INTERNATIONAL
STUDENT-ATHLETE PROGRAM
Our Philosophy
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academic discipline
You are a student first. We emphasize classroom focus and intellectual rigor, ensuring you have the strong academic foundation required to unlock collegiate opportunities.
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STRONG CHARACTER
Who you are matters as much as how you play. We cultivate leadership, accountability, and integrity, preparing you to represent your team and community with pride.
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DAILY COMMITMENT
Success is a daily choice. We demand a consistent work ethic and a dedication to continuous improvement, turning routine efforts into long-term athletic success.
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THE END GOAL
Our mission is to help players develop not only their skills on the court, but also the habits and mindset required to pursue opportunities at the collegiate and professional levels.
World-Class Academics. Elite Athletic Development.
About St. Jude’s Academy
Located in Mississauga within the Greater Toronto Area, St. Jude’s Academy is a private International Baccalaureate (IB) school dedicated to academic excellence and high-performance student development.
The school combines a globally recognized education with a supportive environment for students pursuing elite athletic training and competitive success.
Why Students Choose St. Jude’s Academy
International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum
A globally respected academic program designed to develop critical thinking, leadership, and university readiness.
Small Class Sizes
Students receive individualized attention and personalized academic support to maximize performance both inside and outside the classroom.
Modern Campus & Learning Facilities
Contemporary classrooms, advanced learning spaces, and a professional educational environment designed for student success.
Safe & Structured Environment
A secure and supportive school culture that encourages discipline, confidence, and personal growth.
University & College Placement
SJA prep basketball players advance to university programs across Canada and the U.S. through strong athletic and academic preparation.
Student athletes from the SJA prep basketball program have continued their academic and athletic careers at universities and colleges across Canada and the United States.
Through a combination of high level training, competitive game experience, and academic preparation, players from both the men’s and women’s programs have earned opportunities to compete at the NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NJCAA, and Canadian U Sports and CCAA levels.
The student athletes highlighted on the following page, represent recent examples of players who have advanced to the next level of university basketball.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
BASKETBALL PROGRAM
St. Jude’s Academy offers one of the most competitive prep basketball programs in the region. The program is designed to provide student-athletes with a high performance training environment while maintaining strong academic standards.
A Competitive Development Environment
Approximately 90 student-athletes train in the program each year, across both men’s and women’s teams. Players train and compete in a structured program that focuses on skill development, team systems, and competitive game experience. Practices are scheduled throughout the day depending on the team and training block. Some training sessions begin as early as 6:30AM a few days per week, while others take place during the school day or in the evenings.
During the first 2–3 weeks after arrival, players are evaluated and placed on teams according to their level and development needs.
Program features include:
Daily basketball training and team practices
Access to three full size FIBA regulation basketball courts and two training courts
Fully equipped strength and conditioning facilities
Competitive schedule averaging approximately 30 games per season
Participation in top regional prep basketball competitions
Program Features
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Daily basketball training & team practices
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Access to three full size FIBA regulation basketball courts and two training courts
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Fully equipped strength and conditioning facilities
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Competitive schedule averaging approximately 30 games per season
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Participation in top regional prep basketball competitions
Academic
& Athletic Balance
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Students attend St. Jude’s Academy full-time, with the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
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Teachers and coaches collaborate to help student-athletes balance demanding training schedules with their coursework.
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Small class sizes provide individual attention, helping players develop discipline, time management, and strong study habits.
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Basketball is fully integrated into the academic experience to ensure development in both areas, which is vital for securing collegiate opportunities.
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Because top universities evaluate both academic performance and athletic ability, the program is specifically structured to support success in both fields.
Day in the Life
Student athletes at St. Jude’s Academy follow a structured schedule that balances academic development, basketball training, and personal time. Training schedules vary depending on the team and practice block. On days with early training sessions, the day may look like the following:
Morning
6:15 AM
The school bus picks up students from the residence and brings them to the basketball dome
6:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Morning team practice
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM
Breakfast is served at the school
Afternoon
Evening
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Academic classes begin
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
Students may bring their own lunch, purchase food from the school cafeteria, or leave campus to eat nearby.
Students in Grades 11 and 12 typically have several spare periods during the day. These can be used for:
Completing school work
Studying or meeting with teachers and coaches
Strength and conditioning training in the gym
Individual basketball skill work
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
or 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Afternoon and evening team practices/training are scheduled in two hour blocks.
Players who have a morning practice session will not have practice again that same evening.
Evening
A school bus returns students to the residence twice each evening at a set time (typically 4:00PM or 6:00PM).
Dinner is served at the residence in the evening. Students may also continue to use the school’s athletic facilities in the evening when available.
COMPETITION & U.S. TOURNAMENTS
Our program provides student athletes with travel opportunities, high-level competition, and meaningful exposure to help them develop their game and gain recognition at the next level.
U.S. Tournaments: Selected players have opportunities to travel and compete against top programs in the United States for high-level exposure.
Estimated Cost: Travel costs vary by location, averaging approximately $400 CAD per tournament weekend.
Requirements: Participation in these U.S. events may require additional travel documentation.
Student Residence
International student athletes live in a supervised student residence located a short distance from the school campus.
Location & Commute: Located 4.6 km from St. Jude’s Academy (about an 8-minute drive). Daily school bus transportation is provided for classes and training.
Environment: Offers a structured, supportive setting tailored for international students adapting to life in Canada.
Residence features include:
11 single occupancy rooms
3 double occupancy rooms
Live-in guardian supervision
Two meals provided daily
Transportation to and from school
Support for daily student needs
RESIDENCE LIFE
The student residence is designed to provide a comfortable, structured, and supervised environment where students can live, study, and build friendships with teammates.
Common Spaces & Supervision: Features a large common area, dining space, and kitchen for meals, socializing, and evening relaxation. A live-in resident guardian is always present to provide supervision and support.
Student Responsibilities: Students are expected to clear their own dishes, help keep common areas tidy, maintain their own rooms on a regular cleaning schedule, and do their own laundry using the on-site facilities.
Gender/Housing Status: The current facility is an all-boys residence. Female student-athletes are advised to contact the school directly to request information on available housing options.
International Student Support
St. Jude’s Academy provides guidance and support for international students throughout the entire process.
This includes:
Assistance with study permit documentation
Guidance through the visa application process
Arrival support and orientation
Assistance with opening bank accounts and phone plans
Ongoing communication with parents
The goal is to ensure that students transition smoothly into life in Canada both academically and personally.
What the Program Includes
Full academic enrollment at St. Jude’s Academy
Basketball program participation, including daily training and skill development led by experienced coaches with high-level playing and coaching backgrounds
School uniform
Full basketball uniform set and team apparel
Housing and supervision
Two daily meals
Transportation to and from school
Membership to Wynn Fitness, providing access to strength training facilities and a swimming pool for conditioning and recovery
International student support services
Community & School Integration
While St. Jude’s Academy has a strong basketball community, student athletes are fully integrated into the broader school environment.
Full Community Involvement: Basketball players are expected to be an active part of the entire school population. They attend regular classes alongside non-athlete peers, participate in school-wide activities, and connect with students from diverse backgrounds and interests.
Unified School Culture: The program aims to cultivate a shared environment where both athletes and non-athletes learn and grow together.
Holistic Development: This integrated approach supports social, academic, and personal growth while students maintain the discipline and commitment needed for high-level basketball.