SIGNING DAYSPIRE Academy celebrates 20 signees for 2026 Spring Signing Day.1 / 6
SPIRE Academy
COLLEGE PLANNING, BUILT IN

From SPIRE to
signing day.

Planning starts freshman year, not senior year. SPIRE stays in it through college graduation, not just commitment day.

COLLEGE RESOURCE CENTER →COMMITMENTS
SPIRE / ACADEMY / COLLEGE PLANNING
YEAR BY YEAR

The four-year
plan.

College planning at SPIRE runs across all four years, not just senior spring.

01
Freshman Year — Build the FoundationWeekly college counseling seminar, individual goal meetings, a parent call, NCAA rules sessions and college rep visits. You can't start this process too early.
02
Sophomore Year — Narrow the ListTwo or more individual meetings narrowing interests and schools, summer visit planning, and pairing with a senior or post-grad mentor. Take the PSAT this year.
03
Junior Year — Get SeriousThree or more meetings to narrow colleges, campus visits, personal statement work in English class and early-decision planning. Take the SAT/ACT — TOEFL for international students.
04
Senior Year — CommitAs many meetings as needed to submit every application on time, pick from acceptances and commit during the signing period. Support continues even after SPIRE graduation.
THE CHECKLIST

Your college checklist

The NCAA has stringent requirements, and recruiting is hard to navigate without a plan. SPIRE's planning staff and coaching team bring a network of college coach relationships that turns a confusing process into a clear one.

  • Grades matter every year, not just senior year.
  • PSAT sophomore year, SAT and ACT junior year (TOEFL for international students).
  • Prioritize colleges by program, location, academics, size and team.
  • Unofficial visits early, and register for the NCAA clearinghouse.
  • Official visits senior year, commit during the signing period.

Whether the goal is Division I, II or III, NAIA or another path entirely, there's a route for every athlete, and SPIRE builds the plan around finding it.

THE TEAM

Academic team at SPIRE

Kimberly Smith
ASSOC. DIRECTOR, COLLEGE & SCHOOL COUNSELING
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Dr. Zac Bruback, DIRECTOR OF MINDSET DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Zac Bruback
DIRECTOR OF MINDSET DEVELOPMENT
READ BIO →
Arin Franklin
DIRECTOR, ACADEMIC ADVISING
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ACADEMY FAQ

Asked at every tour

SPIRE Academy provides in-person, inquiry- and mastery-based learning. Students focus on group projects, presentations and other ways to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum. Teachers guide learning through engaging, hands-on activities, creative and critical thinking, and classroom dialogue.

APPLY NOWSPIRE ACADEMY

You don't find the coaches.
They find you.

SPIRE's placement record speaks for itself — start the planning process with us today.

Minh Hoang — SWIMMING · CLASS OF 2026

SPIRE's supportive coaches, elite facilities, and welcoming environment have helped me grow and believe in my potential as an international athlete.

Minh Hoang
SWIMMING · CLASS OF 2026
JOIN THE FAMILY
Apply now Request info Book a campus tour Register for camps 2026–27 enrolling  Apply now Request info Book a campus tour Register for camps 2026–27 enrolling