Forum > General Youth Hockey Info
Why place hockey over school?
Guest:
So, you hate people that are different and people you do not understand. You cannot shield your kid from everything. As Danzig said: Can you keep them in the dark for life? Can you hide them from the waiting world?
Your kid will have to learn to be around people that he doesn't understand, or doesn't like or respect, because that is how life works. Teach your kids the skills he needs to be able to live in a world where everyone is not the same as him. Hiding from it is just prolonging it.
If your school is that bad, move to a different area.
Guest:
It’s interesting to see how many people immediately jump to the idea that alternative education is about "shielding" kids rather than optimizing their learning experience. The point isn’t about running away from different people—it's about efficiency, focus, and giving kids an environment where they can thrive instead of just “getting through” the school day.
Public schools have become more about social engineering than education, and the standardized system doesn’t work for everyone. Academies, whether sports-based, STEM-focused, or arts-driven, allow kids to pursue their interests while getting a quality education tailored to their needs. The hybrid model also helps eliminate wasted time—why should a student sit through hours of filler material when they can complete coursework efficiently and still have time for skill development in an area they’re passionate about?
AI and online learning are not about making kids "dumber"—if anything, they provide a level of personalization that a one-size-fits-all public school never could. The idea that sitting in a classroom next to disruptive students somehow makes someone “prepared for life” is outdated. Real preparation comes from learning critical thinking, self-discipline, and being in an environment that encourages excellence.
As for the idea that all kids should be in a traditional school just to be exposed to a broad mix of personalities—sure, but exposure should be meaningful, not just compulsory. In a specialized academy, students still interact, form friendships, and learn teamwork, but in a way that aligns with their goals rather than distracting from them.
If someone prefers the public school system, great—but for those of us who see the flaws and want better options for our kids, alternative models like academies are a game-changer. They’re not about hiding from the world; they’re about preparing students to excel in it.
Guest:
The initial post was asking about hockey specific schools (at least how I interpreted it), which is what I was responding to. The hockey schools that I know at consists of a bunch of hockey players sitting in a crappy room staring at their computer so that they can pay for the ice time that no one uses during the day. Are there other alternative schools that are great - no idea but I assume there is. But, these hockey schools are *mostly* crap from what I have seen (same goes for some of the prep schools).
Guest:
You are correct, the initial post was about hockey school.
Specifically
TPH
PHA
Black Bear Academy
Soon to be Woodbridge?
Guest:
That's how I pictured it too and that's what I had heard for a few years. I remember the WB Knights doing something and it was exactly that. Kids on folding chairs and tables by themselves in a party room.
Then I started following the PHA and TPH guys and I don't know. The PHA Instagram looks like they're doing things right from the looks of their account. I wish I could send my kid in to see what it's like but I don't care that much anymore since he quit lol. Whatever, I just think the future is doing things outside of brick and mortar. Technology is there for kids to get more of what they want. I think college athletes are taking courses online now, too. And that was my point.
Philadelphia Baseball Academy | PHA speed tour! * * #PHA #hockeyacademy
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