Jennifer C.’s Student Story: Mastering the Slopes and Studies at Blyth Academy Burlington

Meet Jennifer C., a Grade 10 student at Blyth Academy Burlington who is not only excelling in her academics but also carving her path in the world of downhill ski racing. Jennifer's journey is a remarkable example of how flexible schedules and an innovative approach to education enable students to pursue their passions without compromising their studies.  

The Blyth Academy Advantage  

At Blyth Academy, we pride ourselves on providing a flexible and supportive environment that allows students like Jennifer to excel both academically and athletically. Jennifer has been with us for two years, and she couldn't have been happier with her choice.  

"Blyth Academy is the best fit for me because it allows me to travel for my sport while still receiving a quality, engaging education," she explains.  

During terms one and four, Jennifer attends Blyth Academy Burlington, and during the ski season, she lives in British Columbia, taking online courses through Blyth Academy Online. This unique approach ensures that Jennifer can pursue her athletic ambitions without sacrificing her education. Below is an example of how Jennifer manages to balance her studies with her rigorous training schedule in Grade 10 (8 OSSD Credits):  

TERM 1: September - November
In-Person Studies (Burlington)  
→  8:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. ENG2D - English  
→  11:00 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. CHC2D - Canadian History in the 20th Century  
→  Afternoon personal training at Limitless Training Systems  

TERM 2: November - January   
Training in British Columbia  
→  Trains and competes while completing ASM20 (Media Arts) and CGC1W (Exploring Canadian Geography) through Blyth Academy Online's asynchronous learning platform  

TERM 3: January - April  
Competing in British Columbia  
→  Trains and competes while completing MPM2D (Principles of Mathematics) and CIE3M (Economics) through Blyth Academy Online's asynchronous learning platform  

TERM 4: April - June  
In-Person Studies (Burlington)  
→  8:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. CHV201 - Civics & Citizenship  
→  11:00 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. SNC2D1 - Science   
→  Afternoon personal training at Limitless Training Systems 

A Day in the Life of a Champion Her Dreams 

Jennifer's days are meticulously planned to balance her rigorous training and academic commitments. Her schedule is a testament to her dedication and the support she receives from Blyth Academy. Here is a sample schedule of her day when she is training in British Columbia and schooling with Blyth Academy Online: 

7:00 a.m. →  I wake up and get ready for a day at the ski hill.
7:30 a.m. →  After getting ready, I eat breakfast.
7:50 a.m. →  Before I put on my ski gear, I do some stretches and mobility exercises to prepare my body for skiing.  
8:25 a.m. →  I get dressed in my ski gear and head to the ski hill.  
8:45 a.m. →  Upon arriving at the ski hill, I do my hip mobility exercises.  
9:00 a.m. →  I load the lift to begin my warm-up drills and start training.  
11:45 a.m. →  I take a quick break in the lodge to warm up and have my lunch.  
1:00 p.m. →  Training ends, and I head back home.  
1:30 p.m. →  I have a snack after training and take a quick nap.  
3:00 p.m. →  After my nap, I freshen up and begin my schoolwork with Blyth Academy Online. 
6:00 p.m. →  I finish my first block of schoolwork and have dinner with my family.  
7:00 p.m. →  After dinner, I take a break before continuing with my schoolwork.  
8:00 p.m. →  I finish my schoolwork for the day and take a break. Then, I start tuning my skis.  
9:00 p.m. →  After tuning my skis, I begin my nightly routine and get ready for bed.  
10:00 p.m. →  Once I’m done preparing for bed, I stretch and review my training videos. I like to reflect on my skiing and journal about how I felt during training.  
10:45 p.m.  →  After I finish journaling, I head to bed.   

Achieving Athletic and Academic Goals 

Jennifer's list of athletic accomplishments is impressive. She has won her zone championships in giant slalom, competed at the Whistler Cup, and placed highly among the best ski racers in Western Canada. Her goals for this year include successfully completing three slalom races and placing in the top 10 at a major race.  

“Throughout my athletic career as a ski racer, I have set and continue to pursue many goals and aspirations. I have set small goals for myself, such as "finish all my training runs today," as well as larger goals, like attending the Whistler Cup. This year, my primary goal is to put together 3 slalom races.” 

Our support has been instrumental in helping Jennifer achieve her goals.  

"Blyth Academy has played a significant role in helping me achieve my goals due to its flexible schedule, access to elite training centers, focus on leadership and social development, and most importantly, its care and celebration of my successes. My experience at Blyth Academy has been incredibly positive," she says.  

Jennifer also benefits from training at Limitless Training Systems, a partner with Blyth Academy Burlington, where she works with a personal trainer who customizes exercises to meet her specific needs. The school's extracurricular activities have also helped Jennifer develop her leadership skills and confidence.

Supporting Students with Demanding Schedules 

We understand that finding the right schedule can be a challenging task for families with children who have demanding athletic or extracurricular commitments. At Blyth Academy, we are committed to providing the structure and support needed to help students succeed. With a combination of in-person and online courses, we offer the flexibility required to accommodate the unique needs of each student. 

Jennifer's experience is a perfect example of how our flexible scheduling can make a difference. 

 "Choosing Blyth Academy was the best decision for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone facing the logistics of being a competitive athlete and student," she advises.  

Our approach allows students like Jennifer to maintain a normal high school life, including interacting with classmates, participating in school events, and attending social gatherings. 

Whether on the slopes or in the classroom, Jennifer continues to excel