation built on over 70 years of Fairmont Schools’ educational excellence. The campus has quickly garnered an A+ rating from Niche, a testament to its commitment to delivering exceptional academic results alongside athletic prowess.

Rebecca Lugo, Head of School at Fairmont San Juan Capistrano, has shared insights into the inspiration behind FAA. “We heard parents’ concerns regarding their student-athletes returning home late after practices, often beginning homework after 9 PM. Our solution, Fairmont Athletic Academy, was directly inspired by the need to give students more balanced lives.”

As the program continues to flourish, it stands as a beacon of hope for student-athletes seeking to balance their athletic aspirations with academic success. For families interested in learning more about FAA, they can reach out to Betty Petersen at [email protected] or by calling 714-234-2784 to find out how they can be involved in this groundbreaking initiative.

Fairmont Schools, founded in 1953, remains committed to nurturing the diverse potentials of students. As Orange County's oldest and largest private school system, it serves as a catalyst for young scholars, athletes, and leaders alike, shaping them for future success in a variety of domains. The holistic approach of Fairmont Athletic Academy exemplifies this vision, leading the way for the next generation of well-rounded student-athletes.