Where Champions Are Educated
An international sports boarding school for grades 9–12, located on the campus of Saint Leo University in Florida — where elite athletics, college-preparatory academics, and world-class residential life come together.
Saint Leo Academy is a premier international sports academy built for student-athletes who refuse to choose between the game they love and the future they deserve. On the historic campus of Saint Leo University, students train under professional coaching in partnership with Benfica, study in small college-preparatory classes, and live in a safe, structured boarding community alongside peers from around the world. This is more than high school. This is the launchpad.
Begin Your Journey — Inquire Now
- Affiliated with Saint Leo University — Founded 1889
- Official Soccer Partner of Benfica
- Dual Enrollment Pathway: Earn University Credit in High School
- Grades 9–12 | Boarding & Day Options | International Students Welcome
- Elite Athletic Development
- College-Preparatory Curriculum
- Safe Residential Campus
- Global Student Community
Three Core Pillars
| ATHELTICS | ACADEMICS | BOARDING |
|---|---|---|
| Train like a professional. Compete with purpose. Develop under elite coaching in partnership with Benfica. | Learn in small classes on a university campus — with dual enrollment courses at Saint Leo University. | Live in a safe, supportive residential community designed for growth, friendship, and independence. |
- Grades 9–12 — A Complete College-Preparatory Boarding Experience
- Students from Across the Globe — Bringing Diverse Experiences Together
- Small Class Sizes (18:1) — Personalized Attention for Every Student
- University Campus — Live and Learn on the Grounds of Saint Leo University
- Dual Enrollment — Earn Saint Leo University Credit Before Graduation
- Benfica Partnership — Professional Soccer Methodology, World-Renowned Standards
One Campus. One Community. One Extraordinary Advantage.
Every year, families around the world search for a school that can do it all — develop their child as an athlete, challenge them as a scholar, and care for them as a person. Most schools ask you to compromise. Saint Leo Academy was founded so you never have to.
As a university-affiliated boarding school located on the campus of Saint Leo University, we offer something genuinely rare in American education: a private college-preparatory academy where high school students live, learn, and train within a real university environment. Our students walk the same grounds as university undergraduates. They experience university-inspired learning years before their peers. And through our signature dual enrollment pathway, qualified students can take courses at Saint Leo University — earning college credit while still in high school.
Why families choose Saint Leo Academy:
Operating under the umbrella of Saint Leo University — one of Florida's oldest institutions of higher learning — our students benefit from a campus, culture, and academic ecosystem designed for what comes next. College readiness is not a promise here. It is the environment itself.
Our soccer program is built in partnership with Benfica, one of the most respected names in world football. Student-athletes train with professional methodology, high-performance sports science, and coaching that develops the complete player — and the complete person.
This is a true college-preparatory boarding school, not a training center with classes attached. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty, advanced coursework, and personalized academic advising ensure every student graduates prepared for competitive university admission.
Safety, structure, and belonging define residential life at Saint Leo Academy. Students live in supervised residence halls with dedicated residential advisors, supported by a community that quickly becomes a second family.
Rooted in the values of our university affiliation, we develop young people of integrity — students who lead on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
With students arriving from across the United States and around the world, Saint Leo Academy is an international high school in the truest sense — a place where friendships cross borders and perspectives expand daily.
The Three Pillars of Saint Leo Academy
Every great institution is built on a foundation. Ours has three: Athletics, Academics, and Boarding. Together, they form a complete education for the modern student-athlete — one that develops champions in competition, scholars in the classroom, and leaders in life.
Athletics: Train With Purpose. Compete With Pride
Saint Leo Academy is a high-performance sports academy where athletic development is engineered, not left to chance. Our flagship soccer program — built in official partnership with Benfica — brings professional European training methodology to the heart of Florida. Every session, every match, and every measurement is part of a long-term development plan tailored to the individual athlete.
Features:
- Professional coaching staff with elite playing and coaching backgrounds
- Benfica partnership: proven methodology, standards, and pathways
- Daily high-performance training integrated into the academic schedule
- Strength & conditioning, sports science, and injury-prevention programs
- Competitive match play against top regional and national competition
- Video analysis and individual development plans
- College athletic recruiting guidance and exposure support
Benefits:
Athletes graduate faster, stronger, smarter, and more competitive — with the technical foundation, tactical intelligence, and personal discipline to pursue soccer at the collegiate level and beyond.
Academics: A College-Preparatory Education on a University Campus
Academic excellence is not a supporting act at Saint Leo Academy — it shares top billing. Our grades 9–12 college-preparatory curriculum is delivered in small classes by dedicated faculty, on the campus of Saint Leo University. And through our distinctive dual enrollment pathway, qualified students can enroll in actual Saint Leo University courses, earning transferable college credit before they ever receive their high school diploma.
Features:
- Rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, grades 9–12
- Dual enrollment courses at Saint Leo University — our signature academic advantage
- Small class sizes and personalized learning plans
- Advanced and honors-level coursework
- Modern classroom technology and university-inspired learning spaces
- Academic advising, tutoring, and structured study halls
- English language support through our International Bridge Program
Benefits:
Students graduate with more than a transcript — they graduate with genuine university experience, college credit potential, refined study habits, and the intellectual confidence to thrive at competitive universities worldwide.
Boarding Life: A Home Away From Home — On a University Campus
Boarding at Saint Leo Academy means living within one of the most beautiful university settings in Florida, surrounded by rolling hills, lakefront views, and a community built on care. Our residential program balances structure with independence, giving students the safety parents expect and the growth students need.
Features:
- Supervised residence halls with dedicated residential advisors
- 24/7 campus safety and structured evening routines
- Nutritious dining designed for active student-athletes
- Weekend excursions, activities, and campus events
- Health, wellness, and counseling support services
- Life-skills programming: time management, independence, responsibility
- An international residential community built across cultures
Benefits:
Students develop maturity, independence, and lifelong friendships in a setting that feels both aspirational and safe — preparing them not just for university admission, but for university life.
World-Class Soccer Development in the Heart of Florida
There are sports academies that promise elite development. And there are academies that partner with one of the most successful football clubs on earth to deliver it. Saint Leo Academy's soccer program is built in official partnership with Benfica — a club whose academy has produced generations of world-class talent. That partnership shapes everything we do: our training methodology, our performance standards, our coaching philosophy, and our belief that every player can be developed further than they imagined.
Coaches Who Develop Players — and People
Our coaching staff combines professional playing experience, advanced licensure, and a genuine commitment to teaching. Informed by Benfica's development methodology, sessions are purposeful, progressive, and individualized. Players are not simply drilled; they are studied, understood, and developed.
Every Session Has a Purpose
Training at Saint Leo Academy follows a periodized annual plan that integrates seamlessly with the academic day. Technical mastery, tactical intelligence, physical development, and mental performance are trained deliberately — with measurable benchmarks at every stage.
Built for the Modern Game
Certified strength and conditioning coaches design age-appropriate programs focused on speed, power, agility, and durability. Athletes learn to train intelligently — building the physical foundation that separates good players from great ones.
Data-Informed. Athlete-Centered.
From performance monitoring and load management to recovery protocols, nutrition education, and injury prevention, our sports science approach protects athletes today while developing them for tomorrow.
Compete Where It Counts
Saint Leo Academy teams compete in high-level fixtures, tournaments, and showcase events against top regional and national opposition — the proving grounds where development becomes performance, and performance gets noticed.
The Badge Comes With Responsibility
We develop captains, not just players. Through team leadership roles, community standards, and mentorship, our athletes learn accountability, resilience, humility in victory, and grace in defeat — the qualities coaches and universities look for beyond the highlight reel.
Your Talent, Seen by the Right People
Our staff supports the college recruiting journey with highlight film guidance, showcase exposure, coach communication coaching, and honest evaluations of collegiate fit. We do not guarantee athletic scholarships or NCAA placement — no honest academy can. What we provide is elite preparation, genuine exposure, and expert guidance every step of the way.
The Long-Term Athlete, Not the Short-Term Result
We measure success in trajectories, not trophies. Our training philosophy — informed by the Benfica partnership — prioritizes technical excellence, game intelligence, and love of the sport, developing players who peak when it matters most: at the next level.
Soccer Today. More Tomorrow.
- Soccer (Boys & Girls) — Now enrolling. Official partnership with Benfica.
- Tennis — Coming soon
- Volleyball — Coming soon
- Additional sports in development — Announcements to follow
Train on a University Campus
Student-athletes benefit from access to outstanding athletic facilities within the Saint Leo University campus environment, including quality training pitches, strength and conditioning spaces, and recovery resources — a setting that mirrors the collegiate athletic experience they are preparing for.
Where High School Meets Higher Education
At most sports academies, academics are an accommodation. At Saint Leo Academy, they are an ambition. Our college-preparatory curriculum for grades 9–12 is designed to place graduates in competitive universities — and our location on the campus of Saint Leo University gives students an academic environment no ordinary high school can replicate.
The Dual Enrollment Advantage
This is Saint Leo Academy's defining academic differentiator. Qualified students may enroll in courses at Saint Leo University while completing their high school studies — sitting in university classrooms, learning from university faculty, and earning college credit that can accelerate their degree. Few boarding schools in America can offer high school students an authentic university academic experience on the same campus where they live. We can.
College-Preparatory Curriculum
Our curriculum spans English, mathematics, laboratory sciences, social sciences, world languages, and electives — sequenced to meet and exceed university admission requirements in the United States and internationally. Honors and advanced coursework challenge students ready to go further.
Every Student Known. Every Student Challenged.
Small class sizes mean teachers know their students — their strengths, their gaps, and their goals. Individual learning plans, regular progress reviews, and accessible faculty ensure no student drifts and no talent goes unnoticed
Educators Who Chose This Mission
Our faculty are experienced, credentialed educators who understand the unique rhythm of a student-athlete's life. They teach with rigor, mentor with patience, and hold every student to a standard worthy of their potential.
University-Inspired Learning
Modern classrooms, digital learning platforms, and access to appropriate university resources create a learning environment that feels less like high school and more like a preview of what's ahead.
Educated to Think, Prepared to Lead
Beyond content mastery, our academic program develops analysis, argument, collaboration, and communication — the durable intellectual skills that define successful university students and future leaders.
A Team Behind Every Transcript
Dedicated academic advisors monitor progress, coordinate with coaches, structure study time, and guide course selection — including the dual enrollment pathway — so athletic ambition and academic achievement rise together.
Live Where You Learn. Grow Where You Live.
Choosing a boarding school means entrusting a community with your child's daily life. We take that trust seriously. Boarding at Saint Leo Academy is warm, structured, and safe — set within the remarkable environment of the Saint Leo University campus, where rolling Florida hills meet lakefront views and a century-old tradition of community.
Campus Living
Students live on the grounds of a genuine university campus — an environment that inspires maturity while providing the oversight and care a high school student needs. Everything is close: classrooms, training facilities, dining, and green spaces made for Florida sunshine.
Residence Halls
Comfortable, well-maintained residence halls are organized by age and gender, with common spaces designed for study, connection, and downtime. Rooms are a student's home base — and quickly feel like home.
Residential Advisors
Trained residential advisors live alongside students, providing supervision, mentorship, and a trusted adult presence day and night. They know every student by name, story, and goal.
Dining
Our dining program fuels active lives with varied, nutritious menus designed with student-athletes in mind — including performance-oriented options and accommodations for dietary and cultural needs.
Safety
Safety is the foundation of everything. Structured schedules, supervised residences, campus safety services, clear community standards, and defined check-in routines give parents confidence from across the country — or across the world.
Weekend Life
Weekends bring balance: campus activities, excursions to Florida attractions, beach trips, team events, and quiet time to recharge. Boarding life is full — never empty, never idle.
Student Support
Counseling, wellness resources, health services access, and academic support are woven into residential life. When a student needs help, help is near.
An International Community
With students carrying diverse experiences living side by side, our residence halls are one of the most quietly powerful classrooms on campus. Students graduate with friends — and perspectives — from every corner of the world.
Life Skills & Independence
Laundry. Time management. Budgeting a weekend. Resolving a roommate disagreement. Boarding life teaches the unglamorous, invaluable skills that make university transition seamless — and adulthood successful.
The Power of a University Behind You
Saint Leo Academy is officially affiliated with Saint Leo University and operates under the university's umbrella — a relationship that shapes our students' daily experience in ways no standalone boarding school can match.
What the affiliation means for your student:
A True University Campus. Our students don't visit a university campus on field trips — they live on one. The Saint Leo University campus in Florida, with its historic architecture, lakefront setting, and vibrant academic atmosphere, is their everyday environment.
University-Inspired Learning. The standards, spaces, and spirit of higher education surround our students from day one. College stops being an abstraction and becomes a familiar world — one they already know how to navigate.
The Dual Enrollment Pathway. Qualified Academy students may take courses at Saint Leo University, earning college credit while still in high school. It is an academic head start few schools anywhere can offer.
Access to University Resources. Where appropriate, Academy students benefit from access to university facilities and resources — enriching their academic, athletic, and residential experience.
A College-Focused Culture. Surrounded daily by university students, faculty, and traditions, our students internalize what college readiness actually looks like — academically, socially, and personally.
An Institution With Heritage. Saint Leo University's roots reach back to 1889. Our Academy is young; our foundation is not.
A note of integrity: enrollment at Saint Leo Academy does not guarantee admission to Saint Leo University or any other institution. What it provides is authentic preparation — and a meaningful advantage.
Built for What Comes Next
Every element of Saint Leo Academy — the curriculum, the coaching, the campus, the community — points toward one destination: a successful university future. Our college preparation program makes that future a plan, not a hope.
College Counseling. From ninth grade onward, dedicated counselors guide students through course planning, standardized testing strategy, university research, application essays, and admission timelines for U.S. and international universities.
Athletic Recruiting Support. For student-athletes pursuing college soccer, our staff provides recruiting education, highlight and profile development, showcase guidance, and support communicating with college coaches — grounded in honest assessment and realistic pathways. We prepare and support; we never promise placements or scholarships.
The Dual Enrollment Edge. Students who complete Saint Leo University coursework don't just tell admission committees they're ready for college — they show them, with real university credit on a real university transcript.
Leadership Development. Captaincies, residential leadership roles, service opportunities, and mentorship programs build the leadership record — and the leadership character — universities seek.
Career Exploration. Advising, guest speakers, and exposure to university academic pathways help students connect present effort to future purpose, whether that future is in sport, business, science, or beyond.
One of Florida's Most Beautiful Campuses Is Your Student's Backyard
Set among rolling hills and lakefront views in the heart of Florida, the Saint Leo University campus offers Saint Leo Academy students a daily environment that is equally inspiring and grounding. Between Tampa and Orlando, close to international airports yet worlds away from distraction, it is a place built for focus, growth, and belonging.
A day in the life:
Morning training under professional coaching on quality pitches. Afternoon classes in modern, university-inspired learning spaces. Evenings of structured study, dining with teammates from five continents, and downtime by the lake or in-residence hall lounges. Weekends of matches, excursions, campus events, and Florida sunshine.
Campus highlights:
- Historic university campus with lakefront setting
- Quality athletic and training facilities
- Modern classrooms and study spaces
- Comfortable, supervised residence halls
- Dining designed for active students
- Green spaces, walking paths, and year-round outdoor living
- A safe, contained campus community with defined boundaries and supervision
Community:
What students remember most isn't a building — it's belonging. Teammates become brothers and sisters. Advisors become mentors. A campus becomes a home. That is the Saint Leo Academy campus experience.
The World Comes to Saint Leo
Families from more than 30 countries choose Saint Leo Academy for a simple reason: it offers what international families most want from an American boarding school — safety, academic credibility, elite athletics, and genuine care — all within a university-affiliated campus community.
Why international families choose us:
An American Education With a University Address. Students earn a U.S. college-preparatory diploma while living on the campus of Saint Leo University — a powerful combination for families targeting American and international universities.
The International Bridge Program (ESL Support). Students still developing English proficiency are supported through our Bridge Program: structured English language instruction, sheltered academic support, and a clear pathway into the full college-preparatory curriculum. Language should open doors, never close them.
A Truly Global Community. No student is "the international kid" here — everyone is. Our residential community celebrates cultures, cuisines, and traditions from around the world, while building fluency in the shared languages of sport and friendship.
Easy to Reach. Located in Central Florida, our campus is conveniently accessible from Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport, with airport pickup coordination for arriving students.
Comprehensive Support Services. From I-20 issuance and visa guidance to orientation, cultural adjustment support, and year-round communication with parents abroad — our international student team supports families across every time zone.
Family Communication. Regular academic and athletic progress updates, translated support where possible, and responsive staff mean parents never feel far away — even from the other side of the world.
Your Journey to Saint Leo Academy
Intro: Admission to Saint Leo Academy is selective, personal, and refreshingly clear. Our admissions team guides every family, step by step, from first inquiry to first day.
Step 1 — Inquire.
Submit our inquiry form or email info@academy.saintleo.edu. An admissions counselor will respond promptly to learn about your student and answer your questions.
Step 2 — Apply.
Complete the online application and submit academic transcripts, a recommendation, and — for student-athletes — athletic history.
Step 3 — Interview & Evaluation.
Meet our team through a personal interview (on campus or by video). International applicants complete an English proficiency assessment for Bridge Program placement.
Step 4 — Admission Decision.
Our admissions committee reviews each application holistically — academics, athletics, character, and fit. Families receive a timely decision.
Step 5 — Enroll.
Accepted families complete enrollment agreements, tuition arrangements, and — for international students — visa documentation with our team's full support.
Step 6 — Arrive.
Welcome home. Orientation week introduces students to their residence hall, teammates, advisors, and the campus that will shape their next chapter.
Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Space in each grade and program is limited; early inquiry is strongly encouraged.
Is Saint Leo Academy Right for Your Family?
Saint Leo Academy is designed for students in grades 9–12 who want more than an ordinary high school experience — and are willing to work for it.
We are the right school for:
The Serious Student-Athlete. Athletes, especially Soccer players committed to reaching their potential through professional-standard training, competition, and development — without sacrificing academics.
The High Achiever. Students who want a rigorous college-preparatory education, small classes, and the chance to earn university credit through dual enrollment at Saint Leo University.
The International Student. Young people from around the world seeking a safe, structured American boarding school with real English language support and a welcoming global community.
The Future Leader. Students drawn to responsibility — on the pitch, in the classroom, and in their community — who want a school that develops character as deliberately as skill.
The College-Bound Family. Parents and students who see high school as the foundation of a university future, and want an environment purpose-built to prepare for it.
If that sounds like your student, we should talk.
For Parents
Sending your child to boarding school is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. Here is how we earn your trust.
Safety is our first responsibility. Students live in supervised residence halls with resident advisors, follow structured daily schedules with clear check-ins, and benefit from campus safety services within the Saint Leo University campus environment. Community standards are clear, consistently enforced, and built around student wellbeing.
Yes — by design. Training schedules are built around the academic day, not the other way around. Study halls are structured and supervised. Advisors track every student's progress, and faculty communicate directly with coaches. A struggling student gets support before a struggling season gets sympathy.
You'll never wonder. Families receive regular academic and athletic progress updates, access to our parent communication channels, and responsive staff who answer emails and calls across time zones. When something matters, you'll hear it from us first.
Wellness support, counseling resources, nutritious dining, mandatory rest built into training plans, and adults who genuinely know your child — happiness here is monitored as carefully as homework.
Everything at Saint Leo Academy is oriented toward what comes next: a college-preparatory diploma, potential university credit through dual enrollment, elite athletic development, college counseling, and the maturity that only a well-run boarding experience builds. We can't promise outcomes no one can promise — but we can promise preparation few schools can match.
Who Our Students Become
The true measure of Saint Leo Academy is not what students do here — it is who they become by the time they leave.
They become leaders. Captains of teams. Mentors to younger students. Young people who raise their hand, own their mistakes, and lift the people around them.
They become confident. Not the loud confidence of bravado — the quiet confidence of preparation. Our graduates walk into university classrooms and college tryouts already knowing they belong.
They become people of character. Discipline, honesty, humility, and resilience are trained here as deliberately as first touches and free kicks.
They grow academically. Stronger transcripts. Sharper thinking. Real university coursework completed through dual enrollment. Graduates leave prepared for competitive universities — with evidence to prove it.
They grow athletically. Measurably faster, stronger, and more tactically intelligent — developed under professional methodology and tested against elite competition.
They arrive at university ready. Having lived independently, managed their time, studied on a university campus, and competed at a high level, our graduates don't transition to university life. They continue it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saint Leo Academy is an international sports academy boarding school for grades 9–12, located on the campus of Saint Leo University in Florida. It combines elite athletics, a college-preparatory curriculum, and a full residential boarding experience.
Yes. Saint Leo Academy is officially affiliated with Saint Leo University and operates under the university's umbrella, with students living and learning on the university campus.
The Academy serves students in grades 9–12 (typically ages 14–18), with both boarding and admissions pathways for domestic and international students.
Qualified Academy students may take courses at Saint Leo University while completing high school, earning college credit before graduation. It is one of the Academy's signature academic advantages.
Soccer is the Academy's flagship sport, offered through an official partnership with Benfica. Additional sports — including tennis — are planned as the Academy grows.
Saint Leo Academy's soccer program is developed in partnership with Benfica, bringing professional European training methodology, standards, and development philosophy to our student-athletes in Florida.
On the campus of Saint Leo University in Central Florida, USA — between Tampa and Orlando, and conveniently reachable from Tampa International and Orlando International airports.
Yes. Saint Leo Academy is an international boarding school welcoming students from around the world, with dedicated support including visa guidance, airport arrival coordination, and English language support.
Our International Bridge Program provides structured ESL instruction and academic support, helping students build English proficiency while progressing toward the full college-preparatory curriculum.
Student safety is our highest priority. Students live in supervised residence halls with residential advisors, follow structured schedules, and benefit from campus safety services within the university campus environment.
Classes are intentionally small, allowing personalized attention, individual learning plans, and close relationships between students and faculty.
The daily schedule integrates both: academic classes and structured study time are protected, with training sessions built around the school day. Advisors and coaches communicate regularly to keep every student on track.
No — and no reputable school can make that promise. What we provide is exceptional preparation: rigorous academics, dual enrollment credit opportunities, elite athletic development, and dedicated college counseling and recruiting support.
Supervised residence halls, residential advisors, dining designed for student-athletes, weekend activities and excursions, wellness support, and a vibrant international community.
Yes, families interested in day enrollment should contact admissions at info@academy.saintleo.edu to discuss options.
Begin with our online inquiry form. The process includes an application, transcripts, and an interview. Admissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Tuition and boarding fees vary by program and enrollment type. Contact our admissions team for the current fee schedule and any available payment plans.
Through regular academic and athletic progress updates, parent communication channels, and responsive staff available across time zones.
Three things few schools can combine: an official affiliation with Saint Leo University (including dual enrollment), a professional soccer partnership with Benfica, and a true college-preparatory boarding experience on a university campus.
Submit our inquiry form or email info@academy.saintleo.edu. Our admissions team will arrange a personal campus tour or a virtual visit for international families.
Your Future Won't Wait. Neither Should You.
Somewhere in the world right now, a child just like yours is training on a university campus, sitting in a college classroom, and building a future most high schoolers only imagine. The only question is whether your child will be next.
Spaces at Saint Leo Academy are limited by design. Small classes, personalized coaching, and genuine residential care mean we grow carefully — and enroll selectively.
An admissions counselor will personally respond within one business day.
Connect With Saint Leo Academy
Saint Leo Academy
Located on the campus of Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida, USA
Email: info@academy.saintleo.edu
Tell us about your child. Whether you're exploring options or ready to apply, our admissions team will respond personally — usually within one business day.
Become Who You're Meant to Be
Great athletes are developed. Great students are cultivated. Great futures are built — deliberately, daily, in the right environment, surrounded by the right people.
Saint Leo Academy is that environment. On the campus of Saint Leo University. In partnership with Benfica. With a community that will believe in your student from day one.
The next chapter starts with a single step.