Rise and Grind at Scottsdale Prep’s Zero Hour Weightlifting Class 

Before most students even step into their first-period class, a dedicated group at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy is already pushing their limits, both mentally and physically. The academy has launched a new weight training program, a vision years in the making, that allows students to kickstart their day with strength, discipline, and energy. Held during the newly introduced Zero Hour, this pilot program gives students a chance to train before the official school day begins.

The course is led by Ryan Nordtvedt, who also teaches seventh-grade Life Science at the academy. Another exciting first for this new program is that it is offered as a for-credit class. And with enrollment capped at 30 students per session, the class has been consistently full, showing a strong interest and enthusiasm among the students for fitness and well-being as part of their academic day.

“Some of the goals is [to] promote that general understanding of safe techniques in the weight room, and how to get stronger and healthier,” Nordtvedt explained. While Nordtvedt said most of the students are involved in athletics at the school, there are a few that are not, which is why he feels it is important to provide them with the foundation to train effectively and safely.

A significant aspect of the program is instilling a sense of responsibility in students, as participation in the class requires commitment. “We want to make sure kids had that onus to actually make sure they keep on coming and have that responsibility that this is for credit,” Nordtvedt added.

The weight room itself has undergone improvements to accommodate the new class, with the final adjustments completed in September. Although Nordtvedt says it is still in progress, the weight room is fully operational, and the facility provides students with a structured and well-equipped environment for training.

Beyond physical benefits, Nordtvedt believes the class sets students up for success throughout their school day. “I think it’s the best way to get your mind going in the morning, too. Getting your body going, getting your mind going, and then hopefully you are wide awake for that first period class.

This addition is part of the Prep School Promise, an initiative based on parent and student feedback, where we’re working to take the very best that Great Hearts has offered families for over 20 years in classical education and moving it to the next level to improve the high school experience.

With a strong pilot year underway, the Zero Hour Weight Training program at Scottsdale Prep is already proving to be a valuable addition to the school’s curriculum. This will equip students with knowledge and motivation, while also encouraging lifelong habits of fitness and discipline.

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Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.