From Riding to Online A Levels: How Hattie Found the Perfect High School for Student Athletes

For student athletes, finding the right balance between academics and training can be one of the biggest challenges of teenage life. Early morning practices, travel for competitions, and demanding schedules often clash with the rigid structure of traditional schools. Many aspiring athletes face a tough choice: pursue their passion or keep up with their studies.

But what if there was another way - a school designed for student athletes?

This is the story of Hattie, a young equestrian rider from New Zealand who discovered that the right school environment could allow her to pursue both her academic and athletic ambitions. By enrolling in Crimson Global Academy (CGA) - an accredited online high school for student athletes - Hattie was able to keep up with her studies while competing at a national level.

Her journey is a powerful example of what happens when flexible education meets determination.

The Challenge of Being a Student Athlete

Life as a student athlete is never simple. Training hours are long, competitions require travel, and the physical and mental demands leave little energy for schoolwork. Traditional classrooms, with their fixed timetables, don’t adapt to the unique needs of young athletes.

For Hattie, who spends hours training and competing with her horses, this challenge was clear. At her previous school, she often had to choose between preparing for competitions or meeting deadlines. The more her equestrian career grew, the harder it became to stay on track academically.

She needed a school model designed with athletes in mind.

Discovering an Online School for Athletes

When Hattie and her family found Crimson Global Academy, everything changed. Unlike traditional schools, CGA offered:

• Flexible schedules so she could train in the afternoon and attend online classes in the morning.
• Ability-based placement, letting her study subjects at the right academic level.
• Globally recognised qualifications, including the British Online A Levels, opening doors to top universities worldwide.

For the first time, her education adapted to her lifestyle - not the other way around - as Hattie explains:

I can go to classes in the morning, then head to the stables in the afternoon without feeling like I’m falling behind. CGA has really given me the balance I needed.

Thriving in the Classroom and Founding CGA's First Equestrian Team

With her new schedule, Hattie thrived in both academics and athletics:

Through CGA’s online A Levels, she gained access to world-class teachers, small class sizes, and personalised support. The flexibility allowed her to excel in demanding subjects while still pursuing sport.

One highlight of Hattie’s journey was helping to create CGA’s first student equestrian team. Despite being an online school with students across the globe, CGA supports extracurriculars and student-led communities - showing that even in a digital school, students can collaborate, compete, and represent their academy with pride. Hattie agrees:

Starting the equestrian team was so exciting because it meant we could represent CGA together. Even though we study online, we still get to have a team spirit and support each other at competitions.

With more training time, Hattie and her teammates achieved outstanding results at the North Island Secondary Schools Show Hunter Carnival:

• 1st in 80 cm Equitation
• 1st in Open 90 cm
• 2nd in 90 cm Equitation
• 2nd in Open 1 m
• Winning the overall Schools Team title

Her victories proved she could balance academic success and athletic excellence - with the right school support.

Why Online Schools Work for Student Athletes

Hattie’s story reflects a global trend: more athletes are choosing online schools for athletes to balance training and academics. Key benefits include:

• Flexible schedules – study live or on-demand.
• Portability – learn from home, training camps, or competitions abroad.
• Efficient learning – smaller classes and expert teachers.
• University pathways – through online A Levels or the US Diploma, students can prepare for elite universities.

From equestrian riders to swimmers, gymnasts, or footballers, online education offers a model fit for athletes’ lifestyles.

Beyond the Classroom: Life Skills for Athletes

Online learning also builds critical life skills that student athletes need, such as:

• Time management
• Independence and self-motivation
• Resilience
• Leadership – as seen in Hattie co-founding the equestrian team

These skills prepare students not only for university and sport but also for their careers beyond athletics.

Inspiring Student Athletes Worldwide

Hattie’s story proves that with the right support, student athletes don’t have to choose between school and sport. Online high schools like CGA provide flexibility, academic rigour, and community, making it possible to excel in both so students like Hattie can thrive on all levels:

CGA has shown me that being a student athlete doesn’t mean choosing one path over the other. You can follow your dreams in sport and still aim high academically.

Whether pursuing online A Levels, training for elite competitions, or joining a global student community, Crimson Global Academy offers a pathway where passion and education can thrive together.

Are you or your child a student athlete looking for the right school?

Discover how Crimson Global Academy supports athletes worldwide with flexible schedules, rigorous academics, and vibrant communities.

Learn more and apply today