Academic Requirements

Students are required to play only on teams that match their grade levels.

At Excelsior Classical Academy, our mission is to cultivate scholars of character and intellect through a program of academic vigor and high expectations. This commitment extends to every area of school life, including our athletic programs. We believe strongly that athletics should complement-not compete with-the academic growth of our students.

Beginning with the Winter 2025-2026 athletic season, we are implementing new Middle School and High School Academic Requirements to ensure that our student-athletes remain students first. These standards are designed to strengthen the link between classroom achievement and athletic participation, reinforcing habits of discipline, time management, and resilience that prepare our students for success well beyond their playing years.

Key elements of the policy include:

• Ongoing Grade Review – All student-athlete grades will be reviewed by the Athletic Director prior to tryouts and midway through each athletic season.
• Minimum Performance – A grade of at least “D” in every class and a semester attendance rate of 85% or higher are required to remain eligible.
• Eligibility – Any student with one failing grade will enter a two-week Academic Probation period with required teacher sign-off on an Academic Improvement Release Form. Students who do not bring their grade up to at least a D during probation will become academically ineligible.
• Dragonfly – The NCHSAA requires the completion of all necessary Dragonfly forms as well as the Sportsmanship course. These items are required to be completed for the school year prior to tryouts . 
• Attendance – The NCHSAA attendance requirement includes both excused and unexcused absences. A student must attend 85% of the school days in the previous semester, meaning they cannot miss more than a certain number of days (e.g., 13.5 days in a 90-day semester), and this count includes all absences, regardless of the reason.
• Previous Semester – Students who do not pass two or more classes in the previous semester will not be allowed to participate. If a student fails a single class, they will be placed on academic probation for two weeks. During this period, if the student’s grade does not improve to at least a D, they will become academically ineligible to participate.
• Early Dismissal – Students in middle school who are not passing their 7th period class will not be permitted to leave early on game days. It is the responsibility of parents to pick up their child at the end of the school day and transport them to the game until further notice from the student’s teacher. Similarly, high school students failing their 4th block class are also prohibited from early release on game days, and parents must ensure they are picked up after school to attend the game until further notice from the student’s teacher.
• Equitable Access – Students with identified disabilities, IEPs, or 504 plans will receive all legally required accommodations to ensure an equal opportunity to benefit from athletics.

These expectations are not punitive; they are purposeful. By maintaining academic standards, we teach our students that excellence is not confined to the classroom or the court. It is a way of life preparing them for higher education, future careers, and the personal challenges they will encounter as adults.

We ask for your partnership in this effort. Please engage in regular, constructive conversations with your student-athlete about grades, attendance, and the importance of balancing responsibilities. Our teachers, tutors, and coaches are ready to provide support, but lasting success depends on a shared commitment from school and home.

Thank you for helping us uphold the mission of Excelsior Classical Academy: to foster scholars of virtue and excellence who meet high expectations in every arena. Together, we will ensure that our athletes thrive not only on the field but, more importantly, in the classroom and in life.