A new microschool in Gwinnett County is changing the game for student-athletes and their families

For parents of competitive youth athletes in the Metro Atlanta area, the daily schedule can feel like an impossible juggling act. Between school hours, homework, performance training, skill development, and actually getting to practices and games, many families find themselves constantly in the car, rushing from one activity to the next, with little time left for family connection or childhood exploration.

Pam Adamson, a longtime youth sports advocate and entrepreneur, is bringing a solution to Gwinnett County this August with the launch of Elite Performance Prep Academy Georgia, a specialized microschool designed specifically for student-athletes.

The Best of Both Worlds: Academics and Athletics

Elite Performance Prep Academy provides a unique educational model that blends personalized academics with professional athletic training, all under one roof. Students receive instruction from qualified academic mentors in small classroom settings (approximately 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio) for part of the day, then participate in strength, speed and agility training, followed by sport-specific skill development with professional coaches.

“We’re trying to give the student-athlete this opportunity where everything is in one place,” explains Adamson. “So many parents I know are looking for this opportunity of a one-stop shop.”

This innovative approach means students complete their academic requirements in roughly half the time of traditional schools, while still receiving professional-level athletic training that would typically require multiple additional appointments throughout the week.

Beyond Academics and Athletics: Life Skills and Entrepreneurship

What sets Elite Performance Prep Academy apart from other alternative education models is its emphasis on developing the whole child. The curriculum places heavy focus on leadership training and entrepreneurship, skills not typically taught to students at this age.

“The school is very heavy in teaching leadership and entrepreneurship,” says Adamson. “They will learn how to schedule and manage a project, how to be a productive team member, what basic accounting means, how to do money management, and the principles to turn something into an asset rather than a liability.”

These practical life skills complement both academic learning and athletic development, preparing students for success regardless of whether they pursue collegiate or professional sports careers.

A Strong Foundation in Youth Sports Development

The Academy’s approach isn’t entirely new. It builds on Adamson’s extensive experience in youth sports development. Over 24 years ago, she and her husband founded a nonprofit basketball organization focused not just on competitive skill development, but on character building.

“One of our main things was there needed to be more character,” Adamson notes. “Who do you want teaching your child? Are they really being taught the right things that allow them to be strong athletes and competitive athletes, but also good sportsmen and great teammates?”

This philosophy underpins the Elite Performance Prep Academy model, which has already launched successfully in St. George, Utah.

Scholarship Opportunities Available Now

Families interested in enrolling their children at Elite Performance Prep Academy Georgia should act quickly. Georgia residents may be eligible for scholarship funding over $6,000 toward tuition, but applications reportedly close on April 15th.

“If they don’t apply, they’re not going to get the grant,” Adamson explains. Even for families who don’t need financial assistance, spaces will be limited to maintain the small class sizes that make the program effective.

Is This Right for Your Family?

Elite Performance Prep Academy may be an ideal fit for:

  • Families with student-athletes competing at high levels who need professional training to remain competitive
  • Parents considering homeschooling but concerned about their teaching abilities or time constraints
  • Students who would benefit from more personalized academic attention
  • Families tired of rushing between school, training sessions, and skill development appointments
  • Parents who want more input into their child’s educational and character development

The first campus will open in the Buford/Suwanee area of Gwinnett County, with plans to expand throughout the Metro Atlanta area based on demand.

“Take back control of having your child taught what you agree with and want them to learn,” encourages Adamson. “Take back control of who teaches them, what kind of role models and mentors are you handing your child over to?”


Ready to learn more about Elite Performance Prep Academy?

Applications for Georgia’s student scholarship program should be submitted as soon as possible to secure available funding for the 2025-2026 school year.

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