Southern Preparatory Academy - Review #1

The curriculum was definitively challenging, and the way courses were set up allowed for more teaching time than a normal school or prep. The class structure was 90 minutes per 4 classes and being all makes it allowed for a more comfortable, less pressurized environment.

The best thing that happened was my sense of self. Before attending, I never really considered what I truly want to do with my life/career until their way of instructing made me realize I had potential and to do whatever I wanted at that. Diving into my own interests was the best thing that happened because I came out a more rigid and determined man than the boy who went in with little ambition for the long-term future.

I wouldn’t have been so worried about what to expect. There are a lot of great programs to get into, so it really isn’t hard to find something you like. Also, being with all guys was a lot less stressful than I thought. You form a bond with all your brothers and the pressure of females to impress isn’t there. You perform better and more clear minded.

The regimentation of everything yet still having your own individual flexibility. There is a schedule to follow, yet you can choose what your schedule is mostly and what you do in your free time is yours. There is ALWAYS something to do and if you’re a part of any sports team, it makes the experience that much better.

Be yourself. No matter what, always remember your roots. It is easy to get caught up in the crowd of what everyone else is doing or working for, but if you stay humble to your beginnings, you can always rely on yourself for support. Also, try as many activities as you can. Find what truly interests you and will make you happy doing for a living. Be true and be smart, your efforts will not go unrewarded.

I really enjoyed the course structure and the way things were taught. They don’t focus on drilling you with information as much as they do making sure of your thoroughness of the topic(s). You will have to interact with your classmates, which is great, because social skills are most important in this big world of ours. Also, the courses were rigorous but rewarding. You earn this feeling of accomplishment when you pass them because you know that it wasn’t an easy A or B.

The athletics were great. Almost everyone there is in shape physically, so there is always a competitive edge on the field. Being all boys, it makes it that much tougher. With no girls to show out for, it’s all about being the strongest, fastest, smartest player out there. Practice makes you perform individually, games make you perform cohesively as a unit. The coaches know what they’re doing, trust the process and focus on what you’re doing wrong (or right).

To be honest, I wasn’t one for any of the visual arts or music until after high school. In regards to other students, however, the art and music programs were very enhancing to their skills. Those who took it seriously learned many techniques and honed their skills to be much more precise than previously. The band was very impressive, both as individual students and a whole.

The fact that there was brotherhood no matter what you were interested in. Maybe there aren’t as many extracurricular groups as there would be a normal HS, but whatever you’re involved in, everyone else present is passionate about. There is no time for drama as you’re all there with an end goal in mind or at least a goal.

At first you’re nervous about open showers and sleeping in a bunk room, but honestly it’s more fun that way. It breaks down any insecurities you have about yourself and other people. Having a roommate keeps your head on straight and you do the same for them because they keep your cleanliness honest and even your academics. I never really noticed people having issues with their roommates, surely some didn’t see eye to eye on everything but there was almost always the same level of respect going both ways.

As opposed to the junior boot camp I went to, you’re allowed to chow and talk to your fellow cadets. Foods of all kind are served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Variety is highly important for your stomach and tastebuds, and they did a great job of switching things up throughout the week and weekends. Be sure to clear your plate, you’ll need all the energy you can get!!

It’s very rural, so it doesn’t have a city feel, almost like everyone can know each other. Stores are small with mom, and pop shops outnumbering anything resembling a chain or franchise. People are mostly nice and very laid back, with the country lifestyle/mindset engrained in them. I enjoyed the serenity. There wasn’t much bustling around so practically wherever you went you could enjoy the peace of nature.

It was extremely easy to make friends because regardless of your reason for attending the school, everyone wanted to be there. Almost everyone was like-minded and inclined in the nature to succeed off each other and individually. Being “popular” was easy for just about anybody that wanted to make friends, although that wasn’t the goal. You make brothers for life.