SPIRE

SWIMMING


BOARDING SCHOOL

SPIRE’S training program is perfect for serious swimmers looking for an intense training environment to prepare for the next level of competition. It serves high school athletes as well as post graduates looking to train for an additional year as they seek the best possible college scholarship opportunities. It’s also available for elite swimmers who have completed college eligibility and are looking for the ideal residential training opportunity.

Key Features

  • Two Myrtha pools designed with input from USA Swimming
  • 10 lanes of a 50-meter racing course that can be converted to 25-yard or 25-meter courses with pace clocks and scoreboard
  • Underwater video stroke and swim power analysis equipment
  • 25,000 sq. ft. Performance Training Center focusing on physical conditioning, mental skills training, nutrition/hydration training
  • Custom designed seasonal competition, plus year-round league competition
  • College prep academic curriculum; college placement guidance
  • An “olympic village” setting with US and international athletes in multiple sports
  • Esports gaming lab access
  • 800-acre campus; 850,000 sq. ft. of indoor sports facilities; on site residential housing; on site education center, SPIRE Fuel cafeteria and more…

HIGH SCHOOL

SPIRE’s boarding school features a college preparatory academic curriculum, along with unique personal skills development and career preparation features.

The SPIRE Academy 9-12th grade college preparatory, accredited, cross curricular, project- based program is designed with the progressive learner/thinker in mind. By coupling academics and swimming training with a commitment to maximizing personal development and career exploration options, SPIRE is the best place to prepare to excel in school, at work and in life itself.

The swim academy program includes 11 training and analysis sessions each week and approximately 22 to 30 hours of training per week depending on stroke/distance specificity. Training plans are customized to achieve individual goals within a scientific progression.

Resources and services include: unlimited pool and dryland training space; underwater video and power analysis; lactate testing, dryland agility, power and speed training with SPIRE Performance; sports medicine, therapy and rehab support; sports nutrition/hydration guidance; and mental skills training.

Download the admissions guide now to learn more about joining SPIRE’s world-class swim academy.

POST GRAD

Welcome to SPIRE’s Post Graduate Program, the world’s premier destination for high school graduates seeking to optimize athletic, academic and leadership abilities.

SPIRE’s unique PG program delivers customized swim training/competition directed by top coaches. Sometimes referenced as a gap year after high school, PG offers athletes a unique opportunity to enhance their overall academic, athletic and personal standing with top college coaches and programs.

Our aim is to empower student athletes to pursue their goals with confidence, knowing that their unique paths will lead them to success. Here are a few of the key opportunities SPIRE’s Post Grad program offers:

  • Enhance academic standing
  • Sport-specific training
  • Experience college life
  • Athletic and Personal Development
  • Get noticed
  • College Planning and Placement

There’s no better way to impress college coaches and increase leadership opportunities. You don’t have to find the best college coaches. They’ll find you.

  • KEY FEATURES

    • Two Myrtha pools designed with input from USA Swimming
    • 10 lanes of a 50-meter racing course that can be converted to 25-yard or 25-meter courses with pace clocks and scoreboard
    • Underwater video stroke and swim power analysis equipment
      25,000 sq. ft. Performance Training Center focusing on physical conditioning, mental skills training, nutrition/hydration training
      Custom designed seasonal competition, plus year-round league competition
    • College prep academic curriculum; college placement guidance
      An “olympic village” setting with US and international athletes in multiple sports
    • Esports gaming lab access
    • 430-acre campus; 750,000 sq. ft. of indoor sports facilities; on site residential housing; on site education center, SPIRE Fuel cafeteria; and more…
  • NOTABLE SPIRE SWIM GRADUATE’S & ACHIEVEMENTS

    College Commitments

    • Notre Dame College
    • University of Chicago
    • Florida Tech
    • University of Maine
    • University of Georgia
    • Concordia University
    • California Art Institute
    • Wesleyan University
    • Lynn University
    • Maryville University
    • St. Andrews College
    • University of Exeter

    Special Achievements

    • 11 – 2016 Olympians
    • 3 – 2018 Youth Olympians
    • U.S. Paralympic National Team
  • SPIRE SWIM PROGRAMS & EVENTS

    Additional Programs:

    Lake Erie Sliver Dolphins Club Training, Spring Break Camps, Summer Stroke Camps, Summer Elite Training Camps, Winter Training Camps, Weekend Training Sessions, Competition/Team Training

    Events Hosted at SPIRE:

    Atlantic 10 Championships, Big East Championships, USA Swimming Championships, NCAA Div II Championships, Olympic Development Championships, countless YMCA, sectional, zone and divisional meets and more

Download the Admissions Guide

TEAM SWIM AT SPIRE

THAD
SCHULTZ

Aquatics Director And
Head Swim Coach

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Molly
McCulloch

Assistant Swim Coach

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ACADEMY MODEL

SPIRE’s experienced faculty, coaches, performance specialists, college and career counseling staff are dedicated to delivering an atmosphere that produces strong, confident, dedicated student athletes. Our goal is to develop everyone to excel both in & out of the classroom and inside & outside the competitive arena.

Academics

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College & Career

Counseling

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Swimming

Camps

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Campus

Life

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Athletic

Development

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Personal

Development

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ACADEMY FAQ'S

  • Tell me about the educational delivery model.

    SPIRE Academy provides core academic exposure, plus experiential and relational group learning options in conjunction with our educational partner, Grand River Academy.
    SPIRE’s learning environment balances academic and athletic training and development within facilities and programs that nurture personal growth and stimulate the desire to challenge oneself. And all of this is done while helping individuals identify and experience professions and career development opportunities that better prepare them for all of life’s journey.
    The coaching team, formally called teachers, are engaged to guide (not dictate) learning and facilitate achievement above self-expectations. SPIRE also offers personal, professional and career guidance.

    The SPIRE Four Pillar Model

    • Academics – College preparatory academics delivered using an integrated, cross-curricular, project-based model culminating in the earning of a transcript for submission and acceptance to college/university.
    • Passion Pursuit – Discover and or advance skills in a particular area of intense interest. Essentially – work toward living the dream.
    • Career Exploration Opportunities (CEO) – Opportunities to gain understanding and working knowledge of professions delivered by experts who have worked in these field for many years.
    • Personal Skill Development – Learning about the whole self, collaborating and interacting with others,  trust, respect, managing failure, etc.
  • What does a day look like?

    Academy boarding and day students will spend approximately half the day (4-5 hours) being coached by seasoned educators as well as experienced professionals in specialty fields. These academic and business experts will share their combined knowledge, expertise and compassionate guidance. 

    As students work to embrace core academic material, they will also gain valuable hands on experience in areas meant to inspire them toward possible professional paths. In addition, students will grow in their understanding of self and learn to work well with others, while achieving personal goals and gaining a better understanding of where they will fit in the world.  

    The balance of a student’s day (4-5 hours) will be spent pursuing their area of personal passion (i.e. a particular sport). Included within this technical and tactical skill development training program is an integrated amount of performance training, which encompasses physical conditioning, mental skills training and nutrition/hydration guidance.

  • Where do student athletes live on campus? Will I have a roommate?

    SPIRE Village consists of 2,300 sq. ft. homes built specifically for SPIRE Academy student athletes. Each unit has six bedrooms and one house parent suite and a student lounge area. Each bedroom accommodates two twin beds, a nightstand, wardrobe, two study tables with chairs and a shared six-drawer chest. The student lounge has a big screen TV, a couch, chairs and a dining room table with chairs for house meetings. There are three student bathrooms and a washer and dryer.

  • How much is the tuition?

    Contact us by emailing [email protected].

  • How does SPIRE assist with college planning and placement?

    At SPIRE, we believe that the college planning and placement process is one of the most important aspects of Academy life—and you can’t start this process too early! 

    Our college planning process begins freshman year and only concludes when a student has graduated from college or chosen and achieved their goals on a different path.  

    SPIRE works with student athletes to find a university that is a good fit academically, athletically and socially.  Students are taught how to search for colleges and universities with their intended major as well as their desired sport using the guidance of their coaches, teachers and advisors.  This includes how to communicate with schools and coaches, fill out the Common Application and other applications, including filing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

  • Does SPIRE offer scholarships and financial assistance?

    SPIRE offers a limited amount of financial aid. Recipients are selected based on academics, athletics, character and financial review. For more information, please reference our admissions page.

  • Where can I find additional information about living at SPIRE Academy?

    Click here to find all resources related to living on the SPIRE Campus.

  • Do Academy students have access to drone racing and esports programs?

    Yes!

  • Is the Admissions process competitive?

    SPIRE looks at each student individually to determine if they would be a good fit.  The admissions process includes submitting an official transcript, letters of recommendation from an English teacher, math teacher, and principal or coach, an interview with the coach and Director of Admissions (either virtual or in-person) and a completed application.  Each applicant is reviewed by the Admissions Committee which is composed of administrators, teachers, and coaches to determine if the student meets SPIRE’s admissions requirements.

  • How good do I have to be in my sport?

    SPIRE accepts athletes of varying ability, but they all have one thing in common.  They come to SPIRE because they have the heart and desire to become better student athletes.  SPIRE student athletes come from various competitive backgrounds and all have different goals they want to achieve while here and beyond, whether it is to continue their sport after high school or beyond.

  • Does SPIRE Academy offer scholarships?

    SPIRE offers financial assistance for families who qualify.  Families must complete the Parent’s Financial Statement (PFS) through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) which can be found at 

    https://sssandtadsfa.force.com/PortalSelector/s/

    SPIRE has a limited number of athletically based scholarships and need based assistance. Every family can apply.

  • Do you have any other question or need additional help with admissions?

    Please contact our Admissions Department at [email protected]

  • When is the deadline to apply?

    SPIRE works on rolling admission, meaning we accept applications until spaces are filled. We are currently accepting applications for the 23-24 school year through September 30, 2023.

  • Would participation in a post grad year affect my four-year NCAA eligibility?

    No, a post graduate year does not affect NCAA eligibility.

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SPIRE Contact info:

Phone: (440) 466-1002

Email: [email protected]

Address: 5201 SPIRE Circle, Geneva, OH 44041

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