academics
Academics
Essentials Development Academy is proud to partner with Subject Virtual School as we deliver a high level educational experience to all of our players. Subject Virtual School is designed for 21st-century students who require dynamic, digital, diverse education opportunities in order to be engaged and prepared for the changing world they will enter into.
At Essentials, we deliver a top-tier academic experience designed around the unique needs of student-athletes. In partnership with Subject Virtual School, we offer a controlled and effective video-first curriculum for grades 6–12 that supports flexible learning. Curriculum that feels more like Netflix than a textbook, keeping students engaged, inspired, and on track.
Together, we're preparing students for success in college, career, and beyond.
EDA ACademic Support
Corinne DeMizio | Lead Educator
Corinne DeMizio brings a high-performance approach to academic development, combining over a decade of educational experience with a deep specialization in literacy and individualized instruction. She holds a Master’s degree in Literacy Instruction, along with reading specialist and supervisor certifications, positioning her as a key resource in supporting EDA athletes at an elite academic level.
Her experience as an academic interventionist centers on precision-based instruction: identifying gaps, implementing targeted strategies, and building strong academic foundations that translate into long-term success. DeMizio's work is driven by accountability, consistency, and measurable growth, ensuring each athlete is equipped to perform in demanding academic environments.
In her role as an adjunct professor, DeMizio works closely with college students to refine critical thinking, executive functioning, and time management skills. She has extensive experience supporting student-athletes, helping them navigate the expectations of high-level competition while maintaining excellence in the classroom. Her approach emphasizes discipline, structure, and communication; core pillars of both academic and athletic success.
At Essentials Development Academy, Corinne DeMizio is committed to developing disciplined, confident, and capable individuals who are prepared to excel in all aspects of life. Her impact extends beyond academics; instilling habits and standards that drive performance at every level.
Corinne currently resides in Freehold, NJ with her husband and two daughters.
Subject Support
Amber Shiver
Amber Shiver is a strategic leader at Subject, contributing to the development and delivery of AI-powered learning solutions designed to support both educators and students. Her work focuses on bridging innovation and real-world classroom impact; helping create systems that enhance instruction, streamline feedback, and elevate student outcomes. At Subject, she plays a key role in advancing a platform built to adapt to how students learn and how teachers teach, ensuring technology drives meaningful progress rather than added complexity.
Hollie Sterling
Hollie Sterling is a strategic marketing and brand leader at Subject, where she drives the growth and positioning of a modern, student-first learning platform. With a strong background in digital marketing and communications, Sterling specializes in building high-impact narratives that connect with today’s students and families. Her work is centered on elevating the educational experience, making it more engaging, accessible, and aligned with the demands of high-performing learners. Through a blend of innovation, storytelling, and data-driven strategy, she plays a key role in shaping how Subject prepares students for success in both academics and beyond.
Three Pillars
Flexible learning with MTSS support
- Subject Virtual School and Essentials are committed to supporting all types of learners through our robust Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
- Framework includes two key programs: Response to Intervention (RtI) and Academic Services Program.
- Designed to close learning gaps and provide targeted support for students with disabilities or unique learning needs.
- Oversight by dedicated Learning Specialists for all RtI and Special Education students.
- Licensed Special Education teachers deliver individualized, specialized instruction.
- Integration of existing public school IEPs where possible, with customized support plans.
- Ongoing progress monitoring and regular assessments to ensure student growth.
Remove curriculum blocks
- Every course uses a consistent, repeatable structure so students know exactly how to navigate their learning.
- Assignments gradually increase in complexity through scaffolded steps, and videos provide direct instruction at every stage.
- Built for Engagement: Subject incorporates a wide range of interactive assessment types that keep students participating and learning
- Video-First Learning: Short, engaging, and designed like the content students actually consume (TikTok, Netflix, YouTube)
- Students complete Subject Virtual School coursework onsite at Essentials Academy, where academic support staff provide daily oversight and guidance (in-person & virtual)
Experience adapting to demanding schedules
- Spark AI tutoring is available 24/7 for instant help, and live chat with our team is open Monday–Friday from 9am–4pm to support students during those "I'm stuck" moments.
- We build a tight-knit community where student-athletes feel supported academically and socially — never sacrificing the community experience for their sport
- Anywhere, Anytime Access: The SVS academic team and the student-athlete collaboratively prioritize courses and assignments, keeping the student-athlete on pace academically while supporting the realities of training, travel, and competition.
- Gives student-athletes the structure they need to balance school and sport.