Exceptional Proficiency

Developing an exceptional talent takes concentrated focus, discipline, and time — lots and lots of time — and Foxcroft’s Exceptional Proficiency (EP) program allows students the flexibility and support to do just that. Students with demonstrated talent and passion can spend time away from school to train, compete, and pursue their personal dreams while receiving the academic support to fulfill our high educational standards.

The Exceptional Proficiency program isn’t just for equestrians. In addition to riding, Foxcroft students have achieved high-level skills and great accomplishments in such areas as rock climbing, dance, figure skating, music and vocal performance, swimming, downhill skiing, and race car driving. Past students have also used the support of the EP program to earn certificates as an Emergency Medical Technician and a doula.

In 1991, Foxcroft School established a special program that allows students to pursue high levels of training, performance, and competition in a chosen area of interest, while simultaneously maintaining high academic standards. At the time, Alison Firestone Robitaille ‘95 was a rising equestrian star on the showjumping circuit who required rigorous training and participation in top-level shows in Florida during the winter months.

With our Exceptional Proficiency (EP) program, Alison was able to balance her academic responsibilities with her training and competitions as a student. Not only did she compete in her first Grand Prix at age 16, but she was also able to jump on the international circuit before graduating from Foxcroft.

She went on to become one of the country’s top showjumping competitors, earning the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year Award, a silver medal at the 2002 Pan American Games, and a spot as the first alternate on the 2004 Olympic Team.

Recent EP Foxcroft equestrians have earned top awards both nationally and internationally in Hunter Jumpers, Eventing, and Dressage.