Academics
Anyone in the Student Athlete Academy is just that: a student -athlete. We know that basketball can take these athletes far but nowhere without a solid academic foundation and a full understanding of the importance of being a student first.
Our Academics
Individualized curriculum for any reclassed student-athletes
Core courses: English, Math, Social Studies, Science plus a revolutionary athlete - center course, developed just for the student-athletes at SAA.
All daily academic obligations have to be fulfilled in order for the student-athlete to train
HSPT/COOP Exam prep
PSAT prep
William F Williams
Academic Support Specialist
Mr. Williams has served as an educator in multiple capacities in urban school districts on a private, parochial, and public level for more than 16 years. He has also served in the administrative capacity as Dean of Students at a charter high school in Newark, NJ, and as Director of Operations at one of the larger public schools within the same city. He has instructed in many subjects, developed lesson plans, shaped curriculum, organized activities, communicated effectively with parents, maintained synergy within the student population, advised parents and students, promoted positive culture and climate, and has helped to establish and encourage an environment that fosters analytical thinking, social grace, compassion, consideration, and high achievement. .
He is also a proud board member of the Chad School Foundation, www.thechadschoolfoundation.org, a non- profit organization that focuses on education policy and advocacy for historically disadvantaged children located within, but not limited to, the Greater Newark area.
The Program Principles
High School Placement
Our online private school has a Guidance Counselor and in addition to that, we will work with every student-athlete on the basketball side and work closely with each family with a ‘High School ready plan’ individualized for each student. This plan will be put in place as soon as the student-athlete decides to join our program.
The plan will take into consideration the child’s and the family’s desires for schools, the child's ability, and what he/she will have to put in athletically in order to reach that goal. Our staff at SAA have an extensive network of high school coaches in NJ and nationally. This situation is unique and gives our middle school students a huge advantage . None of our staff is affiliated with a specific high school so you will be able to get placement help that is totally unbiased and based on your goals and ability.
The SAA goal is to place you in the best high school possible for you, based on your individual circumstances. Read more about our High School Placement Program here.
Our Holistic Approach
At SAA we care about the student-athlete on all levels. Even though most student-athletes will stay with us for only one or possibly two years, our goal is to make sure each of them learns and grows in all aspects of a student-athlete’s life. This includes understanding what’s needed to make it on the high school level and beyond. Our goal is to help each student-athlete become more knowledgeable and an overall better person.
Our program is built around the full being not just the basketball player. In our program we incorporate such components as PSAT prep, mentoring, career days, as well as basketball IQ, nutrition, NCAA eligibility presentations, high school open houses, and other extracurricular programs and events for the students.
Our expectations are high and we will work diligently with each student-athlete to make him or her the best he/she can be - on and off the court.
Revolutionary athlete specific course, teaching the fundamentals of being a successful student -athlete.
Our Student-Athlete driven curriculum
In addition to the four core courses, our student-athletes will take quarterly courses geared to being a student-athlete. The courses will cover subjects like, branding, public speaking & interviewing techniques, nutrition, health, online etiquette, brand protection, and a lot more. These courses are specifically developed for the SAA 7th and 8th grade student-athlete.
Proven Positive Results
The academy style training has proven great for the student who doesn't necessarily thrive in the regular classroom. A great deal of the student-athletes in academy settings have proven the ability to focus and perform on a higher academic level. Research is inline with the benefit of more physical exercise during the day. Physical exercise “provides an unparalleled stimulus, creating an environment in which the brain is ready, willing, and able to learn.” Dr. John Ratey, Harvard Medical School (via Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I pay the Enlightium Academy tuition?
A; No, it is included in the SAA tuition
Q: Is this homeschooling?
A: Not at all! Our student-athletes are attending a private online school. They also have mandatory classroom time each day and have staff there teaching
Questions regarding reclassed student-athletes click here