Port Washington Tennis Academy

About

The Port Washington Tennis Academy celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2016. The reason it has been around for so long is about a lot more than tennis.

“I never wanted anyone to know who was there on a scholarship and who wasn’t,” said Dick Zausner, President of PWTA.

Feeding children refers to the free bananas, milk, cookies, tea, and coffee in the lobby as much as it is about the scholarships given to children in need. Everyone at the Port Washington Tennis Academy is treated equally. This was an important premise when Hy Zausner began the facility in 1966.

Dick Zausner and his late wife, Madeline, ran national and international tournaments at PWTA for decades, while keeping the facility and programs state-of-the-art. The Zausner family has also supported the non-profit academy financially since the beginning.

As many as 500 players a year have been trained at the Port Washington Tennis Academy, where the kids always come first. The facility began and remains non-smoking and is about educating children to develop the lifelong activity of tennis for health, socialization and fun.

The Port Washington Tennis Academy has been touted as the largest indoor facility in the country. The facility has 17 indoor courts. Four of these courts are hard and the rest are Har-Tru, allowing for training on different surfaces.

Other unique attributes which make this academy stand out are a ¼ mile elevated indoor running track, closed circuit tv for court viewing, an international teaching staff, spectator viewing with full visibility of courts, large locker rooms, and a fully-stocked pro shop with clothing, racquets and accessories.

PWTA also works with graduating high school seniors on placement at universities that fit their academic and tennis abilities. Many world class professional players have also come through the junior program here.

The Port Washington Tennis Academy began and published College And Junior Tennis Magazine. It was, a print publication until 1998, when it became the only website (http://www.CollegeAndJuniorTennis.com) of its kind for junior and college players and enthusiasts.

Images

The Programs The Junior Development Program at the Port Washington Tennis Academy consists of nine levels for players from 6-18 years of age. There is also a special Trailblazers program for 4-7 year old just starting in the game. We like to start working with children when they are physically and mentally ready, usually somewhere between their fourth and eighth birthday. We teach tennis as well as good sportsmanship, honesty, self-control, and the ability to handle disappointments, all of which prepare our students for their future life. Two sessions run from September-February and February-June. About Tuition The PWTA is a non-profit, charitable institution. Tuition is charged for those parents who can afford to pay. For children whose parents cannot afford to pay, a scholarship program is available to enable them to join the program. Contributions by friends of the Academy and members of the founding family help the Port Washington Tennis Academy to continue to pursue charitable opportunities which are identified as beneficial to children. Juniors Are No. 1 The PWTA is the only facility where juniors take precedence over adults. Junior programs are after school and on weekends and adults can only use the courts when juniors are not. Juniors are our most important asset. Channeling A Child’s Energy An important aspect of our tennis teaching program is the underlying idea: “If we can hook kids on tennis, they will not get hooked on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.” The theory works! By sparking children’s interest in, and motivating them to like the game, they want to perform with their peers at the highest possible level. By their own choice, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are not a part of their lives. “Making” of a Champion Some people think that the main thrust of the PWTA is to make champions. It is not. Our aim is to provide a healthy environment and provide an activity which they can enjoy participating in for the rest of their lives. Tennis can increase their success scholastically, professionally, and emotionally. The Academy has had a great many quality young people graduate from its program, including a number of professional champions. Our program and method of teaching helped them and gave them the opportunity to develop their “championship potential,” but we did not “make” them champions. Our Professionals Classes are limited to four in a group so players receive individualized attention. In addition to the on-court professionals, “supervisors” constantly observe the action on each court. Based on these observations, we change the composition of each group of players, at each level, when appropriate. The “mixing” of players is based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses, to achieve a homogeneous group of players. This enables each player to achieve optimum performance and development. When a child shows a consistent inability to master a skill, he or she is given some extra attention to help correct that problem. Most of our levels include ladder matches and extensive practice time. Choosing College When students reach their junior year in high school, we begin to counsel those who desire help in deciding which college is right for them. If they want to play on a college tennis team, we help them get into the best possible college where they can expect to make the team and actively play. Our advice considers the student’s ability level, as compared to the team level of play at the college they are considering. If a student’s parents can’t afford college, we are often successful in arranging for a full or partial scholarship. Tournaments Outside competition is provided for the students. In-house tournaments are run for training purposes only. They enable Academy students to develop their tennis skills under various circumstances and pressures; it allows them exposure to different playing styles and enables students to be better prepared when they play in open competition. No child is forced into a competitive situation. We know that competitive pressures can be harmful to some children. Tournament play is strictly optional. Free Food & Beverages You will notice the conspicuous absence of coin-vending machines at the Academy. We believe every parent and child who enters the Academy should feel equal to his peers. If a parent is experiencing financial difficulty, it will not impact a child at our facility. In an effort to make everyone feel equal and welcome, food and beverages are available free to everyone playing at the academy, as well as visitors.

The Programs The Junior Development Program at the Port Washington Tennis Academy consists of nine levels for players from 6-18 years of age. There is also a special Trailblazers program for 4-7 year old just starting in the game. We like to start working with children when they are physically and mentally ready, usually somewhere between their fourth and eighth birthday. We teach tennis as well as good sportsmanship, honesty, self-control, and the ability to handle disappointments, all of which prepare our students for their future life. Two sessions run from September-February and February-June. About Tuition The PWTA is a non-profit, charitable institution. Tuition is charged for those parents who can afford to pay. For children whose parents cannot afford to pay, a scholarship program is available to enable them to join the program. Contributions by friends of the Academy and members of the founding family help the Port Washington Tennis Academy to continue to pursue charitable opportunities which are identified as beneficial to children. Juniors Are No. 1 The PWTA is the only facility where juniors take precedence over adults. Junior programs are after school and on weekends and adults can only use the courts when juniors are not. Juniors are our most important asset. Channeling A Child’s Energy An important aspect of our tennis teaching program is the underlying idea: “If we can hook kids on tennis, they will not get hooked on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.” The theory works! By sparking children’s interest in, and motivating them to like the game, they want to perform with their peers at the highest possible level. By their own choice, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are not a part of their lives. “Making” of a Champion Some people think that the main thrust of the PWTA is to make champions. It is not. Our aim is to provide a healthy environment and provide an activity which they can enjoy participating in for the rest of their lives. Tennis can increase their success scholastically, professionally, and emotionally. The Academy has had a great many quality young people graduate from its program, including a number of professional champions. Our program and method of teaching helped them and gave them the opportunity to develop their “championship potential,” but we did not “make” them champions. Our Professionals Classes are limited to four in a group so players receive individualized attention. In addition to the on-court professionals, “supervisors” constantly observe the action on each court. Based on these observations, we change the composition of each group of players, at each level, when appropriate. The “mixing” of players is based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses, to achieve a homogeneous group of players. This enables each player to achieve optimum performance and development. When a child shows a consistent inability to master a skill, he or she is given some extra attention to help correct that problem. Most of our levels include ladder matches and extensive practice time. Choosing College When students reach their junior year in high school, we begin to counsel those who desire help in deciding which college is right for them. If they want to play on a college tennis team, we help them get into the best possible college where they can expect to make the team and actively play. Our advice considers the student’s ability level, as compared to the team level of play at the college they are considering. If a student’s parents can’t afford college, we are often successful in arranging for a full or partial scholarship. Tournaments Outside competition is provided for the students. In-house tournaments are run for training purposes only. They enable Academy students to develop their tennis skills under various circumstances and pressures; it allows them exposure to different playing styles and enables students to be better prepared when they play in open competition. No child is forced into a competitive situation. We know that competitive pressures can be harmful to some children. Tournament play is strictly optional. Free Food & Beverages You will notice the conspicuous absence of coin-vending machines at the Academy. We believe every parent and child who enters the Academy should feel equal to his peers. If a parent is experiencing financial difficulty, it will not impact a child at our facility. In an effort to make everyone feel equal and welcome, food and beverages are available free to everyone playing at the academy, as well as visitors.

The Programs The Junior Development Program at the Port Washington Tennis Academy consists of nine levels for players from 6-18 years of age. There is also a special Trailblazers program for 4-7 year old just starting in the game. We like to start working with children when they are physically and mentally ready, usually somewhere between their fourth and eighth birthday. We teach tennis as well as good sportsmanship, honesty, self-control, and the ability to handle disappointments, all of which prepare our students for their future life. Two sessions run from September-February and February-June. About Tuition The PWTA is a non-profit, charitable institution. Tuition is charged for those parents who can afford to pay. For children whose parents cannot afford to pay, a scholarship program is available to enable them to join the program. Contributions by friends of the Academy and members of the founding family help the Port Washington Tennis Academy to continue to pursue charitable opportunities which are identified as beneficial to children. Juniors Are No. 1 The PWTA is the only facility where juniors take precedence over adults. Junior programs are after school and on weekends and adults can only use the courts when juniors are not. Juniors are our most important asset. Channeling A Child’s Energy An important aspect of our tennis teaching program is the underlying idea: “If we can hook kids on tennis, they will not get hooked on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.” The theory works! By sparking children’s interest in, and motivating them to like the game, they want to perform with their peers at the highest possible level. By their own choice, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are not a part of their lives. “Making” of a Champion Some people think that the main thrust of the PWTA is to make champions. It is not. Our aim is to provide a healthy environment and provide an activity which they can enjoy participating in for the rest of their lives. Tennis can increase their success scholastically, professionally, and emotionally. The Academy has had a great many quality young people graduate from its program, including a number of professional champions. Our program and method of teaching helped them and gave them the opportunity to develop their “championship potential,” but we did not “make” them champions. Our Professionals Classes are limited to four in a group so players receive individualized attention. In addition to the on-court professionals, “supervisors” constantly observe the action on each court. Based on these observations, we change the composition of each group of players, at each level, when appropriate. The “mixing” of players is based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses, to achieve a homogeneous group of players. This enables each player to achieve optimum performance and development. When a child shows a consistent inability to master a skill, he or she is given some extra attention to help correct that problem. Most of our levels include ladder matches and extensive practice time. Choosing College When students reach their junior year in high school, we begin to counsel those who desire help in deciding which college is right for them. If they want to play on a college tennis team, we help them get into the best possible college where they can expect to make the team and actively play. Our advice considers the student’s ability level, as compared to the team level of play at the college they are considering. If a student’s parents can’t afford college, we are often successful in arranging for a full or partial scholarship. Tournaments Outside competition is provided for the students. In-house tournaments are run for training purposes only. They enable Academy students to develop their tennis skills under various circumstances and pressures; it allows them exposure to different playing styles and enables students to be better prepared when they play in open competition. No child is forced into a competitive situation. We know that competitive pressures can be harmful to some children. Tournament play is strictly optional. Free Food & Beverages You will notice the conspicuous absence of coin-vending machines at the Academy. We believe every parent and child who enters the Academy should feel equal to his peers. If a parent is experiencing financial difficulty, it will not impact a child at our facility. In an effort to make everyone feel equal and welcome, food and beverages are available free to everyone playing at the academy, as well as visitors.

The Programs The Junior Development Program at the Port Washington Tennis Academy consists of nine levels for players from 6-18 years of age. There is also a special Trailblazers program for 4-7 year old just starting in the game. We like to start working with children when they are physically and mentally ready, usually somewhere between their fourth and eighth birthday. We teach tennis as well as good sportsmanship, honesty, self-control, and the ability to handle disappointments, all of which prepare our students for their future life. Two sessions run from September-February and February-June. About Tuition The PWTA is a non-profit, charitable institution. Tuition is charged for those parents who can afford to pay. For children whose parents cannot afford to pay, a scholarship program is available to enable them to join the program. Contributions by friends of the Academy and members of the founding family help the Port Washington Tennis Academy to continue to pursue charitable opportunities which are identified as beneficial to children. Juniors Are No. 1 The PWTA is the only facility where juniors take precedence over adults. Junior programs are after school and on weekends and adults can only use the courts when juniors are not. Juniors are our most important asset. Channeling A Child’s Energy An important aspect of our tennis teaching program is the underlying idea: “If we can hook kids on tennis, they will not get hooked on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.” The theory works! By sparking children’s interest in, and motivating them to like the game, they want to perform with their peers at the highest possible level. By their own choice, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are not a part of their lives. “Making” of a Champion Some people think that the main thrust of the PWTA is to make champions. It is not. Our aim is to provide a healthy environment and provide an activity which they can enjoy participating in for the rest of their lives. Tennis can increase their success scholastically, professionally, and emotionally. The Academy has had a great many quality young people graduate from its program, including a number of professional champions. Our program and method of teaching helped them and gave them the opportunity to develop their “championship potential,” but we did not “make” them champions. Our Professionals Classes are limited to four in a group so players receive individualized attention. In addition to the on-court professionals, “supervisors” constantly observe the action on each court. Based on these observations, we change the composition of each group of players, at each level, when appropriate. The “mixing” of players is based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses, to achieve a homogeneous group of players. This enables each player to achieve optimum performance and development. When a child shows a consistent inability to master a skill, he or she is given some extra attention to help correct that problem. Most of our levels include ladder matches and extensive practice time. Choosing College When students reach their junior year in high school, we begin to counsel those who desire help in deciding which college is right for them. If they want to play on a college tennis team, we help them get into the best possible college where they can expect to make the team and actively play. Our advice considers the student’s ability level, as compared to the team level of play at the college they are considering. If a student’s parents can’t afford college, we are often successful in arranging for a full or partial scholarship. Tournaments Outside competition is provided for the students. In-house tournaments are run for training purposes only. They enable Academy students to develop their tennis skills under various circumstances and pressures; it allows them exposure to different playing styles and enables students to be better prepared when they play in open competition. No child is forced into a competitive situation. We know that competitive pressures can be harmful to some children. Tournament play is strictly optional. Free Food & Beverages You will notice the conspicuous absence of coin-vending machines at the Academy. We believe every parent and child who enters the Academy should feel equal to his peers. If a parent is experiencing financial difficulty, it will not impact a child at our facility. In an effort to make everyone feel equal and welcome, food and beverages are available free to everyone playing at the academy, as well as visitors.

The Programs The Junior Development Program at the Port Washington Tennis Academy consists of nine levels for players from 6-18 years of age. There is also a special Trailblazers program for 4-7 year old just starting in the game. We like to start working with children when they are physically and mentally ready, usually somewhere between their fourth and eighth birthday. We teach tennis as well as good sportsmanship, honesty, self-control, and the ability to handle disappointments, all of which prepare our students for their future life. Two sessions run from September-February and February-June. About Tuition The PWTA is a non-profit, charitable institution. Tuition is charged for those parents who can afford to pay. For children whose parents cannot afford to pay, a scholarship program is available to enable them to join the program. Contributions by friends of the Academy and members of the founding family help the Port Washington Tennis Academy to continue to pursue charitable opportunities which are identified as beneficial to children. Juniors Are No. 1 The PWTA is the only facility where juniors take precedence over adults. Junior programs are after school and on weekends and adults can only use the courts when juniors are not. Juniors are our most important asset. Channeling A Child’s Energy An important aspect of our tennis teaching program is the underlying idea: “If we can hook kids on tennis, they will not get hooked on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.” The theory works! By sparking children’s interest in, and motivating them to like the game, they want to perform with their peers at the highest possible level. By their own choice, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are not a part of their lives. “Making” of a Champion Some people think that the main thrust of the PWTA is to make champions. It is not. Our aim is to provide a healthy environment and provide an activity which they can enjoy participating in for the rest of their lives. Tennis can increase their success scholastically, professionally, and emotionally. The Academy has had a great many quality young people graduate from its program, including a number of professional champions. Our program and method of teaching helped them and gave them the opportunity to develop their “championship potential,” but we did not “make” them champions. Our Professionals Classes are limited to four in a group so players receive individualized attention. In addition to the on-court professionals, “supervisors” constantly observe the action on each court. Based on these observations, we change the composition of each group of players, at each level, when appropriate. The “mixing” of players is based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses, to achieve a homogeneous group of players. This enables each player to achieve optimum performance and development. When a child shows a consistent inability to master a skill, he or she is given some extra attention to help correct that problem. Most of our levels include ladder matches and extensive practice time. Choosing College When students reach their junior year in high school, we begin to counsel those who desire help in deciding which college is right for them. If they want to play on a college tennis team, we help them get into the best possible college where they can expect to make the team and actively play. Our advice considers the student’s ability level, as compared to the team level of play at the college they are considering. If a student’s parents can’t afford college, we are often successful in arranging for a full or partial scholarship. Tournaments Outside competition is provided for the students. In-house tournaments are run for training purposes only. They enable Academy students to develop their tennis skills under various circumstances and pressures; it allows them exposure to different playing styles and enables students to be better prepared when they play in open competition. No child is forced into a competitive situation. We know that competitive pressures can be harmful to some children. Tournament play is strictly optional. Free Food & Beverages You will notice the conspicuous absence of coin-vending machines at the Academy. We believe every parent and child who enters the Academy should feel equal to his peers. If a parent is experiencing financial difficulty, it will not impact a child at our facility. In an effort to make everyone feel equal and welcome, food and beverages are available free to everyone playing at the academy, as well as visitors.

The Programs The Junior Development Program at the Port Washington Tennis Academy consists of nine levels for players from 6-18 years of age. There is also a special Trailblazers program for 4-7 year old just starting in the game. We like to start working with children when they are physically and mentally ready, usually somewhere between their fourth and eighth birthday. We teach tennis as well as good sportsmanship, honesty, self-control, and the ability to handle disappointments, all of which prepare our students for their future life. Two sessions run from September-February and February-June. About Tuition The PWTA is a non-profit, charitable institution. Tuition is charged for those parents who can afford to pay. For children whose parents cannot afford to pay, a scholarship program is available to enable them to join the program. Contributions by friends of the Academy and members of the founding family help the Port Washington Tennis Academy to continue to pursue charitable opportunities which are identified as beneficial to children. Juniors Are No. 1 The PWTA is the only facility where juniors take precedence over adults. Junior programs are after school and on weekends and adults can only use the courts when juniors are not. Juniors are our most important asset. Channeling A Child’s Energy An important aspect of our tennis teaching program is the underlying idea: “If we can hook kids on tennis, they will not get hooked on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.” The theory works! By sparking children’s interest in, and motivating them to like the game, they want to perform with their peers at the highest possible level. By their own choice, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are not a part of their lives. “Making” of a Champion Some people think that the main thrust of the PWTA is to make champions. It is not. Our aim is to provide a healthy environment and provide an activity which they can enjoy participating in for the rest of their lives. Tennis can increase their success scholastically, professionally, and emotionally. The Academy has had a great many quality young people graduate from its program, including a number of professional champions. Our program and method of teaching helped them and gave them the opportunity to develop their “championship potential,” but we did not “make” them champions. Our Professionals Classes are limited to four in a group so players receive individualized attention. In addition to the on-court professionals, “supervisors” constantly observe the action on each court. Based on these observations, we change the composition of each group of players, at each level, when appropriate. The “mixing” of players is based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses, to achieve a homogeneous group of players. This enables each player to achieve optimum performance and development. When a child shows a consistent inability to master a skill, he or she is given some extra attention to help correct that problem. Most of our levels include ladder matches and extensive practice time. Choosing College When students reach their junior year in high school, we begin to counsel those who desire help in deciding which college is right for them. If they want to play on a college tennis team, we help them get into the best possible college where they can expect to make the team and actively play. Our advice considers the student’s ability level, as compared to the team level of play at the college they are considering. If a student’s parents can’t afford college, we are often successful in arranging for a full or partial scholarship. Tournaments Outside competition is provided for the students. In-house tournaments are run for training purposes only. They enable Academy students to develop their tennis skills under various circumstances and pressures; it allows them exposure to different playing styles and enables students to be better prepared when they play in open competition. No child is forced into a competitive situation. We know that competitive pressures can be harmful to some children. Tournament play is strictly optional. Free Food & Beverages You will notice the conspicuous absence of coin-vending machines at the Academy. We believe every parent and child who enters the Academy should feel equal to his peers. If a parent is experiencing financial difficulty, it will not impact a child at our facility. In an effort to make everyone feel equal and welcome, food and beverages are available free to everyone playing at the academy, as well as visitors.

The Programs The Junior Development Program at the Port Washington Tennis Academy consists of nine levels for players from 6-18 years of age. There is also a special Trailblazers program for 4-7 year old just starting in the game. We like to start working with children when they are physically and mentally ready, usually somewhere between their fourth and eighth birthday. We teach tennis as well as good sportsmanship, honesty, self-control, and the ability to handle disappointments, all of which prepare our students for their future life. Two sessions run from September-February and February-June. About Tuition The PWTA is a non-profit, charitable institution. Tuition is charged for those parents who can afford to pay. For children whose parents cannot afford to pay, a scholarship program is available to enable them to join the program. Contributions by friends of the Academy and members of the founding family help the Port Washington Tennis Academy to continue to pursue charitable opportunities which are identified as beneficial to children. Juniors Are No. 1 The PWTA is the only facility where juniors take precedence over adults. Junior programs are after school and on weekends and adults can only use the courts when juniors are not. Juniors are our most important asset. Channeling A Child’s Energy An important aspect of our tennis teaching program is the underlying idea: “If we can hook kids on tennis, they will not get hooked on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.” The theory works! By sparking children’s interest in, and motivating them to like the game, they want to perform with their peers at the highest possible level. By their own choice, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are not a part of their lives. “Making” of a Champion Some people think that the main thrust of the PWTA is to make champions. It is not. Our aim is to provide a healthy environment and provide an activity which they can enjoy participating in for the rest of their lives. Tennis can increase their success scholastically, professionally, and emotionally. The Academy has had a great many quality young people graduate from its program, including a number of professional champions. Our program and method of teaching helped them and gave them the opportunity to develop their “championship potential,” but we did not “make” them champions. Our Professionals Classes are limited to four in a group so players receive individualized attention. In addition to the on-court professionals, “supervisors” constantly observe the action on each court. Based on these observations, we change the composition of each group of players, at each level, when appropriate. The “mixing” of players is based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses, to achieve a homogeneous group of players. This enables each player to achieve optimum performance and development. When a child shows a consistent inability to master a skill, he or she is given some extra attention to help correct that problem. Most of our levels include ladder matches and extensive practice time. Choosing College When students reach their junior year in high school, we begin to counsel those who desire help in deciding which college is right for them. If they want to play on a college tennis team, we help them get into the best possible college where they can expect to make the team and actively play. Our advice considers the student’s ability level, as compared to the team level of play at the college they are considering. If a student’s parents can’t afford college, we are often successful in arranging for a full or partial scholarship. Tournaments Outside competition is provided for the students. In-house tournaments are run for training purposes only. They enable Academy students to develop their tennis skills under various circumstances and pressures; it allows them exposure to different playing styles and enables students to be better prepared when they play in open competition. No child is forced into a competitive situation. We know that competitive pressures can be harmful to some children. Tournament play is strictly optional. Free Food & Beverages You will notice the conspicuous absence of coin-vending machines at the Academy. We believe every parent and child who enters the Academy should feel equal to his peers. If a parent is experiencing financial difficulty, it will not impact a child at our facility. In an effort to make everyone feel equal and welcome, food and beverages are available free to everyone playing at the academy, as well as visitors.

PWTA offers an extensive variety of Adult Programs for all levels, ranging from those who have never played through those who are of tournament caliber. Men and women over the age of 18 have the option of private lessons or group clinics (with three players), day or evening, when juniors are not using all the courts. Instructional courts with season-ending doubles play sessions are just part of our broad spectrum of activities. Needless to say, some adults complain that too much time is allocated for juniors, and not enough for adults, particularly on weekends. Nevertheless, the PWTA continues to run under the philosophy that: Juniors are our most important asset. In additional to classes, the Port Washington Tennis Academy also has leagues for Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, Men’s Singles, and Men’s Doubles. Leagues are seasonal, offered day and night, and include weekly competition.

The Programs The Junior Development Program at the Port Washington Tennis Academy consists of nine levels for players from 6-18 years of age. There is also a special Trailblazers program for 4-7 year old just starting in the game. We like to start working with children when they are physically and mentally ready, usually somewhere between their fourth and eighth birthday. We teach tennis as well as good sportsmanship, honesty, self-control, and the ability to handle disappointments, all of which prepare our students for their future life. Two sessions run from September-February and February-June. About Tuition The PWTA is a non-profit, charitable institution. Tuition is charged for those parents who can afford to pay. For children whose parents cannot afford to pay, a scholarship program is available to enable them to join the program. Contributions by friends of the Academy and members of the founding family help the Port Washington Tennis Academy to continue to pursue charitable opportunities which are identified as beneficial to children. Juniors Are No. 1 The PWTA is the only facility where juniors take precedence over adults. Junior programs are after school and on weekends and adults can only use the courts when juniors are not. Juniors are our most important asset. Channeling A Child’s Energy An important aspect of our tennis teaching program is the underlying idea: “If we can hook kids on tennis, they will not get hooked on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.” The theory works! By sparking children’s interest in, and motivating them to like the game, they want to perform with their peers at the highest possible level. By their own choice, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are not a part of their lives. “Making” of a Champion Some people think that the main thrust of the PWTA is to make champions. It is not. Our aim is to provide a healthy environment and provide an activity which they can enjoy participating in for the rest of their lives. Tennis can increase their success scholastically, professionally, and emotionally. The Academy has had a great many quality young people graduate from its program, including a number of professional champions. Our program and method of teaching helped them and gave them the opportunity to develop their “championship potential,” but we did not “make” them champions. Our Professionals Classes are limited to four in a group so players receive individualized attention. In addition to the on-court professionals, “supervisors” constantly observe the action on each court. Based on these observations, we change the composition of each group of players, at each level, when appropriate. The “mixing” of players is based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses, to achieve a homogeneous group of players. This enables each player to achieve optimum performance and development. When a child shows a consistent inability to master a skill, he or she is given some extra attention to help correct that problem. Most of our levels include ladder matches and extensive practice time. Choosing College When students reach their junior year in high school, we begin to counsel those who desire help in deciding which college is right for them. If they want to play on a college tennis team, we help them get into the best possible college where they can expect to make the team and actively play. Our advice considers the student’s ability level, as compared to the team level of play at the college they are considering. If a student’s parents can’t afford college, we are often successful in arranging for a full or partial scholarship. Tournaments Outside competition is provided for the students. In-house tournaments are run for training purposes only. They enable Academy students to develop their tennis skills under various circumstances and pressures; it allows them exposure to different playing styles and enables students to be better prepared when they play in open competition. No child is forced into a competitive situation. We know that competitive pressures can be harmful to some children. Tournament play is strictly optional. Free Food & Beverages You will notice the conspicuous absence of coin-vending machines at the Academy. We believe every parent and child who enters the Academy should feel equal to his peers. If a parent is experiencing financial difficulty, it will not impact a child at our facility. In an effort to make everyone feel equal and welcome, food and beverages are available free to everyone playing at the academy, as well as visitors.

PWTA offers an extensive variety of Adult Programs for all levels, ranging from those who have never played through those who are of tournament caliber. Men and women over the age of 18 have the option of private lessons or group clinics (with three players), day or evening, when juniors are not using all the courts. Instructional courts with season-ending doubles play sessions are just part of our broad spectrum of activities. Needless to say, some adults complain that too much time is allocated for juniors, and not enough for adults, particularly on weekends. Nevertheless, the PWTA continues to run under the philosophy that: Juniors are our most important asset. In additional to classes, the Port Washington Tennis Academy also has leagues for Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, Men’s Singles, and Men’s Doubles. Leagues are seasonal, offered day and night, and include weekly competition.

PWTA offers an extensive variety of Adult Programs for all levels, ranging from those who have never played through those who are of tournament caliber. Men and women over the age of 18 have the option of private lessons or group clinics (with three players), day or evening, when juniors are not using all the courts. Instructional courts with season-ending doubles play sessions are just part of our broad spectrum of activities. Needless to say, some adults complain that too much time is allocated for juniors, and not enough for adults, particularly on weekends. Nevertheless, the PWTA continues to run under the philosophy that: Juniors are our most important asset. In additional to classes, the Port Washington Tennis Academy also has leagues for Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, Men’s Singles, and Men’s Doubles. Leagues are seasonal, offered day and night, and include weekly competition.

Frequently Asked Questions