Academics
School: Sugar Bowl Academy is the only fully accredited college preparatory school for the competitive skier in California. It provides a rigorous academic experience for students who wish to pursue alpine, nordic and freeride skiing at the highest competitive levels. Academic and athletic scheduling is designed to accommodate the demanding training and race schedules of the student-athletes. Enrollment averages around 45 students as the facility accommodates a student body of 19 boarding and 35 day students. The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Curriculum: The academic program is organized on a modified block schedule and includes a daily 20 minutes pleasure reading period. Throughout the fall and spring, classes meet every three days a week for 65 minutes and are followed by a two hour dryland training session. In the winter, class blocks begin at noon to accommodate morning on-snow training. Courses, course descriptions and requirements for graduation comply with the University of California admission standards.

Graduation Requirements: Sugar Bowl Academy requires 15 accumulated credits, plus a Physical Education credit for each year at the Academy for graduation. One credit represents completion of a one year course; semester courses earn one-half unit. Seniors with a GPA of 3.3 or higher and who take 3 AP courses may also submit an Honors Thesis and receive their diplomas with honors.

Standardized Testing: Sophomores take the PSAT in October. Juniors take the PSAT in October and the SAT in April and/or May. The SAT may be repeated the following October, if necessary. The SAT average for the Class of 2005 was 1200, with Math 620 and Verbal 580. SAT II tests are taken as required for college admissions. The average SAT II Writing for the Class of 2005 was 630 and Math ICwas 590. The average of all other SAT II Subject Tests taken was 610.

AP Courses: Sugar Bowl Academy encourages qualified students to participate in college-level Advanced Placement courses offered at the school. Scores on Advanced Placement Exams are a good indication of the student’s preparedness for college. Course offerings vary from year-to-year to reflect student interest, but have recently included English, Biology, Government, Calculus, and Psychology. During the last two years there has been increased interest in Advanced Placement courses. In May 2005, all six seniors took AP exams. Each student scored a 3 or above on all examinations.

The Honors Diploma Program: Students may apply to receive their diplomas with honors. Requirements for honors include a 3.3 GPA, the completion of two AP courses with examination, and an honors thesis.