prep school connection, The

Swimming World and Junior Swimmer, Oct 2000

What do B.J. Bedford, Greg Burgess, Ray Carey, Tracy Caulkins, Maddy Crippen, Nelson Diebel, Gary Hall, Jr., Julia Stowers, Joe Hudepohl, Jenna Johnson, Klete Keller, Tom Malchow, Pablo Morales, Anthony Nesty, Mel Stewart, Ashley Tappin, Dara Torres, Dave Wharton, and Tom Wilkens, have in common?

Your first answer may be the Olympics. But did you know that attending a prep school was also part of their background?

Each of these Olympians has or had as a primary focus to attend college at the end of their four years of high school.

A prep school offers an environment which focuses on college after high school. Attending a prep school makes it popular to do well in school.

The low student-to-faculty ratio makes available adult and peer tutors at many prep schools. These tutors may even go so far as to travel with the team during a busy sport season. According to Tom Hayden of The Kiski School, "Independent schools enhance the values that are so essential to the sport of swimming-hard work, respect for the individual, teamwork and the importance of community."

Students interested in attending a prep school should look over several different schools in various locations. Parents and students need to decide which schools coincide with their personal philosophies and goals. While only a few can become Olympians, more can take advantage of the unique opportunities that prep schools offer the college-bound student-athlete.

To begin your search, look though our Prep School Directory on the following pages.