North American Hockey Academy

The NAHA academic program prepared me for the college classroom because it provided an intense academic working environment balanced with a heavy athletic load. It helped me with my time management skills, and because of the intense study periods my study skills improved. These skills are fundamental for the college level. I would recommend NAHA academics to anyone, regardless of the type of student she is because NAHA is very flexible and conforms to a student’s specific needs. If you are a player wishing to pursue an Ivy League education, you must be willing and committed to balancing a heavy course load with the rigorous hockey schedule. NAHA provided me with good practice for this, and I was much better prepared for the Ivy League academics and athletics.

-Caeleigh Beerworth, NAHA Class of 2004, Shrewsbury, Vermont - Cornell University

My academic experience at NAHA was amazing. I was in a focused learning environment where the teachers and I created personal relationships. I felt comfortable asking questions and receiving all the attention I wanted and needed. Since it was one on one, the teachers adjusted their teaching style to my personal learning style, which was not possible at my public high school. Each teacher catered to my needs within the subject making my learning experience enjoyable. We were on the road every weekend, so I learned how to use my time during the week so I was prepared for playing on the weekend. Utilizing my time well helped me immensely in my transition to college. If I was at home my transition from public high school to college would have been much more difficult.

-Kate Wolgemuth, NAHA Class of 2004, Anchorage, Alaska, Colgate University

Living on the west coast, it is very difficult to be seen by the top college recruiters, especially when the only competitive hockey programs out there are boys teams. I decided to join NAHA in order to get the necessary exposure to play college hockey at a competitive level. Not only did I get this exposure, I dramatically improved my game and made some amazing friends along the way. The NAHA curriculum is very demanding physically and academically and taught me to be proactive in my educational and athletic performance. Bill encouraged me to look at colleges I would have otherwise never considered and even helped me find a great school. Now, my first year out of NAHA, I have an NCAA championship ring! The quality of the NAHA program is exceptional and I would recommend it to anyone considering playing at the college level.

-Angie Todd, NAHA Class of 2004, Kent, Washington - Middlebury College

It was a little hard at first to adjust to the one on one tutorial style teaching but after I got used to it, I found that it was very beneficial to my education. In math, being tutored helped so much, although I didn't really realize it at the time. The sayings and thoughts of my teachers were imprinted in my mind and really helped me to remember important ideas. I also found that I could go at my own pace. If I didn't understand something, my teacher and I could spend another day or two on that concept instead of being swept forward with the rest of the class, which usually happens in a normal classroom setting. The teachers were extremely dedicated and helped me out in any way they could. Overall, I would have to say that, after making the adjustment, it was an awesome way to learn, especially since the class periods are only 45 minutes long.

The support at NAHA is unbelievable. You have 36 other girls pulling for you and ready to help you out with basically anything. I was extremely homesick the first couple months at NAHA and never would have made it without the support from my coaches, teachers, and teammates. Whenever I needed someone to talk to, Bill was always there, even though I'm sure he had more important things to do, he's just a great guy like that. My teachers adjusted their teaching plans so that I didn't have to read anything depressing. They let me go home a little early for Christmas break. Basically, if you need any kind of support, it's there. Between your coaches, teachers, and teammates, there's always someone willing to help you out. It's like you're one big happy family and someone will always be there for you.

NAHA was one of the best experiences of my life. I give it the highest recommendation possible. The program is so unique and you get the best of everything. You get to play the highest level of hockey for the age group, while receiving elite off-ice training. You only have to go to each class for 45 minutes, which is definitely a plus. After you've been to NAHA, you'll learn that the only problem with it is that the five months flies by and you'll be wishing that it was longer.

-Ginny Berg, NAHA Class of 2006, Soldotna, Alaska

The one on one tutoring is an excellent way to focus on each subject and allows you to gain deeper insight into the subject. Each teacher helps you reach individual academic goals and this makes it easier to achieve higher standards in each class. I am very grateful for the academic atmosphere surrounding my studies at NAHA and I look forward to working with my teachers there each year.

-Kelli Blankenship, NAHA Class of 2006, Prince Frederick, Maryland

The 1 on 1 tutoring while at NAHA has greatly improved my education. When at home, sitting in a class with 20 some other kids, I don’t always get my questions answered. It is quite easy to “hide in the back” and daydream. However, with 1 on 1, each question is directed at you, forcing you to be much more involved with the discussion. Different students have different learning methods, and with 1 on 1, I was able to find the methods that worked best for me. In this type of tutoring environment, there is not as much pressure placed on big tests. When the teachers see everything you do, they can measure your progress in other ways. For example, I saw a large improvement in my French, because I had many more opportunities to talk. At NAHA, I did not cover fact for fact what my class did at home, but I was able to spend more time on aspects of the course that I found difficult, or that interested me. There isn’t as much wasted time during a NAHA school day than one of a public school. We get done what we need to and then move on to the important thing…hockey! I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything!

-Jeanna Dippel, NAHA Class of 2006, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

One on one teaching is a great tool for the student athlete at NAHA. It allows students to participate in almost any class that they would in public school. Because girls come from schools from all over the country, each girl has specific classes they must take. The one on one teaching is the perfect way to accommodate each persons separate curriculum and needs. It also grants the athlete flexibility in their schedule and the pace of class. Unlike at a regular school where all students must learn at the pace dictated by the teacher, at NAHA the student can work at their own pace. The student is able to spend more time on the topics that are specifically difficult for that student and keep reviewing until they are able to fully understand it. It also allows the student to move quicker than the class would have if they are able to comprehend the material faster.

NAHA helps a student-athlete prepare for college because it teaches girls how to balance school and hockey by placing the athlete in a college like situation. It also teaches time management skills which are very important for college when many things may be required of a student-athlete in a small amount of time.

-Randi Zukas, NAHA Class of 2007, Glen Head, New York

The one on one teaching at NAHA is amazing. I learned so much better by having a teacher concentrate on me and only me instead of having a whole class room full of kids. The undivided attention allowed me to ask questions and not be embarrassed if I was the only one who wanted to ask it. Therefore I learned A LOT more. When I got home I was able to apply all that I learned while being taught at NAHA to my school at home. The new techniques I learned allowed me to be way ahead when I got home--and stay ahead. My grade drastically improved from my time of arrival to ending. NAHA’s school system is amazing. The teachers are great.. A+

-Jade Schirado, NAHA Class of 2006, Bismarck, North Dakota