Longwood Academy combines elite hockey development with an exceptional academic experience, giving student-athletes the opportunity to reach their full potential in every area of their development. Longwood Hockey has partnered with Empowered Preparatory Schools to provide the academic foundation for Longwood Academy. Established in 2021, Empowered Prep is an accredited educational institution focused on delivering a rigorous, flexible learning experience. For the 2026–27 school year, Longwood Academy will feature three in-person teachers specializing in Math, Language Arts, and Science, supported by a dedicated Head of Academics. By bringing together experts in both education and elite hockey development, Longwood Academy provides student-athletes with a complete environment where academics, training, and personal development are seamlessly integrated into each day.
For the 2026-27 school year, Longwood Academy will feature three in-person teachers specializing in Math, Language Arts, and Science, supported by a dedicated Head of Academics.
By The Numbers
4 hours of academic
time
1.5 hours of on-ice instruction
1 hour off-ice
training
At Empowered Preparatory School, students learn in-person at dedicated learning locations while completing coursework through a standards-aligned digital curriculum powered by Florida Virtual School(FLVS). Students work in a structured, supervised classroom environment where educators provide daily instruction, guidance, oversight, and accountability, creating a flexible learning experience without sacrificing academic structure or support. The student's daily academic schedule is thoughtfully designed to complement the demands of elite training, travel, and competition without sacrificing academic:
Each individual student-athlete has their own customizable schedule that aligns with their needs and goals.
Longwood Academy serves student's Grade 5 through 12, while following the Palm Beach County public school calendar, with classes held Monday through Thursday to minimize missed time due to frequent Friday travel.
Empowered Prep utilizes FLVS curriculum in addition to full-time teachers for core classes such as math, language arts, and Science/social studies.
Starting in 2027 the students will have the option to opt for a more rigorous academic track called the Cambridge AICE pathway.
Longwood Hockey provides Academy athletes width a comprehensive development program focused on core and advanced skill development, hockey sense including IQ and decision-making, and overall hockey development, including complete level, position-specific development, and game application.
Development of core hockey skills, including skating, passing, stickhandling, and shooting
Advanced skill work builds on the core areas of the game, with a focus on concepts such as surfing, optimizing shooting percentages, and small-area execution.
Development of game awareness tailored to individual strengths, using a combination of small-area games, film, and on-ice instruction to build hockey intelligence.
NHL-led goalie training to develop goaltenders, while also educating shooters on goalie tendencies and decision-making across different shot scenarios.
Longwood Academy has 4 core coaches along with periodic guest coaches
Coach Vas is the Director of Sports Performance at Palm Ice Arena and lead strength and conditioning coach for Longwood Academy. In addition to his ability to connect with players, build a strong culture, and instill leadership and work ethic, Coach Vas brings more than 25 years of professional hockey performance experience, including 22 years with the New Jersey Devils and four years within the New York Islanders organization.
Palm Ice Arena features a brand-new, state-of-the-art 4,000 sq. ft. performance center specifically designed for hockey development. Through intentional equipment selection, layout, and programming, players will build the strength, speed, power, and conditioning needed to perform at their best on the ice. Across the four-day-per-week off-ice program, players will participate in dedicated strength and speed sessions, along with general athletic development days such as pickleball. Programming will be carefully structured to develop a complete athlete while balancing the physical demands of a long hockey season.
