Colorado’s Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA), a tuition-free, online public school, has received NCAA approval for its core curriculum, giving student-athletes a chance to pursue their academic and athletic goals without compromise. This approval allows students who plan to play college sports to take the necessary courses and stay on track with their education while training and competing in their chosen sports.
One student who is benefiting from this flexibility is Davian, a junior at CODCA from Maybell, Colorado. Davian has been playing hockey since he was 7 years old. Now, in his first year of online school, he spends over 30 hours a week on training, practices, and games for his Junior Pro League team. His busy schedule made it difficult to keep up with a traditional school, but CODCA’s online format allows him to balance his education and athletic career.
“I was spending 30-plus hours a week playing hockey, and the teachers [at CODCA] understand the situation I’m in, but they still hold me accountable,” says Davian. His story highlights how CODCA helps students stay on track academically, no matter how packed their athletic schedules may be.
Flexibility for Busy Athletes
CODCA offers a flexible learning environment for students like Davian, who need to manage demanding practice schedules that don’t fit into a traditional school day. Students can access their coursework online anytime, anywhere, allowing them to learn on their own schedule. This flexibility makes it easier for athletes to focus on their sport while still keeping up with their studies.
“Ensuring that our students experience a safe and supportive learning environment that helps them thrive is one of our biggest priorities,” says Teri Cady, Executive Director of CODCA. “Receiving NCAA approval means that our state’s elite athlete students no longer must choose between getting a sound education and pursuing their passions. They can manage their busy training schedules while still getting a Colorado public school education at CODCA that offers them the flexibility and opportunities to pursue their athletic passions.”
Benefits of CODCA’s NCAA Approval
CODCA’s NCAA approval is especially important for students who dream of playing college sports. The NCAA, which oversees college athletics, requires student-athletes to take specific courses and meet certain academic standards to be eligible to compete at the college level. With CODCA’s NCAA-approved curriculum, athletes can now complete their high school coursework and meet these requirements from home, without disrupting their training schedule.
CODCA serves students in grades 4–12 across Colorado. As a part of the Colorado public school system, it is tuition-free and gives students access to high-quality education that includes career exploration in fields like agriculture, business, health, and STEM. Students can also earn college credits while still in high school, potentially saving thousands of dollars on tuition.
About The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
The NCAA is the organization that manages college athletics, helping students pursue both academic and athletic success. It is divided into three divisions—Division I, Division II, and Division III—which offer different levels of competition and scholarship opportunities. For more information on NCAA eligibility requirements, visit ncaa.org.
About Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA)
Destinations Career Academy of Colorado is a full-time public school that offers online education to students in grades 4–12. It is a part of the Colorado public school system and is powered by K12, a leader in online education. CODCA provides students with the flexibility to learn from home while exploring careers in various fields and earning college credits. To learn more about CODCA, visit codca.k12.com.
