Where Did Simone Biles Go to College?

Simone Biles is more than just a gymnastics legend—her educational journey is a testament to determination, flexibility, and resilience. Have you ever wondered where this champion chose to pursue higher learning while conquering the world of gymnastics? From choosing homeschooling to turning professional and ultimately continuing her studies at an online university, Biles' story is as unique as her breathtaking routines.

Key takeaways

• Biles opted for homeschooling during high school to focus on gymnastics
• She pursued higher education online at the University of the People, studying business administration
• Biles advocates for accessible education and supports foster youth through scholarships

Like many Americans, I was proud to watch Simone win multiple gold medals for the USA in the last few Olympics. While you don’t learn skills like that in the classroom, higher education is still an important part of Simone’s background - read on to find out more.

Early education

Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Simone Biles moved to Spring, Texas, where she was adopted by her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles. She attended Benfer Elementary School, but as gymnastics became a bigger part of her life, something had to give.

In 2012, Biles switched to homeschooling. This change wasn't just about academics—it allowed her to ramp up her gymnastics training from 20 to 32 hours per week! By mid-2015, she proudly earned her high school diploma.

College plans and career decisions

In August 2014, Biles verbally committed to UCLA and signed a National Letter of Intent in November, planning to join the Bruins after the 2016 Rio Olympics. But life took an unexpected turn. On July 29, 2015, she made the bold decision to turn professional, forfeiting her NCAA eligibility.

Why the sudden change? Turning pro meant she could accept endorsements and focus entirely on her Olympic dreams. Sometimes, pursuing excellence means taking the road less traveled, doesn't it?

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University of the people: A flexible solution

After her historic success in Rio, Biles didn't set aside her educational ambitions. In February 2018, she enrolled at the University of the People (UoPeople), an online, tuition-free, accredited university.

Studying business administration, the flexible format allowed her to balance academics with her ongoing gymnastics career. Plus, she became a global ambassador for UoPeople, advocating for accessible education worldwide.

Simone's choice to pursue an online degree highlights the increasing opportunities for athletes to balance sports and education. The flexibility of online learning platforms like UoPeople provides avenues for people who might otherwise be excluded from traditional educational pathways due to demanding schedules or financial constraints.

TuitionHero Tip

Did you know Simone Biles has five gymnastics skills named after her? These are moves so complex that they're named in her honor—the Biles I and II on the floor and the vault, and the Biles on the balance beam!

Simone's commitment to giving back

Simone's dedication isn't limited to her own success. She helped establish the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund, focused on assisting students who have been in foster care. Given her own early experiences in the foster system, this cause is deeply personal.

Interested in how many people actually get scholarships? Understanding the impact of scholarships like Simone's can be eye-opening.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How did homeschooling impact Simone Biles' training?

Homeschooling provided Biles with the flexibility to significantly increase her training hours from 20 to 32 per week, contributing to her development into an elite gymnast.

Why did Simone Biles decide not to attend UCLA?

By turning professional in 2015, Biles forfeited her NCAA eligibility, which prevented her from competing in collegiate gymnastics for UCLA. This decision allowed her to focus on preparing for the Olympics and to accept endorsement opportunities.

What is the University of the People, and why did Biles choose it?

The University of the People is an accredited, tuition-free online university. Biles chose it for its flexibility, enabling her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration while continuing her gymnastics career. She also serves as a global ambassador for the institution.

How does Simone Biles support foster youth through education?

Through the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund, she provides financial support to students who have been in foster care, helping them access higher education opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Final thoughts

Simone Biles' educational journey reflects her determination both on and off the mat. By forging her own path—homeschooling during high school, turning professional, and embracing online higher education—she exemplifies how non-traditional choices can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her commitment to giving back makes her not just an athletic icon, but a role model in education and philanthropy.

Source

• BestColleges - Where Did Simone Biles Go to College?
• Sportskeeda - Simone Biles' Education
• Wikipedia - Simone Biles
• CBS - Here are all the gymnastics moves named after Simone Biles