How can I be sure my son/daughter will be well cared for?
The house parents and instructors at the Core Golf Junior Academy tend to “over-parent” the students, meaning they will have less freedom than they do at home. Permission forms that allow exceptions are available. We employ reputable and quality people who are known to us or referred by trusted colleagues and friends, and we conduct rigorous background and police checks on all potential and current staff members.
What kind of support is there for the student’s academics?
We recognize that our students are dedicated golfers and we are committed to helping them achieve their golf goals. However, we are just as committed to ensuring success in academics.
All students are responsible for attending classes, completing homework and obtaining satisfactory marks. To assist with academics, we offer the following:
- We arrange for tutors at the request of the parents.
- Should academic marks fall below acceptable levels, students are required to devote more time to school work until their marks are at acceptable levels. This may mean a suspension of the golf program and they may not be allowed to play in tournaments.
- Students are expected to attend school classes and to complete required homework. They have a mandatory study period every evening from Monday through Thursday.
What are the key areas of the golf program?
The goal of the golf program is to make our students the best golfers they can be and to prepare them for college golf. The objective is to lower their scores and to help them reach their potential as players.
Our program focuses on the following:
- Swing fundamentals
- Short game and putting
- Course management skills
- Fitness and nutrition
- Golf psychology/mental performance
After an initial evaluation period, each student receives a personalized program based on his or her strengths and weaknesses in all areas. Progress is reviewed monthly and individual programs are amended based on results. There are mini-competitions among the students each week.
Do students compete in tournaments?
Students play in an average of two events per month. Tournaments provide our coaches with the opportunity to test students` skills and to monitor their improvement and see how they are incorporating their lessons into their games.
Students learn how to:
- Prepare for tournaments
- Warm up for tournaments
- Develop tournament strategy
- Manage their games and their emotions under pressure
Our students play the majority of their tournaments on the top junior tours in Florida: the Future Collegian’s World Tour and the Florida Junior Tour, both of which draw some of the best junior players in the world.
The FCWT and FJT are both scouted by coaches from many of the top college golf teams in the United States. This provides our students with the advantage of becoming known to college coaches, which vastly improves the opportunities for obtaining scholarships.
Is there a dress code?
Students are supplied with a selection of Core Golf Junior Academy apparel, including shirts and outerwear.
They are required to wear their Core apparel at all times while on the grounds of Orange County National Golf Center and while playing in tournaments during the school year. It is the responsibility of students to ensure their garments are cleaned and pressed.
In addition, the following dress code rules apply when participating in the golf program or attending tournaments:
- Pants must ride at the waist and be secured by a belt
- Shorts must be an appropriate length
- Jeans or cut-offs are not allowed
- Hats must face forward at all times
- Golf shoes must be clean and worn on the golf course and practice range
- Hair must be neatly trimmed
- Students are not to wear body piercing jewelry with the exception that female students may wear earrings.
- Tattoos cannot be visible.
What is your visitor’s policy?
Students may have non-academy guests if approved by their house parent. However, visitors of the opposite sex may only visit the common areas of the residences. Visitations must be kept to a minimum out of respect for your roommates. Privileges may be suspended at the discretion of Core Golf Junior Academy management. No visitors are allowed during designated study times.
Are there curfews?
The curfew for all students is 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For students under 16, curfew is always 9 p.m. unless special approval to stay out later has been granted by parents and communicated to the house parent.
What are the expectations for conduct?
All students are expected to be courteous and to show respect for their fellow students, teachers, coaches—everyone. Using profanity; throwing clubs; disrespecting other students, instructors, house parents, or teachers; purposely interfering with the learning process of a fellow student; and using or possessing drugs or alcohol are unacceptable and may result in a suspension or expulsion from the academy without refund. Incidents are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and parents are notified if an incident involving their son or daughter is under investigation.
How do meals work?
Each house is well stocked with healthy and nutritous food. Students are responsible for making their own breakfast and lunch (if they are not purchasing at the golf course or at school). Dinners are prepared for the students.
Can my child visit home during the year?
The Academy is closed for U.S. Thanksgiving, Christmas Holidays and Spring Break (around the end of March). Students leave the Academy and will often go home for a visit at these times. Special arrangements to leave the Academy at other times can be made throughout the year at the request of the parents.
When should a student apply for the full-year program?
For students looking to begin the full-time program in the fall, the best time to apply is early in the spring to allow enough time to complete the application at Windermere Prep and obtain the proper Visa documents.
How can I schedule a visit?
Core Golf Junior Academy welcomes visits by families considering our program. To schedule a visit, contact info@coregolfacademy.com.
Are international students issued an I-20 document?
International students attending Windermere Prep are issued an I-20, a United States Department of Homeland Security document issued by educational facilities that support the issuing of an educational visa.
Are there payment options?
Tuition can be paid with a check from a U.S. dollar account or with a U.S. money order, or wire transfer.
What should I bring to the Academy?
Linen, towels and pillows are supplied by the Academy. It is recommended that students bring the following:
- Golf equipment and accessories (balls, shoes, caps, umbrella, etc.)
- School supplies if attending high school
- Clothes (golf, work-out, casual, other)
- Toiletries
- Running shoes
- Shorts and bathing suit
- Sunscreen
- Movies
- Laptop computer with wireless internet card
- Portable music players and music
Where are the housing facilities located?
The student residence is located in Windermere, Florida, just eight minutes from the golf course.
Can I have a car at the Academy?
Only non-resident students may have a car at the Academy.
Where do students fly to and from?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is conveniently located just 30 minutes from the student residence.
How can I access the Internet?
Students in residence have free access to wireless Internet.