Cognita and the Launch of Masters Academy International
Cognita, a prominent global schools group, is stepping into the spotlight as a founding partner for the highly anticipated Masters Academy International (MAI) in Stow, Massachusetts. This groundbreaking institution is poised to become New England’s first academy that marries elite sports training with rigorous academic excellence, set to open its doors in September 2026.
A New Era of Education
Masters Academy International aims to redefine education by integrating world-class athletic training with future-focused academics. Serving over 700 day and boarding students from grades 6 through 12, the academy also offers a post-graduate year. This unique model reflects Cognita’s mission to empower students to flourish in an increasingly complex world. As the founder of over 100 schools across 20 countries, Cognita brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to academic achievement.
Words From Leadership
Frank Maassen, Cognita’s Group CEO, expressed excitement about this transformational initiative, stating, “MAI embodies the Cognita spirit – combining world-class education with real-world preparation and personal ambition.” The academy’s focus on academics, athletics, life skills, wellbeing, and leadership epitomizes a holistic educational approach that nurtures each student as a whole.
Campus Features and Facilities
Set on an expansive 82-acre campus just outside Boston, MAI’s state-of-the-art facilities will greatly enhance the educational experience. The 400,000 square foot multi-use building will facilitate a seamless transition between rigorous academics and high-performance athletic training.
Future students can look forward to impressive features, including:
- A four-court basketball pavilion for team practices and competitions.
- Indoor and outdoor turf fields to support various sports.
- A physical and mental conditioning center aimed at fostering both physical prowess and mental wellness.
- An e-sports training and competition space, bridging the gap between traditional sports and modern gameplay.
The academic program at MAI will be powered by The Newman School in Boston, ensuring full NCAA accreditation from day one.
Exceptional Founding Team
The academy will be guided by a distinguished founding team whose expertise spans leadership, athletics, and education. Peter and Chris Masters, Co-Founders of MAI, possess more than 20 years of experience in youth hockey, establishing themselves as knowledgeable leaders in developing Olympic and NHL talents. Their backgrounds as collegiate athletes bring a competitive edge and a championship mindset critical to MAI’s foundation.
Additionally, Rich Odell, a veteran education leader with over 40 years of experience, will serve as a founding partner and senior education leader, helping to shape MAI’s vision, design, and leadership.
Pillars for Success
MAI’s educational framework is anchored by four developmental pillars: Academics, Sports & Majors, Life Skills, and College and Career Preparation. This structured environment aims to cultivate future-ready leaders who are adaptable, creative problem-solvers, and principled teammates.
Daily academic sessions extending for five hours, coupled with four-hour training blocks, will allow students to accumulate over 2,880 hours of sport-specific training throughout their enrollment. MAI plans to offer training in a variety of sports, including hockey, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, basketball, fencing, and e-sports, with additional sports being added as the program evolves.
Economic Impact and Community Contributions
Beyond its educational mission, MAI is expected to make a significant impact on the local region’s educational and economic landscape. The academy’s development has received a boost from a $2.85 million investment through the Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), illustrating both its promise as an educational institution and its potential to invigorate the local economy.
USA Fencing Partnership
In a landmark development, MAI has secured a partnership with USA Fencing, becoming the first National Governing Body to launch a comprehensive academy model. The academy will feature state-of-the-art fencing facilities designed to host training camps for all levels of Team USA, further establishing MAI as a pivotal hub for athletes.
Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, called the project “a game-changer for our athletes and our membership.” This collaboration underscores MAI’s aim to create clear pathways to collegiate and international success for aspiring fencers and solidifies its role in the broader sports community.
A Vision for the Future
Masters Academy International stands as a beacon of innovation, poised to redefine how education and athletics coexist. By blending academic rigor with athletic excellence, MAI is set to cultivate the next generation of leaders prepared to navigate the complexities of modern life. With Cognita’s expertise backing this ambitious project, the future of education in New England looks bright.