How Dwight Global Supports College-Bound Athletes
May 19, 2026
Middle and high school student athletes benefit greatly from a flexible school schedule in order to train, travel, and compete nationally and internationally. The schedule of a traditional brick and mortar school can be difficult for committed athletes, who want to boost their visibility, rankings, and skills, and yet often require long or frequent absences from physical school buildings.
Families have discovered that an excellent private online high school can be the answer. The easy mobility of learning from anywhere, and the flexible blend of live and asynchronous classes allows students to maximize their days to pursue their sport without sacrificing rigorous academics.
Dwight Global Online School, ranked the number one online high school in the United States, stands out for its established excellence. Dwight Global’s stellar reputation is backed by 150 years of Dwight NYC and the Dwight Global Network of Schools, a group of eight physical campuses around the world.
Dwight Global enrolls students in grades 6-12 and is recognized internationally for its academics, experienced faculty, strong school community, and top college counseling department. Faculty and school leadership are highly supportive of students outside pursuits and have a track record of nurturing and supporting student athletes.
The school offers personalized attention and academic pathways that include the International Baccalaureate and IB Diploma Program, Advanced Placement classes, and a customized program.
A Student Athlete Details the Advantages
To hear about the benefits of online school from an athlete herself, Dwight Global talked with senior Gabriela Finchelstein ‘26. Gabriela, who goes by Gaby, has been recruited to play for Williams College next fall, after graduation from Dwight Global in the spring of 2026.
Gaby credits her very active parents with encouraging her to try a variety of sports while growing up, and with giving her her first tennis racquet at age four. Previously a student at Dwight School in NYC, Gaby enrolled at Dwight Global Online School in January of her junior year. Since then, Gaby has taken a wide array of Advanced Placement classes.
“As I began to take tennis more seriously, it became increasingly important to maximize my time on the court,” said Gaby. “Switching to an online school was exactly what I needed to take my game to the next level. At the same time, I am highly motivated academically and always strive to challenge myself. Attending a rigorous school was very important to me, and Dwight Global has allowed me to successfully balance both my athletic and academic goals.”
A NYC resident, Gaby trains both in New York and in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the country of both her parents and her extended family. Her hard work and talent lead Gaby to reach a career-high ranking of 767 in the ITF Junior World Rankings. She has competed in some of the highest-level junior tournaments, including main draws at J100s, J200s, and J500s.
Gaby said her goal is to continue playing tennis at a high level while constantly pushing herself to improve and compete against stronger players.
“More than anything, I hope to maintain a lifelong passion for the sport and stay committed to growing both on and off the court,” she said. “I’m very excited for this new chapter and look forward to applying the time management skills I’ve developed to balance both my academics and athletics at the college level.”
One of Gaby’s favorite things about Dwight Global is the supportive teachers and administration. “It always feels like they truly care about my best interests and are invested in how I’m doing as a student, as an athlete, and as a member of the community. Dwight Global has also taught me the importance of being a global citizen. Through the school, I’ve built friendships with people from all over the world, which has deepened my appreciation for diversity and different perspectives,” she said.
At Dwight Global, Gaby also met some of her closest friends, including tennis players she has traveled with through the Dwight Global Travel Tennis Team.
In terms of college placement, Dwight Global provides all students with experienced college counseling beginning in ninth grade. Students receive advice on course selections and strategies to help students reach their goals, both in the classroom and outside it.
“Our work is thoughtful, intentional, and personalized,” said Dwight Global’s Director of College Counseling Megan Miller. “For athletes, we provide the most up-to-date information in the rapidly changing landscape of NCAA eligibility and college admissions.
Dwight Global’s College Counseling team also hosts webinars for student athletes and their parents, and an annual, widely attended panel called "Recruited-Scholar Athlete.” The panel brings together college admissions and compliance officers, athletic directors, coaches, Dwight Global seniors and alums to share advice and best practices for potential recruits. Participants discuss insight into life as a college-athlete and new trends in recruitment.
For more information on how Dwight Global Online School can support college-bound athletes, contact the Admissions Team or schedule an Open House.