How to Choose the Right Prep School for Student-Athletes

Preparatory School a.k.a. Prep School is designed to get students academically ready for post-secondary education and it is typically a private school. Over the years the sports component was added and combined, which should prepare the student-athlete academically and athletically. Currently Prep Schools exist in the private/independent and public school systems across Canada and the US. Key components of Prep Schools should include extensive support academically, access to facilities, highly organized practices, a development plan for each athlete, strength & conditioning, athletic care, a mental health plan, exposure and some aspect of community development or civic engagement.

With new Prep Schools popping up in Toronto across Canada and the U.S. Coach Mom would like to outline some steps to consider to help inform your decision. Ideally you are assessing the best fit for student-athletes. Overall – RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! Like any other large financial investment a substantial amount of time should be spent investigating, in order to ensure a student-athletes well being! 

Here is what I call my qualifying statements as you begin this process. Firstly, Prep Schools are businesses regardless of private or public type programs and there are no perfect Prep Schools. Understand at this level that just because you pay for it, it does not necessarily mean each player will get equal playing time and attending does not automatically guarantee a scholarship. Lastly, my personal favourite is that (from experience with my own son’s journey years ago) you can do all the right things including the best research and things can still go wrong!!! As promised, here are some things to consider:

1. Start with this list of questions for school administration and coaches. First, ask what a typical day consists of, their coaching philosophy and what supports are in place when players are traveling, see https://www.coachmom.net/questions-for-prep-schools-programs/  

A reminder that you should be speaking with a school administrator such as a principal, a vice-principal, an athletic director or a guidance counselor along with the owner/coaches. This is an important factor because you get an understanding if the administration is supportive of the basketball program.

2. Don’t stop there. Check-in with parents and student-athletes that are already attending the school. If the program is in its first year, ask around about the owner/coach (they typically are associated with a club/organization). I’ve gone as far as googling the school name and coaches to see if any red flags emerge.

3. Although we are in COVID times, a visit of some kind is a must either virtually or in person. The student-athlete needs a sense of the environment; in other words, can they see themselves there? Although this seems like many moons ago when I first embarked on this journey, my son and I visited two schools in the same state. The first showered us with attention, even having a welcome sign with my son’s name in the waiting area and the coach spent approximately 3 hours with us. Fast forward to the second school with absolutely no exaggeration the coach spent 15 minutes with us! No this was not us just dropping in, this was a planned visit. When we walked out of the school we looked at each other and said “no way!”

4. Until COVID is no longer among us, what is the school/program COVID plan? Yes, vaccines are rolling out but realistically will every young person get a vaccine in the coming year? Also, will everyone take the vaccine, and will this be a requirement in the future to play on a team?

5. Speak to trusted sources that have taken a similar route for lessons learned, that said, it doesn’t mean their student-athletes path is automatically yours.

6. Listen to your gut, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!

7. A program should have no issues with having someone with my reputation communicate on behalf of clients if and when necessary. Let’s be clear, as a former college coach, I would never look to interfere. With this being said, if I can support difficult conversations by helping each side understand better for the sake of the student-athlete, you bet I would.

8. The student-athlete should be included and a part of the decision on where to attend school regardless of grade level. Learning how to advocate for themselves goes a long way.

Coach Mom is not the only organization that supports young people getting to prep school. However, with a proven track record for the past six years of assisting countless student-athletes to various programs across North America, Coach Mom is well informed and applies a holistic and individual approach. Coach Mom can assist with any questions you have relating to Prep Schools.

Edited by – Katie Marchut – Writer/Editor