PREP ACADEMY
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PRIVATE SCHOOL & SOCCER ACADEMY
Developing future leaders on and off the field.
A flexible school day for students who love soccer—combining parent-selected online learning, on-site academic support, and daily player development.
Prep Academy combines private-school or homeschool learning with a structured soccer and athletic-development day. Students complete an online curriculum selected and arranged by their parents, then step away from the screen and onto the pitch.
Parents enroll their student directly with Liberty University Online Academy (LUOA) or another approved online academy and remain responsible for the student’s academic program and progress. Ela Soccer provides the facility at its Soccerplex in Lake Zurich, along with professional soccer coaches and an on-site academic advisor to support daily coursework.
A FLEXIBLE CURRICULUM, WITH SUPPORT ON SITE
Students work through self-paced online modules in designated study areas at Ela Soccer’s Soccerplex. The on-site academic advisor is planned to be available for about four hours each day, covering the full dedicated coursework block and student check-ins—not the entire school day. LUOA students can also contact their online teachers for course-specific support. Prep Academy recommends scheduling the advisor across the complete academic work period so help is available when students need it.
Parents monitor weekly progress and keep the academic coordinator informed. Prep Academy provides a place and a routine for schoolwork; the online academy provides the curriculum and instruction.
Explore Liberty University Online AcademyIn a traditional classroom, students often follow a shared schedule and pace. Prep Academy’s online-school model gives families more choice over curriculum, pace, and optional electives. Students can move forward when ready, spend more time where they need it, and explore interests beyond core subjects.
When a student completes their academic work, the day can shift to coaching, soccer skills, strength, agility, and team play. Prep Academy is designed to make education and athletic development part of the same routine.
Families select and enroll in the online program, stay engaged with progress reports, and support consistent weekly coursework. Prep Academy’s advisor helps students navigate their daily work at the facility.
Students arrive between 7:30 and 8:00 AM and are picked up between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. This sample schedule balances 2–3 hours of online academics, 2–3 hours of soccer and athletic training, lunch, and time to reset. The advisor’s planned coverage is about four hours, spanning the academic block.
The daily timetable is a planning framework; the final sequence and training times will be set around facility and team schedules.
TECHNIQUE · ATHLETICISM · SOCCER SENSE
Every athlete develops differently. Prep Academy’s soccer curriculum helps students understand what to focus on and how to build on their individual strengths. Alongside soccer-specific technique, training develops movement, balance, coordination, speed, strength, core control, agility, and decision-making. Nutrition and wellness sessions connect healthy choices with athletic performance and everyday well-being.
Small-sided games give players more touches and more chances to solve problems, make plays, and build confidence in one-on-one situations.
See the development planFundamental athletic qualities and core values are maintained throughout the year. Monthly emphasis changes as skills, movement, and game understanding develop.
Movement fundamentals for soccer.
Continue movement work and introduce basic skills.
Apply technique with quicker movement.
Develop concepts for one-on-one decisions.
Recognize options and combine with teammates.
Understand roles, spacing, and team shape.
Combine the year’s learning at the highest level possible.
Reinforce individual skills and strength.
Weekly emphasis can change with the season, student needs, and team schedule.
Parents may enroll their student in Liberty University Online Academy or another Prep Academy-approved online academy. Families enroll directly and should confirm course selection, tuition, and academic policies with the provider.
Online K–12 curriculum with teacher access, academic advising, and self-paced coursework. LUOA lists dual-enrollment options for eligible high school students in grades 11–12. Families should confirm course availability and student-athlete eligibility directly with LUOA.
LUOA programsBuild a plan around English, history, math, and science, with optional electives that reflect a student’s interests and goals.
Explore LUOA curriculumFamilies may add elective classes through providers such as Outschool, Biz Kids, or Udemy. Possible topics include logic, business, typing, entrepreneurship, investing, and coding. Electives are optional and priced separately by provider.
LUOA’s current FAQ lists approximate full-time tuition of $2,500–$3,000 per school year. LUOA’s FAQ currently describes customizable 2–10 month payment plans and a one-time $50 plan participation fee. Confirm current tuition, fees, course load, and eligibility with LUOA.
Includes: on-site academic advisor, professional soccer coaching, and facility access at Ela Soccer’s Soccerplex.
Optional electives are course-by-course. Optional field trips may have additional costs.
A SMALL FOUNDING COHORT
The initial year is planned for 10–16 boys entering grades 7 and 8. Families interested in other ages, and all girls interested in Prep Academy, may request to be added to the interest list in case additional age groups are opened.
Students must also be registered with Ela Soccer Club and enrolled in LUOA or another approved online academy.
Review requirementsIf a student falls behind, the family and academic coordinator will work together on a plan for support. Additional help may be needed, and participation in soccer training or Ela Soccer games may be paused until coursework and grades are satisfactory.
FAMILY HOMESCHOOL RESOURCEFamilies should review Illinois homeschool guidance and confirm their chosen program’s requirements.
Illinois homeschool informationEDUCATION · TEAMWORK · SOCCER
Prep Academy aims to help each player keep growing, love the game, and pursue the next level—while receiving a broad education designed to prepare them for life beyond the pitch.
P.QUESTIONS · INTEREST LIST · VISITS
Send us a note about your student, the program, or joining the interest list. We’ll follow up by email or phone.