A new $83 million sports-focused school is officially open in Stow, Massachusetts, bringing together high-level athletics, academics and residential life for student-athletes.
Masters Academy International
Masters Academy International (MAI), located on the former Bose headquarters campus, offers both day and boarding programs and features facilities including two full-size baseball fields, two regulation FIFA soccer fields and a lacrosse field.
MAI’s inaugural class is made up of approximately 300 student-athletes from across the country, in grades 6-12 and post grad, according to the school’s website. Among the school’s first students is Antonio Pemberton of Lawrence, the No. 1-ranked basketball recruit in the Bay State.
“We’re in the weight room. It’s amazing. We have the best coaching staff in America in my opinion. It’s somewhere we can get better,” Pemberton said.
The academy was founded by brothers Chris and Peter Masters, who wanted to create a traditional prep school experience specifically designed for student-athletes.
“We wanted that traditional experience that kids would get at a traditional prep school or high school,” Chris Masters said.
The school is already attracting highly-regarded athletes, including girls basketball standout Angelyn Almonte, whom head coach Sean Smith identified as the No. 1 player in New Jersey in the Class of 2029.
Masters said the goal is to allow students to pursue elite athletics without sacrificing academics.
“Tier one academics didn’t also have to come at the expense of you being a strong sports person,” he said.
Head of school Andy Williams said students have embraced the new environment.
“Each one that I’ve spoken to … they’re like, ‘It’s great, it’s magic.’ That’s the inspiration. It’s coming from them,” Williams said.
The school’s philosophy extends beyond athletic ability, with coaches emphasizing hard work, leadership and perseverance.
The academy’s slogan is “Greatness Without Compromise,” a phrase Masters said reflects its commitment to academics, athletics and the overall student experience.
“We want to make sure across academics, athletics and the student experience that there’s no compromise for our students or really our families,” he said.
Each athlete devotes four hours daily to focused training, including team practice, individual skill training, mental and physical conditioning, leadership and nutrition classes. The sports offered include boys programs for baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer; girls programs for basketball, hockey, soccer and lacrosse; and co-ed programs in fencing, figure skating and golf.
Masters Academy, which bills itself as a first-of-its-kind school in New England, officially opened its doors Tuesday. Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll joined MAI’s founders to celebrate the grand opening.
“Massachusetts has some of the best schools and student-athletes in the country, and we want every young person to have the chance to succeed. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Masters Academy to Massachusetts,” Healey said. “In addition to creating great opportunities for our young people, this school will create hundreds of jobs and economic activity for Stowe and the surrounding community. It’s why my administration was proud to support Masters Academy and make today’s ribbon cutting possible.”
Tuition for Masters Academy middle schoolers is $55,500 a year, while students in grades 9-12 plus postgrad pay $65,000 for the day program, or $79,500 for boarding.
MAI is part of Cognita, a global schools group that operates in 20 countries across the world.
“We are incredibly proud to have supported Masters Academy International from the very beginning and to see its vision come to life,” Cognita CEO David Baldwin said. “What makes MAI exceptional is the ambition at its heart: bringing outstanding education and elite sport together in an environment where young people can pursue both without having to compromise…I am hugely excited to see what MAI’s students go on to achieve, both in the classroom and in their chosen sport.”
Several members of the school’s first graduating class have already secured Division I scholarships to continue their athletic careers at colleges and universities that include Harvard, Penn, and Rutgers, MAI’s website stated.
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