North American Hockey Academy

We are strong proponents of the many benefits of our academic program, which helps girls to develop character, independence and self-confidence. Colleges look favorably on students who participate in non-traditional education during their high school years, especially those programs that are designed to be college-preparatory in nature.

We believe NAHA is an exceptional program because academics are central to our mission. We hold academics as a priority over athletics; but at the same time, our hockey program is one of the strongest and most unique programs in all of North America. It is a very personal program in which each student receives a great deal of one on one attention, both in the classroom and on the ice.

The North American Hockey Academy uses small teacher to student class ratios (often 1:1). Our program runs from late September to early March. Our school is fully recognized by the Vermont State Board of Education as a private high school. We are also Accredited by the Committee on International and Trans-Regional Accredidation (CITA). Students either use the curricula sent from their home schools, or follow our NCAA-approved curriculum, whatever works best for their particular situation. We maintain regular communication with the teachers and advisors at the home schools and with parents, to ensure all school and NCAA requirements are met. Students must perform to their potential academically in order to be eligible to participate in the athletic component of the program, and this is monitored on a daily basis.

The North American Hockey Academy's program has the support of the leading coaches in the sport of women's hockey. We measure our success not by our team's won-lost record, but by our record of 100% admissions to colleges after completion of our program. Our experience, combined with our outstanding faculty and hockey staff combines the best resources to provide our students with an extraordinary athletic and academic experience.

If you would like to visit us, meet our staff, talk with players and experience the Academy setting, please give us a call to arrange a visit.

The environment at the NAHA encourages student-athletes to seek excellence in all facets of life.

We work with each student-athlete and the faculty and staff to insure that the quality of her education is excellent and coordinated with her home school. This allows her to re-enter her school at, or in some cases, ahead of her peers in the spring. Often a school that has not had previous experience with this type of program will have questions, which is natural and desirable. Once they understand our program, its flexibility and our desire to work with each school to make it efficient for their teachers while assisting one of their students to reach for her goals, we develop an excellent relationship. We believe we do an outstanding job of replicating the college situation, and work with students to develop independence, time management, and study skills that they will need in their post-secondary studies.

While here, students experience a different style of learning. Students adjust to the small class sizes, then excel. Our teachers are experienced in working with students individually. The academic day is divided into six-45 minute periods. Core classes meet three times a week; math and science often meet four times; and AP, IB and lab science courses meet five times per week. If a student needs extra help, extra sessions are scheduled. This format works with all high school level courses including honors, and AP and IB courses.

One-on-one learning is a fantastic experience for a high school student. Often it makes learning fun! Marks improve in this environment, and students are challenged. It can excite a student about learning for life.

NAHA is also proud to collaborate with the National Association of Secondary School Principals to be able to offer National Honor Society membership to our eligible students. The Madeleine M. Kunin Chapter of NHS, named after the first female Governor of Vermont (now the US Ambassador to Switzerland), is a fully recognized chapter of NHS. Students are determined academically eligible at the conclusion of their first semester, and those names are brought forth to the Faculty Council, who then rates candidates on their Character, Scholarship, Leadership and Service. The induction ceremony is typically held in early February.