World Class Kiteboard Academy | Program

COVID-19 UPDATE

World Class Academy continues to closely monitor the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. As students, families, teachers, classrooms, and communities around the world continue to be affected, we stand by our commitment to provide engaging learning opportunities while mitigating the risks that are inherent with global travel.

We are running programs in person while adhering to our COVID-19 protocols. Our protocols are designed to minimize the risk of exposure and transmission among our group and the communities we visit. We are accepting master applications for the 2021-2022 school year and encourage students to apply. Prospective students and their families are encouraged to reach out with questions about our COVID-19 protocols or other details about our programs. 

COVID-19 UPDATE

PROGRAM

2024-2025 School Year

Brazil / Peru / South Africa / Western Sahara / Spain

Fall 2024: Brazil / Peru

August 25 - December 14

Flag of Brazil

Q1 Brazil

Flag of Peru

Q2 Peru

Spring 2025: South Africa / Morocco / Spain

January 19 - May 10

Q3 South Africa

Spain Flag

Q4 Western Sahara and Spain

  • August 25 – October 12 Q1 Brazil: Cumbuco, Taiba and Macapa
  • October 13 - November 2 Fall Break
  • November 3 - December 14 Q2 Peru: Negritas, Paracas
  • December 15 - January 18 Winter Break
  • January 19 - March 8 Q3 South Africa: Cape Town
  • March 9 - March 29 Spring Break
  • March 30 - May 10 Q4 Western Sahara and Spain: Dahkla, Tarifa

Food and Lodging

Food

The World Class team eats a variety of foods-- dependent primarily on the current destination.  While abroad, the program will either cook or eat food prepared for us in restaurants or by hired chefs. We will eat Tajine in Morocco, Lomo Saltado y Ceviche in Peru, Tapioca in Brazil, Gallo Pinto in Costa Rica... wherever in the world we are at, eating is an extension of the cultural experience. While in the United States or Canada, students and staff rotate between cooking responsibilities using our own cooking equipment. World Class Academy caters to any dietary needs and promotes healthy food choices. We always offer vegetarian options at meals and can cater to vegan diets as well. It is important while training that students eat well-rounded, nutritious meals. Students and staff help with shopping trips, cooking and clean-up duty when preparing meals for the group. This is often one of the most important life lessons that students take home.

Lodging

While traveling both internationally and within the United States, the program looks for comfortable accommodations close to the kite launch. During our time abroad, accommodations usually include cabins, lodges, hostels and kite centers with sleeping facilities. When in the U.S., the program will usually stay at large rental houses, hostels, or campgrounds. Lodging varies depending on where in the world we are.

Our Faculty

World Class Academy relies on dedicated faculty who are professionals in the art of teaching, coaching, and outdoor leadership.

Polly Crathorne Headshot

Polly Crathorne

Head of School
Algebra I, AP Human Geography, Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, History of the Americas, Media Productions, P.E., Spanish, World History, and World Literature

1st Class M.A. in Human Geography from the University of Edinburgh

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Franco Omega Tremsal

Teacher
Algebra II, Media Productions, P.E., Physics, Science, and Spanish

Industrial Engineering with a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Catholic University of Cordoba, Argentina. Minor diploma in in both Otologic Coaching and Online Marketing.

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Merle Mönster

Head Coach
AP Statistics, Environmental Science, Media Productions, P.E., and The College Experience

M.Sc. in Sports Science at the University of Innsbruck

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Toni Leopold Leidl

Program Director
Algebra I, AP Human Geography, Geometry, and Media Productions

M.Sc. in Sports Science at the University of Innsbruck, Cert. Physical Education Teacher University of Munich, Cert. Medical Mental Coach Vitalakademie Innsbruck

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Alex Boden

Teacher
AP Calculus, Chemistry, Comparative Literature, and World Literature

BEng in Aerospace Engineering at Brunel University, Commercial Pilot License with Multi-Engine Instrument Rating

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Katie Evans

Teacher
Biology, Comparative Literature, History of the Americas, and World Literature

B.Sc. Biology and Ma. Energy and Society at Durham University, PGCE in Biology Teaching at UCL University and United Teaching, Level 2 Lacrosse Coach, Outdoor First Aid.

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Mentor Groups

Mentor Groups

Each student enrolled in World Class Academy will be assigned to a teacher who will act as a mentor during the semester. With their mentors, students are encouraged to reflect regularly on their growth as athletes, students, and human beings. With their mentor group, students collaborate to provide meals for their peers, maintain living areas, and provide general support to each other.

Mentoring and the development of life skills happen on many levels at WCA. Through these processes, students develop an understanding of themselves, their place in the community, and their capacity to continue growing and learning.

Throughout the semester, mentors send weekly updates to individual parents on the progress of their son/daughter in the program. These updates lay the foundation for regular communication between parents, students, staff, and admin. Updates include specific details on progress in academics, athletics, and character building.

Supervision

World Class Academy often feels like a family, and students are with staff 24 hours a day. From morning till night, teachers guide students through daily activities and help them thrive while in the World Class environment. Students and parents should be aware that World Class has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to drug and alcohol use. Any student believed to be using or in possession of prohibited substances will be held to the stipulations of the Honor Contract, which students must sign before being accepted into the program.

Teachers will maintain the highest level of supervision possible as well as entrust students to make good decisions. Trust is a big part of the World Class Academy lifestyle, whether on the water or in the towns and villages where we stay throughout the semester.

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