A New Vision for Student Success: Elite Performance Prep Academy Comes to Layton

In a world where the traditional education system sometimes struggles to meet the needs of today’s diverse learners, one local mom and educator is stepping up with an innovative solution for Davis County families.

Alithie Rock, a mother of four and passionate advocate for education, is launching Elite Performance Prep Academy in Layton this fall – a specialized school designed to help students thrive academically while pursuing their athletic passions.

Bridging Academics and Athletics

“I want to be like the Juilliard for athletes,” Rock explains, describing her vision for the academy. “We have performing arts schools where students study theater, music, and dance while completing their academics. Why not have the same for athletes?”

This vision stems from Rock’s own experiences juggling her children’s education with their sports commitments. As any sports parent knows, tournament schedules often conflict with school hours, forcing difficult choices and missed classes.

“Today I have to pull my kid out of school. He has a volleyball tournament about an hour away,” Rock shares. “The following week, my other son has a football tournament. Parents are juggling a lot, and I want to be the connector that helps bridge the gap between academics and athletics.”

More Than Just Surviving

The academy’s mission goes beyond convenience. Rock emphasizes that while her own children were “doing okay” in the public school system, she wanted more for them.

“I didn’t want them to just survive. I wanted them to thrive,” she says. “I wanted to give them an opportunity to literally soar.”

Elite Performance Prep Academy offers two primary options for students:

• Micro-schooling: Focused academic instruction in small groups
• Sports Academy: A comprehensive program combining academics with sport-specific training, conditioning, weight training, and even mental performance coaching

The key difference? A student-to-teacher ratio of 1:10, allowing for personalized learning tailored to each child’s needs and abilities.

A Different Approach to Education

Rock is quick to point out that her academy isn’t intended as competition for public schools, but rather as an alternative for students who might be struggling in the traditional system.

“Some kids have social anxieties or separation anxiety. Others don’t feel challenged enough,” she explains. “Our current system isn’t set up to help the stragglers or the ones who are feeling left behind.”

This perspective comes from Rock’s extensive experience in education. Beyond being a mother, she’s also a volleyball coach for both club teams and the local school district, giving her unique insights into the challenges students face.

Affordable Access for All

While Elite Performance Prep Academy is tuition-based, Rock is committed to making it accessible to all families. She’s excited to share that parents may be eligible for substantial financial assistance.

“There’s state, federal, and local funding for this,” Rock explains. “In Utah, parents can get scholarships of four to six thousand dollars to help with educational services. We’re going to help you apply for it, and you could pay little to zero dollars.”

Opening This Fall

Elite Performance Prep Academy is set to open on September 8th, 2025, with an initial class of 20-40 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The academy is currently securing a facility in Layton and hiring staff, including academic coaches and administrative personnel.

For families interested in learning more, Rock has scheduled information sessions in April to answer questions and help parents explore their options.

“We’re brand spanking new and ready to start sitting with families, talking to those who have questions,” Rock says. “We want to help them feel like they can sleep at night knowing their child isn’t suffering.”

A Lifelong Passion

This venture is the fulfillment of a dream Rock has held for years. A journal entry from 2015 revealed her desire to be a “connector” in education, and now she’s bringing that vision to life.

“I’ve always had a passion for teaching, coaching, and education in general,” she shares. “I’ve always loved learning and school.”

With her entrepreneurial spirit (which began in third grade when she sold candy to classmates) and deep commitment to helping children succeed, Rock is poised to make a meaningful impact on education in Davis County.

Learn more about Elite Performance Prep Academy:

• Visit their website: eliteperformanceprepacademy.com
• Follow on Instagram: @elitelaytonutah
• Contact for information sessions in April