Academic Model
A Purpose-Driven Education Designed to Create Independent Learners
At The Gillion Academy, we offer a structured, self-paced academic program designed to meet the needs of students in middle school and high school. Our academic model prioritizes mastery, mentorship, and internal motivation—removing distractions and replacing them with meaningful structure and high standards.
Our students don't sit passively in overcrowded classrooms. They learn through a system that encourages focus, accountability, and confidence—on their terms, with adult support every step of the way.
Accredited & Flexible Learning
Students complete accredited online coursework through Acellus Academy, a nationally recognized and fully accredited online platform. Courses are:
Self-paced, allowing students to master material before moving on
Offering college-prep, honors, AP, and dual enrollment pathways
Supported by academic advisors onsite
This self-paced model empowers students to own their progress while also supporting accelerated advancement for those ready to take on more.
Onsite Academic Oversight
Young men learn best in a structured setting with consistent adult presence—not in isolation. That’s why our academic environment includes:
Daily academic supervision by advisors
Weekly and quarterly grade checks
Immediate intervention for quiz/test grades below 85%
A low student-to-advisor ratio (8:1) for personalized support
Importantly, our basketball coaches are present during academic hours as well, reinforcing the same standards in the classroom as they do on the court. This continuum of mentorship reinforces accountability and trust.
Peer Grouping with Built-in Mentorship
Students are grouped into middle school or high school cohorts, allowing for mixed-age peer mentorship. Older students naturally take on leadership roles while younger students gain models of maturity and discipline. This structure is designed to promote healthy identity development—not peer conformity.
Academic Competition That Motivates
At The Gillion Academy, we channel this dynamic by structuring GPA-based competitions between middle school and high school cohorts. As Dr. Leonard Sax explains in Boys Adrift, young men are most engaged when their success contributes to the victory of their team—not just personal achievement. This approach transforms academics into a team goal, fueling focus, drive, and accountability.
Life Skills & College Readiness
In addition to core academics, students participate in structured life skills development, including:
Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and investment fundamentals
College counseling and application support
SAT/ACT prep
Book clubs, guest speakers, and community engagement
Leadership training woven throughout their experience
A Culture of Focus, Not Distraction
Traditional schools often pull young men into a peer-dominated culture, where social dynamics, large classroom sizes, and low expectations dull motivation. At Gillion, we eliminate those distractions with:
Small, focused peer groups
Continuous adult supervision
A shared commitment to excellence among students, staff, and families
At Gillion Academy, academics aren’t just a box to check. They’re part of the bigger mission: to shape young men who are prepared, principled, and ready to lead—on and off the court.
Ready to Learn More?
We’d be happy to show you around! Schedule an in-person tour or virtual meeting with our team to learn more about our programs, facility, and student experience.