About
World Class Surf Academy is a college-preparatory 9th through 12th grade high school built around students’ passion for surfing. Each school year our teachers, coaches, and students travel to four of the world’s top surf destinations.
The Surf Academy is grounded in academic progression, mentorship, teamwork, and life experience. We are first and foremost a school, and we are brought together by a common passion for surfing. Our experienced faculty, who double as coaches and mentors, are some of the strongest athletes in the sport of surfing and bring a demonstrated passion for learning and progression to the classroom.
Our athletic program develops well-rounded surfers. Daily training combines morning surf sessions with strength, cardio, and flexibility work designed to promote progression and prevent injury. Students arrive at the Surf Academy at a range of skill levels and leave prepared for the next chapter of life, in and out of the water.
The Surf Academy is one of five programs within World Class Academy, a 501(c)(3) private high school founded in 2001. Our academies (Kayak, Kiteboarding, Climbing, Surfing, and Mountain Biking) share a belief that the best education happens when learning and passion go hand in hand.
Destinations & Schedule
2026-2027 Destinations
Costa Rica

Costa Rica
Aug. 23rd - Oct. 3rd
Q1
August 23rd
Studnets arrive in San José, Costa Rica (SJO)
August 24th - October 2nd
Quarter One in Costa Rica
October 3rd
Students depart from San José (SJO)
October 4th - 24th
Fall Break
Portugal

Indonesia

Peru


2026-2027 Schedule
Semester 1
Quarter 1: August 23rd - October 3rd
August 23rd
Students arrive in San José, Costa Rica (SJO)
August 24th -26th
Student Orientation and Start of Classes
August 24th - October 2nd
The year opens with warm water and high wave counts across Dominical, Pavones, and Playa Hermosa. A classic surf travel destination, Costa Rica will be a prime location for the team to gather and explore the beach breaks, point breaks, and Pura Vida culture that make Costa Rica such a classic surf destination.
October 3rd
Students and Faculty depart from San José (SJO)
October 4th - 24th
Fall Break
Quarter 2: October 25 - December 12
October 25th
Students and faculty arrive in Lisbon, Portugal (LIS)
October 26th - December 11th
Students progress through Peniche’s beach breaks, Ericeira’s reef/point setups, and the Algarve’s varied coastline. Focus areas include reading shifting banks/reefs, adapting board choice, and managing wind/swell angles—plus cultural days exploring Portuguese food, history, and coastal villages.
December 7th - December 11th
Finals Week
December 12th
Students and faculty depart Lisbon, Portugal (LIS)
December 13th - January 16th
Winter Break
Semester 2
Quarter 3: January 17th - March 6th
January 17th
Students and faculty arrive in Lombok, Indonesia (LOP)
January 18th
Student Orientation and Start of Spring Semester
January 18th - March 6th
The south coast around Kuta offers boat-access reefs and drive-to points that turn Indian Ocean energy into long, playful walls. Students rotate between spots like Areguling, Tanjung Aan, Gerupuk, and (for advanced groups) Ekas, dialing positioning, trim speed, and rail work in warm water with compact transfers and deep cultural texture.
March 7th
Students and faculty depart Lombok, Indonesia (LOP)
March 7th - 27th
Spring Break
Quarter 4: March 28th - May 8th
March 28th
Students and faculty arrive in Talara, Peru (TYL)
March 29th - May 7th
Northern Peru’s desert coast is famed for long, tapering lefts. Lobitos (La Punta/La Bomba/El Hueco) provides sections for different levels and conditions; Punta Blanca is ideal for linking turns and refining line choice. Students cap the year by consolidating technique on endless lefts, while experiencing small fishing towns, coastal landscapes, and Peru’s culinary traditions.
May 3rd - May 7th
Finals Week
May 7th
Parent Appreciation Dinner
May 8th
Graduation Ceremony in Punta Blanca, Peru
May 9th
Students, parents, and faculty depart from Lima, Peru (LIM)
Surf Faculty
Coaching & Equipment
Training
At World Class Academy, student-athletes surf every day and participate in cross-training workouts. Dry-land workouts happen each school day. These workouts focus on core training, cardiovascular workouts, and stretching. They last between 30 and 60 minutes and go toward fulfilling P.E. requirements.
As a school that’s focused on athletics, we strive to create well-rounded athletes, both in and out of the water. We aspire to create surfers who are skilled in all disciplines of the sport. We understand that students’ individual athletic goals vary. The World Class Academy athletic program helps students meet their athletic aspirations — some of our athletes work to compete at a professional level, while others choose to challenge themselves to progress without adding the pressure of competition.
Equipment
Students arrive at World Class Academy with everything they need for school, daily life, and surfing. A commitment to staying organized and taking care of gear and equipment is essential. Students learn to stay organized so that we can work as an efficient team.
WCA Surf will travel with our school’s academic supplies, such as textbooks, whiteboards, printers, etc. Students will need to bring their own school supplies. In most locations, the school will have rental cars to travel to surf spots, run errands, and be flexible.
WCA does not provide any individual surf equipment. Each student will be expected to arrive with their own surfing gear, including boards, wax, wetsuits, booties, mobile repair kit, protective equipment, and anything else required. Renting boards or gear is not recommended, as 6–7 weeks of rentals can be costly. Students who are accepted to the school will be sent a detailed packing list before the start of each semester.













