Ford Sayre Academy

Overview

Ford Sayre Academy is a unique alpine ski racing program which began in the winter of 1989. The program offers participants from the Upper Valley/Lake Sunapee region the opportunity to train and compete at their highest ability level while living at home and obtaining a quality education from the public or private high school of their choice. All JI and JII alpine ski racers, including 2nd year JIII high school students, are eligible to be participants of the program.

Members of Ford Sayre Academy attend school full-time during the first and fourth academic quarters. Participants are encouraged to participate in a fall sport as part of pre-conditioning for alpine racing. The program begins early November and runs through early April. These dates coincide with the second and third academic quarters of local high schools. During this time period, the Ford Sayre Academy participants miss one academic class each day and receive private tutoring in that subject at the expense of the participant. Training takes place Tuesday through Friday during the second and third quarters beginning approximately at noon each day. Monday is reserved for FSA participants to meet with teachers, academic advisors, and to make use of laboratory and library facilities. Racing calendars are dependent upon individual goals, but competitions are available in State, Regional, National and International races. Ford Sayre Academy is nationally recognized for its' uniqueness and quality in providing a ski academy with public school support.

Athletics build self-confidence, leadership, time management and communication skills, a sense of accomplishment, and does so in a fun, competitive fashion. Ford Sayre Academy provides an environment where its participants are able to discover and use these positive aspects of athletics to develop as individuals. The program is committed to meeting and exceeding individual and team goals. Accomplishment of these goals requires dedication and commitment from all of those involved with the program.

FSA is known nationally as being a preeminent developmental ski racing academy. The success of the program has been demonstrated by current and past participants of FSA. Its athletes have qualified for regional and national USSA sanctioned championship events, competed locally, nationally, and internationally in elite level FIS races, and have consistently placed in the top fifteen of local NHARA and VARA races. College acceptances include Dartmouth, Williams, Middlebury, Colby, Bates, St. Lawrence, Clarkson, Duke, Brigham Young, and the Universities of Vermont, New Hampshire, Colorado, and Utah.

Since its beginnings in 1989 Ford Sayre Academy has enjoyed high degrees of achievements in racing, education, and personal growth. We welcome you to join the success of this unique, fun, and educational experience.