A Full-Time Basketball Academy With Housing, Academics, and Elite Coaching
Florida Coastal Prep is a basketball boarding school in Fort Walton Beach, Florida — where student-athletes live, train, and compete full-time while completing accredited academics. Since 2019, FCP has developed players from 43 states and 22 countries, placing alumni at every college level from NCAA Division I to JUCO. This is not a summer camp. This is year-round preparation for the next level.
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What Is a Basketball Boarding School?
A basketball boarding school is a residential academy where student-athletes live on-site, train daily under professional coaching, attend classes, and compete in organized basketball leagues — all in one program. Unlike traditional high schools or AAU teams, a boarding school consolidates every part of a player's development into a single, structured environment.
Florida Coastal Prep operates as a basketball boarding school for both high school and post-graduate athletes. Players relocate to Fort Walton Beach on Florida's Emerald Coast, move into supervised team housing, and follow a daily schedule built around skill development, strength training, film study, academics, and competition.
The goal is singular: prepare each athlete to earn a college roster spot while building the academic profile, physical tools, and maturity that college coaches demand.
14,000 Sq Ft Spartan Training Center
FCP athletes train in a dedicated 14,000 square foot basketball facility in Fort Walton Beach, FL. The Spartan Training Center features professional hardwood courts, a turf performance zone for agility and conditioning work, a full weight room running Westside Barbell conjugate programming, and a film room for daily video breakdown.
Athletes have 24/7 facility access. This is where the daily work happens — individual skill sessions, team practice, strength and conditioning, and game film review.
Beachside Team Housing on the Emerald Coast
FCP's athlete housing is located in Fort Walton Beach, steps from the Gulf of Mexico. Players live in supervised team housing with a live-in house coach, daily meals, and structured routines that mirror what they will experience in college.
The Emerald Coast provides year-round training weather, beach conditioning, and a focused environment away from the distractions of a major city. Parents send their kids here from across the country and around the world because the environment is safe, structured, and built for development.
Accredited Academics Built for Student-Athletes
Basketball boarding schools only work if the academics are real. FCP partners with accredited institutions to deliver a curriculum that satisfies NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA eligibility requirements. Post-graduate athletes complete college coursework through Colorado Christian University. High school athletes follow an accredited online curriculum that allows them to balance rigorous training with real academic progress.
Every athlete receives college application guidance, transcript management, and eligibility support. The academic program is designed around the training schedule — not competing with it.
NBA and D1 Coaching Staff
What separates a basketball boarding school from a glorified gym rental is the coaching. FCP's staff includes professionals who have coached and played at the highest levels of the sport.
Lee DeForest
Founder and Head of Basketball Operations. 25+ years coaching and developing basketball talent. Built FCP from the ground up into one of the top prep programs in the Southeast.
Kenny Anderson
NBA All-Star and 14-year NBA veteran. Leads daily skill development sessions — handles, footwork, finishing, and decision-making at a professional level.
ESPN's Director of Recruiting, Paul Biancardi, visited FCP and called it "first class treatment of players." The full coaching staff brings D1 and professional experience to every practice, film session, and game.
Two Basketball Boarding School Programs
Post-Graduate Program
For high school graduates who need one more year of development, recruiting exposure, and academic improvement before college. Competes in the SEHAL and PHSBA circuits against top prep programs nationally.
Explore Post-GradNational High School Program
For 9th-12th graders seeking a basketball-focused education. Competes in the Grind Session and SIAA — two of the strongest independent high school basketball circuits in the country.
Explore High SchoolHow FCP Compares to Other Basketball Boarding Schools
Programs like IMG Academy charge $80,000 to $90,000 per year. Those programs are excellent — but the reality is that most families cannot afford that price tag. FCP delivers the same core elements that make a boarding school effective: full-time coaching, supervised housing, accredited academics, strength training, and college recruiting support. The difference is that FCP does it at a fraction of the cost, with smaller rosters and more individual attention.
FCP is not a mega-academy with hundreds of athletes. Roster sizes are intentionally limited so every player gets daily coaching reps, film breakdown, and a personal recruiting plan. The staff-to-player ratio means no one gets lost in the shuffle.
Visit our tuition page for a full cost breakdown. Contact us to discuss how FCP fits your family's budget and goals.
Where FCP Athletes Go
FCP alumni have earned college roster spots at every level — NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO programs across the country. Alumni include Sean East II (Missouri, NBA G-League, NBA), Nathan Mariano (4x NBB Champion, Phoenix Suns organization), and dozens of athletes competing in college conferences including the SEC, Big East, Big Sky, Ohio Valley, and more.
Why Choose a Basketball Boarding School in Florida?
Florida is one of the top destinations for basketball boarding schools in the country. Year-round warm weather means outdoor conditioning and beach training never stop. The state is home to dozens of NCAA Division I programs across the SEC, AAC, ASUN, Sun Belt, and CUSA conferences, putting FCP athletes within recruiting range of programs that see them compete in person.
Fort Walton Beach sits on Florida's Emerald Coast — a safe, focused community with white-sand beaches and none of the distractions of Miami or Orlando. It is the kind of place where parents can feel confident sending their son or daughter to train and develop. The nearest major airport is Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS), with direct flights from most major cities.
Families considering basketball boarding schools in Florida should look for programs that combine all four pillars: coaching, housing, academics, and recruiting. FCP has operated since 2019 and delivers all four under one program with a proven track record of college placements. Apply now or contact us to learn more.
Apply to FCP's Basketball Boarding School
Limited roster spots available — connect with our coaching staff today.
Basketball Boarding School FAQ
What age groups does FCP accept?
FCP accepts student-athletes in two programs. The National High School program enrolls athletes in grades 9 through 12. The Post-Graduate program is for high school graduates — typically 18 or 19 years old — who want one additional year of development before college. Both programs include full-time housing, academics, and training.
How much does a basketball boarding school cost?
Costs vary by program. Top-tier programs like IMG Academy charge $80,000 to $90,000 per year. FCP provides the same core elements — elite coaching, supervised housing, accredited academics, strength training, and recruiting support — at a significantly lower price point. Visit our tuition page for a full cost breakdown.
Do basketball boarding schools affect NCAA eligibility?
No. Attending a basketball boarding school or prep academy does not use any of your four years of NCAA eligibility, as long as you do not enroll full-time at a four-year institution. FCP's academic programs are specifically designed to maintain NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA eligibility. Always verify your individual situation with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
What does a typical day look like at FCP?
Athletes follow a structured daily schedule: morning academics, midday individual skill development with coaches, afternoon team practice, and evening strength and conditioning or film study. Meals are provided, and a live-in house coach supervises the housing environment. The schedule mirrors a college athlete's routine to prepare players for what comes next.
Can international students attend FCP?
Yes. FCP has trained athletes from 22 countries across six continents. International families can apply online and our staff will guide you through the enrollment process, travel logistics, and any documentation requirements. Fort Walton Beach is served by Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) with connections through major U.S. hubs.