The Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) opened The Pursuit School of Sport on May 5.
The new school is located at the old Avery School on 48 Ave.
Read more: LPSD run renamed after teacher
Principal Doug Smith said the school offers athletes a flexible schedule. Programming runs Monday through Thursday to help athletes focus on sports and schoolwork. However, the school is focused on elite or near-elite athletes from Grades 6 to 12.
“It’s an incredible opportunity that allows flexibility,” said Smith.“Our athletes will be able to, number one, compete and not miss academics.”
He said some students will also get the chance to go home early as well as come in early. They have taken the word “no” out of the vocabulary when it comes to working with student schedules.
“We pride ourselves on flexibility,” said Smith. “Whatever the student needs, it will dictate their schedule.”
The school serves kids in dance, gymnastics, hockey, and various other sports. Additionally, the staff, who have strong sports backgrounds themselves, understand students can be very busy.
“The staff here totally understand what these kids and families need academically, and time wise,” Smith said. “Our gymnastics kids and dance kids are six days a week, sometimes seven days a week.”
Smith said he could also see the school help students balance training and schoolwork. They have already recruited more than 20 sports partners.
“There’s so much interest,” said Smith. “They see a huge benefit for athletes and programs.”
The school has plenty of room in the building to grow in the future and Smith hopes they will maximize the space over time. The school charges a fee to cover clothing, sports psychologists and NCAA recruiters, etc.
Smith said the school would also offer students peace of mind and a family feel.
“We’re gonna help you with the academics and figure the rest out,” said Smith. “We’re gonna be a smaller school, a real family culture.”
Information about the school can be found on the LPSD website dedicated to the school.
Read more: Star lifecycles explained at LPSD event
