The Sport-Études program provides high school-aged student-athletes with the opportunity to excel in both academics and athletics. Designed for students recognized by a sports federation, this program is for those dedicated to achieving high performance in their chosen sport. The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) understands the importance of balancing academics with athletic goals, and this program offers a unique chance to support students in both areas. Laval Junior Academy and Laval Senior Academy are the only English public schools north of Montreal offering this program.
Sport-Études Program Overview
Who Can Enroll?
To be eligible for the Sport-Études program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Secondary 1 to 5 students actively competing in a recognized federation-level sport (e.g., from club to provincial level).
- Students must be sanctioned by both the school board and the sports federation, in accordance with the program’s admission requirements.
- The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) has specific academic and athletic criteria for admission. All students must maintain a balance between sport commitments and academic responsibilities.
Why Choose Sport-Études?
The Sport-Études program offers several benefits for student-athletes:
- Flexibility: Students can integrate their athletic training and competitions into their school schedule, achieving peak performance in both academics and sports during an 8 hour school day.
- Support for Student-Athletes: Students receive tailored support from coaches, academic advisors, and teachers who understand the unique needs of balancing sports and academics. Specialized academic support during the 4th period focuses on academic consolidation with regular sport etudes teachers.
- Quality of Life: This program promotes a healthy balance between academic success, sports, and personal well-being. Students are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle and set goals for both their education and athletic careers.
The Sport-Études program aims to nurture well-rounded individuals who are highly motivated to pursue athletic training while excelling academically.
How Does the Program Work?
The Sport-Études program is more demanding than traditional academic programs due to reduced classroom time. Students must:
- Work independently to stay on top of coursework while managing a rigorous training and competition schedule.
- Adapt to a fast-paced curriculum with modified class schedules to accommodate sports training.
- Participate in specialized sports practices led by certified coaches and take part in competitions while staying academically focused.
Students must balance both academic and athletic commitments by demonstrating strong time management, self-discipline, and diligence in their studies. Academic support is provided to ensure that their education is not compromised by their athletic pursuits.
Sports Available in the Program
The Sport-Études program is constantly expanding through new partnerships with various sports federations. Currently, the following sports are offered:
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Baseball
- Ringuette
- Gymnastics
- Taekwondo
- Figure Skating
- Diving
- Volleyball
Additional sports may be added as new agreements with federations are finalized. Students interested in a sport not yet represented may still apply, and the school will consider possibilities for expansion.
Benefits for Student-Athletes
- Improved Academic Performance: With proper support, students can excel academically. The program helps students develop critical skills like time management, discipline, and resilience, which benefit both their studies and athletic careers.
- Enhanced Athletic Development: Students benefit from structured training programs and opportunities to compete at a high level in their sport. Coaches offer tailored support to help athletes reach their full potential.
- Collaboration with Coaches: Students work closely with their coaches, who are also involved in academic support, ensuring that athletes receive guidance to succeed both academically and athletically.
- Personal Growth: Students also develop important life skills, such as managing stress, teamwork, and balancing commitments. These skills are vital for success in athletics and beyond.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. We look forward to supporting our student-athletes in their journey toward success!