PURSUE YOUR PASSION
DEAR SPIRE PROSPECTIVE STUDENT ATHLETES,
At SPIRE, we believe true fulfillment and success come from following your passions and exploring the boundless opportunities ahead.
Whether you are an aspiring scientist, artist, entrepreneur or athlete, our goal is to provide you with an enriching environment that nurtures your talents and empowers you to reach your full potential.
Our commitment to your holistic development extends beyond the classroom. SPIRE is dedicated to supporting you in your career aspirations and college placement endeavors. Our dedicated team of faculty, coaches and staff will guide and mentor you, helping you explore various career paths, develop crucial skills and connect with professionals in your fields of interest. We believe your unique talents and passions deserve to be recognized and cultivated, preparing you for a fulfilling future.
Collaboration lies at the heart of SPIRE’s educational philosophy. We understand teamwork, communication and problem-solving are vital skills for success in any field. Collaborative experiences will help you develop strong relationships, learn from diverse perspectives and foster a sense of community that extends far beyond your time at SPIRE.
SPIRE’s vibrant and inclusive residential life program offers countless opportunities for personal growth, social connection and enrichment. From clubs and organizations to cultural events and community service initiatives, there is something for everyone. We strongly encourage you to embrace these opportunities and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of experiences SPIRE has to offer.
As you embark on, or continue, this exciting phase in your life’s journey, always remember SPIRE is here to support you every step of the way. Together, let us create a vital and nurturing learning community where your dreams are transformed into reality.
We look forward to welcoming you to the SPIRE family!
We look forward to witnessing the remarkable achievements you will make as you pursue your passions.
SPIRE Admissions
CURRENT SPORTS MAJORS
CREATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF STUDENT ATHLETES.
Basketball
Women’s and Men’s
Esports
Women’s and Men’s
Lacrosse
Men’s Only
Future Sport-Related Majors
Sports Marketing/Management
Sports Business/Administration
Soccer
Women’s and Men’s
Swimming
Women’s and Men’s
Track & Field
Women’s and Men’s
Volleyball
Women’s Only
Wrestling
Women’s and Men’s
Sports and Exercise Psychology
Sports Medicine/Nutrition
Sports Information/Technology
LIFE AT SPIRE ACADEMY
Classrooms, dorms, cafeterias, sport training facilities, performance training, athletic trainers, medical facilities – all on one campus.
About 90% of our students live on campus. SPIRE’s dorm structure creates a special community diverse in its ages, interests, cultures and backgrounds.
SPIRE students are busy people. SPIRE courses are demanding, and classes run at various times based on the sport, allowing for smaller classrooms. All students are required to have a sport major, and some opt to choose two sport majors. SPIRE students experience the proper amount of competition, at the right times, against appropriate competitors. A variety of co-curricular events complement the classroom learning experience. Students participate in cultural and affinity groups, community governance and service organizations.
SPIRE is a place where even the very brightest and talented students can find equally dedicated and driven peers to challenge and compete with them athletically and intellectually.
Strong academics, engaged faculty, hand-picked students, excellent culture.
CHALLENGING CURRICULUM
SPIRE Academy’s academic program provides an interdisciplinary and experiential learning environment, emphasizing accessibility and engagement for all students. With the support of experienced and dedicated faculty, students advocate and own their learning experience as they work toward independence.
AMAZING PEER GROUP
SPIRE has established a truly amazing community of athletes and learners within multiple sports, all working to realize their potential on and off the athletic field and in and out of the classroom.
30% of SPIRE student athletes are female.
GIRLS IN THE GAME
SPIRE builds confidence and helps every girl find her voice, discover her strength and lead with confidence through their sport.
GLOBAL STUDENT BODY
In 2024-2025, SPIRE students represent 35 countries and 25 states and speak 19 languages.
Support Staff Safety Team
Admissions Team
Resident Associates Coaches
Athletic Trainers/ Medical Staff
Family
STUDENT ATHLETE
Admin Team
Mindset Support
FUEL Staff
SPIRE’s dedicated team of faculty, coaches, and staff guide and mentor, helping students explore personal development, a growth mindset and explore a variety of college options. We believe your unique talents and passions deserve to be recognized and cultivated, preparing you for a fulfilling future.
SPIRE faculty and staff ensure each student feels valued, known and can continue to grow and develop holistically.
As active participants in their education, students strive to understand first and apply the SPIRE characteristics to engage confidently with the world around them.
STUDY
12:1 STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO
2.5:1
STUDENT/DIRECT SUPPORT TEAM RATIO
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES 8 3 FOREIGN LANGUAGES OFFERED
12 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
HIGH SCHOOL 9TH THROUGH 12TH GRADE, WITH POST GRADUATE OPTIONS
(co-ed and non-denominational)
2024-2025 INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY 200 STUDENT ATHLETES
MEETING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF EVERY STUDENT.
□ College preparatory program.
□ A flexible, full-term block schedule.
□ Multiple Advanced Placement and honors classes.
□ Relationship with Hiram University for post graduates looking to earn college credit.
□ An online communication program that shares both academic and sport training performance with parents and student athletes.
□ Special sessions during the school day in which faculty members work with students who need extra help or are seeking accelerated opportunities.
YOU’LL GO FAR!
Graduates from SPIRE Academy are competing right now at some of the nation’s top universities and professionally. Those schools and teams watch SPIRE Academy because they know our students are special. People like you come to train, compete and study at SPIRE from all over the world because they want to push their potential to the limit.
SCHOLARSHIP is approached with an open and fearless mindset, driven by unwavering passion for learning.
PERFORMANCE is striving for excellence, pushing boundaries and continually improving in pursuit of our goals.
INCLUSION means we are strengthened by different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.
RESILIENCE means we have an unwavering commitment to achieving greatness by overcoming obstacles and maintaining a positive attitude.
We are empowered by opportunities to support and uplift others with EMPATHY.
The SPIRE Way places equal focus on the development of strong minds, strong bodies and strong character. Are you ready to live The SPIRE Way?
Our most valuable assets are our students. We believe they are second to none. They share the common experience of sacrifice in leaving home courage in pursuing their passions and great ambition.
2024 NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Each year our students earn regional, national and international distinction in their sports and other endeavors. In the last school year:
SPIRE ACADEMY RECEIVED THE ESTEEMED SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AWARD FROM THE GREATER CLEVELAND SPORTS COMMISSION
in recognition of successfully hosting over 20 events with Greater Cleveland Sports Commission including NCAA National Championships, Olympic governing body events and others.
TWO SPIRE WOMEN WRESTLERS CLAIMED 2ND PLACE in their respective weight class at the esteemed Top Gun Tournament and the Powerade Tournament.
TWO
SPIRE WRESTLERS, ONE MALE AND ONE FEMALE, CLAIMED FIRST PLACE in their respective classes in their collegiate competition debut.
SPIRE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S 4X400 TEAMS RANK TOP IN THE STATE.
One athlete earned special recognition from USATF as a Talent Protection Plan athlete, others competed in the 2023 World Championships. A thrower has ascended to the 23rd global rank. Most on the team hold top state rankings.
SPIRE TRACK & FIELD STUDENTS REPRESENTED THEIR COUNTRIES BRINGING HOME A SILVER AND THREE BRONZE MEDALS
at the prestigious CARIFTA Games, known for showcasing up-and-coming Caribbean track & field athletes.
SPIRE’s prep basketball team boasted a remarkable 34-6 overall record in 2023,
EARNING RECOGNITION
AS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY.
Alumni in the class of 2023 include
Trent Middleton (Ball State)
Daniel Pounds (Old Dominion)
Keynan David (The Citadel)
Xavier Martinez (U of Colorado)
Alex Green (Penn State)
Max Markgraf (Cornell)
SPIRE SWIM SET THREE NATIONAL RECORDS AND CLINCHED 15 INDIVIDUAL EVENT VICTORIES AT KEY MEETS.
One returning student represented his country in The Paris Olympics. He set national records at the Asian Junior National meet. In the Black History Month Meet in DC, students claimed victory in 10 events, 2nd place in four events, 3rd place in two events.
In its inaugural season SPIRE LACROSSE TEAM MADE IT TO THE MSLA C BRACKET CHAMPIONSHIP GAME.
SPIRE’s esports Valorant students earned spots in Coca-Cola All-Stars Roster, PLACING THEM AMONG THE NATION’S TOP 20 HIGH SCHOOL VALORANT RECRUITS.
SPIRE FC HAS QUICKLY RISEN IN THE RANKS, CLINCHING THE OHIO STATE CUP, WINNING REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS in St. Louis and made it to the semi-finals of the Nationals in Orlando.
“This environment is all about being the best athlete you can, and it influences you to be the best possible person you can be.”
“When we visited here, we didn’t need to go anywhere else, SPIRE was home.”
“Everything is possible here at SPIRE. Everything we need, we have here.”
“The facilities here are better than most colleges.”
WHAT IS
SPIRE
LIKE? HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS.
Scan QR code to watch video
2021-2024 GRADUATING CLASSES SURPASSED $5 MILLION IN ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS.
IN JUST 4 YEARS, SPIRE STUDENTS WERE ACCEPTED AT OVER 100 INSTITUTIONS GLOBALLY, 81 WITHIN THE U.S.
CELEBRATED IVY LEAGUE ACCEPTANCES, WITH 5 OF THE 8 IVIES REPRESENTED.
ACCEPTED BY 19 TOP TIER COLLEGES (WITH ACCEPTANCE RATES OF <10%)
SPIRE COACHES HAVE TRAINED OVER 40 OLYMPIANS
2 NBA 1ST ROUND DRAFT PICKS
ADMISSIONS
ADMISSIONS
NEXT STEPS FOR APPLYING TO SPIRE:
Complete an online application, including submitting letters of recommendation and academic records.
Schedule a campus visit which includes time to meet with coaches, shadow classes and tour facilities. If you are not able to visit campus, schedule a virtual visit with an admissions counselor.
After an application is submitted and favorably reviewed by the admission committee, a contract will be sent. A signed contract with a deposit will enroll the student. SPIRE works on rolling admission and accepts applications while space is available.
