Simone Biles: Educational Journey
Explore how Olympic champion Simone Biles balanced elite gymnastics with her education
Early Education
High School
College Plans
Higher Education
2000s

Benfer Elementary School

After being adopted by her grandparents Ron and Nellie Biles, Simone began her education at Benfer Elementary School in Spring, Texas (Harris County).

This was where she built her academic foundation while developing her early gymnastics skills.

2006

First Gymnastics Experience

At age six, Simone had her first encounter with gymnastics during a daycare field trip, which became a pivotal moment in her life.

"I was discovered as a gymnast on a daycare field trip to Bannon's Gymnastix when I was 6 years old."
2012

Transition to Homeschooling

As her gymnastics career began to take off, Simone and her family prepared for a major educational shift to accommodate her training needs.

2012

Beginning Homeschooling Journey

At age 14, Simone switched to homeschooling to accommodate her increasingly demanding training schedule, which jumped from 20 to 32 hours per week.

This decision required immense discipline but allowed her to pursue both her academic studies and her gymnastics career.

2013-14

Balancing Education & Elite Competition

During these years, Simone continued her homeschooling while competing at increasingly elite levels.

She missed traditional high school experiences like prom and pep rallies, demonstrating her extraordinary commitment to her sport.

2015

High School Graduation

Simone completed her high school education and earned her diploma while simultaneously training for the Olympics.

"I sacrificed a lot growing up. I wasn't able to go to my high school dance or prom, but to be able to represent your country is something to be proud of."
Aug 2014

UCLA Commitment

Simone Biles publicly committed to attending UCLA with its renowned gymnastics program.

This demonstrated her intention to pursue higher education alongside her athletic career.

Nov 2014

National Letter of Intent

Simone signed her National Letter of Intent with UCLA, planning to begin her college education after the 2016 Rio Olympics.

July 2015

Turning Professional

In a pivotal career decision, Simone chose to turn professional, forfeiting her NCAA eligibility.

This meant canceling her UCLA enrollment plans to pursue endorsement opportunities and a professional career path.

"I had to make a really tough decision about college and whether I wanted to go pro. I think that turning pro was the right decision."
Feb 2018

University of the People Enrollment

Despite going pro, Simone didn't abandon her educational goals. She enrolled at the University of the People, a tuition-free accredited online institution.

She chose to pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration, which perfectly fit her busy professional schedule.

2018-19

Global Ambassador Role

Simone took on the role of global ambassador for University of the People, actively promoting education through her platform.

This transition from student to advocate highlighted her commitment to educational access.

2020

Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund

Simone established the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund to assist students transitioning out of foster care, drawing from her own experiences in the foster system.

"I know exactly what these kids go through and how hard it is to find resources. I want to help make college education a reality for them."
2018-Present

Continued Education

Throughout her ongoing elite gymnastics career, including through the pandemic and Tokyo Olympics, Simone has continued her studies at University of the People.

Her journey demonstrates that education remains a priority even at the highest levels of athletic achievement.

Simone Biles: Educational Journey Timeline

Explore how Simone balanced her education with her gymnastics career

Early 2000s - 2012

Elementary Education

Attended Benfer Elementary School in Spring, Texas where her gymnastics journey began.

Benfer Elementary Spring, TX
2012 - 2015

High School Years

Switched to homeschooling to accommodate her rigorous gymnastics training schedule.

Homeschooling Training 32hrs/week
2014 - 2015

UCLA Commitment

Committed to UCLA but later made the decision to turn professional instead.

College Plans NCAA Letter of Intent
July 2015

Turning Professional

Made the strategic decision to turn professional, forfeiting NCAA eligibility.

Career Decision Olympic Focus
2018 - Present

University of the People

Enrolled in a business administration program at this tuition-free online institution.

Online Education Business Administration
2020

Legacy Scholarship Fund

Established the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund to help students from foster care.

Philanthropy Foster Care Support

Elementary School Years

Simone Biles began her education at Benfer Elementary School in Harris County after being adopted by her grandparents Ron and Nellie Biles. This is where her journey in both academics and gymnastics began.

At the age of six, she first encountered gymnastics during a daycare field trip—a moment that would change her life forever. At Benfer Elementary, she developed the foundation for both her academic abilities and her emerging gymnastics talent.

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First introduced to gymnastics at age 6
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Developed early discipline balancing school and gymnastics
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Built foundational academic skills
"The supportive community in Spring, Texas helped cultivate Simone's extraordinary discipline from an early age."

High School Through Homeschooling

At age 14 in 2012, Simone Biles made the pivotal decision to switch to homeschooling to accommodate her increasingly demanding gymnastics training schedule. This allowed her to increase her training from 20 to 32 hours per week.

This transition required immense discipline and personal sacrifice. While her peers were attending prom and participating in normal high school activities, Biles was focusing on her Olympic dreams. Despite these challenges, she successfully completed her high school diploma in 2015 while simultaneously training for the Olympics.

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Increased training from 20 to 32 hours weekly
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Completed high school diploma in 2015
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Developed exceptional time management skills
"The decision to homeschool demonstrates the extraordinary commitment Simone made to pursue excellence in gymnastics while still valuing her education."

UCLA Commitment

In August 2014, Simone Biles publicly committed to attend UCLA, drawn to its renowned gymnastics program. She followed through by signing her National Letter of Intent in November 2014, with plans to begin her college education after the 2016 Rio Olympics.

This commitment reflected her intention to pursue higher education alongside her athletic career, showing her dedication to developing both academic and athletic excellence. UCLA's strong gymnastics program was a natural fit for her talents and aspirations.

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Committed to UCLA in August 2014
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Signed National Letter of Intent in November 2014
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Planned to start after 2016 Rio Olympics
"Biles' commitment to UCLA demonstrated her comprehensive approach to life planning, balancing long-term educational goals with her immediate athletic pursuits."

Turning Professional

In July 2015, Simone Biles made a career-defining decision to turn professional, which meant forfeiting her NCAA eligibility. This strategic choice meant canceling her plans to attend UCLA in favor of pursuing endorsement opportunities and a professional gymnastics career.

This decision was seen as bold and forward-thinking, demonstrating her confidence in her future success. It opened pathways to financial and professional advancement that would not have been possible had she pursued the collegiate route, highlighting her strategic approach to career planning.

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Turned professional in July 2015
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Forfeited NCAA eligibility
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Pursued endorsement opportunities
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Focused fully on Olympic preparation
"Her decision to turn professional revealed not just athletic talent but also business acumen and confidence in her ability to succeed at the highest levels."

University of the People

In February 2018, Simone Biles enrolled at the University of the People (UoPeople), a tuition-free, accredited online institution. She began pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration, choosing a program that would accommodate her demanding schedule as a professional athlete.

The University of the People's model, which charges only examination fees ($100 for undergraduates), aligned with Biles' commitment to accessible education. This choice allowed her to continue her education while managing her professional gymnastics career and public appearances.

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Enrolled at UoPeople in February 2018
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Pursuing Business Administration degree
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Became Global Ambassador for the university
"Biles' choice of an online education program demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning while adapting to her unique circumstances as an elite athlete."

Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund

In 2020, Simone Biles established the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund at the University of the People. This initiative specifically aims to assist students who are transitioning out of foster care—a cause close to her heart given her own experience in the foster care system.

Through this scholarship fund, Biles has expanded her impact beyond athletics, using her platform to create educational opportunities for vulnerable populations. This initiative reflects her commitment to giving back and her understanding that true success involves helping others achieve their goals.

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Established scholarship fund in 2020
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Focused on students from foster care
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Personal connection to foster care experience
"The Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund demonstrates how Biles uses her success and platform to create pathways for others facing similar challenges to those she overcame."

Last updated: April 2025 | Interactive timeline of Simone Biles' educational journey

Simone Biles' Educational Journey

Early Education

Benfer Elementary School

After being adopted by her grandparents, Simone attended Benfer Elementary in Spring, Texas where she first discovered gymnastics during a daycare field trip at age 6.

Early 2000s

Switch to Homeschooling

At age 14, Simone transitioned to homeschooling to accommodate her increasingly demanding gymnastics training schedule, which grew from 20 to 32 hours per week.

2012

UCLA Commitment

Simone committed to UCLA's gymnastics program and signed her National Letter of Intent, planning to attend after the 2016 Rio Olympics.

2014

High School Graduation & Going Pro

Simone completed her high school education through homeschooling and made the pivotal decision to turn professional, forfeiting her NCAA eligibility and UCLA enrollment.

2015

Olympic Success

Simone competed in the Rio Olympics, winning four gold medals and one bronze, validating her decision to pursue a professional career.

2016

University of the People

Simone enrolled at University of the People, pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration through their tuition-free online program.

2018

Scholarship Fund

Simone established the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund at University of the People to support students transitioning from foster care.

2020

Tokyo Olympics & Mental Health Advocacy

While continuing her education, Simone competed in the Tokyo Olympics and became an advocate for athletes' mental health.

2021

Continuing Education

Simone continues her studies at University of the People while balancing her professional gymnastics career and role as a global ambassador for education.

Present

Educational Fun Facts

  • Simone was only 6 years old when she first tried gymnastics during a daycare field trip.
  • Despite homeschooling, Simone completed her high school diploma the same year she became a World Champion.
  • The University of the People charges only $100 per exam for undergraduate students, making it accessible to many.
  • Simone's scholarship fund specifically helps students who, like her, have experience in the foster care system.
  • While at UCLA, Simone would have trained under coach Valorie Kondos Field, known as "Miss Val."

Learn More About Simone Biles' Journey

This timeline is based on information from verified sources including her official biography, news articles, and interviews.

Last Updated: April 2025

Where Did Simone Biles Go to School? Exploring Her Educational Journey

Simone Biles earned her status as a gymnastics icon by breaking medal records and demonstrating exceptional athletic skills that inspired millions. Simone Biles' educational path demonstrates as much intrigue as her athletic achievements outside the gym. Biles' educational trajectory from elementary through college demonstrates powerful resilience and balance through her unique high school and college path. The article thoroughly examines both Simone Biles's high school journey and her post-secondary educational path while providing comprehensive answers to your questions. This exploration will detail how Biles maintained her academic studies alongside her elite gymnastics career for fans and curious individuals alike.[1]

Early Education: Laying the Foundation

Benfer Elementary School

Simone Biles started her schooling at Benfer Elementary School in Harris County after her grandparents Ron and Nellie Biles adopted her and they moved to Spring, Texas. At age six she first encountered gymnastics during a daycare field trip which became a pivotal moment in her life. Biles attended her local public school where she managed to develop her academic foundation alongside her emerging gymnastics skills which prepared her for her later success.[2]

My admiration for Simone Biles grows when I consider how her early experiences in Spring's supportive community cultivated her discipline. A young Simone demonstrated excellence in academics and gymnastics skills creating an undeniable future powerhouse. To learn about Simone Biles' early life you can read her biography on Wikipedia.

High School: A Shift to Homeschooling

Why Homeschooling?

At age 14 in 2012 her gymnastics career required her to dedicate increased time. She decided to homeschool to manage her demanding training schedule that increased from 20 to 32 hours weekly. This decision, detailed in Heavy.com’s coverage of Biles’ education, enabled Biles to pursue her gymnastics training alongside her academic studies as detailed in Heavy.com's coverage of her educational path. Homeschooling demanded immense discipline which Simone Biles possesses in abundance.

Completing High School

While training for the Olympics Simone Biles completed her high school diploma in 2015. This route required her to skip regular high school activities including prom and pep rallies. At that age I question whether any of us would have been able to manage such a rigorous schedule. Young athletes who balance academic and sports commitments find inspiration in her story which demonstrates success through determination and assistance. The Sporting News article on Biles’ hometown and education reveals the vital role her family played throughout her demanding Olympic journey.

College Plans: A Pivot to Professionalism

UCLA Commitment

Simone Biles publicly committed to UCLA in August 2014 because of its renowned gymnastics department. She completed the National Letter of Intent in November 2014 with plans to begin her college education following the conclusion of the 2016 Rio Olympics. This moment, covered by BestColleges’ feature on Biles’ education, demonstrated her intention to combine higher education with her athletic career.

Turning Professional

However, in July 2015, Biles made a game-changing decision: she turned professional, forfeiting her NCAA eligibility. Because she chose a professional career path she canceled her UCLA enrollment plans to pursue endorsement opportunities. Fans saw this decision as bold because it demonstrated her strong belief in where her career was heading. The decision she made opened pathways to financial and professional advancement demonstrating her strategic mindset according to Heavy.com.

Higher Education: University of the People

Enrolling at UoPeople

Biles didn’t abandon education after going pro. Simone Biles became a student at University of the People (UoPeople), a tuition-free accredited online institution in February 2018. Biles enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program for business administration which perfectly fit her busy professional timetable. The University of the People's examination fee model ($100 for undergraduates) matched her commitment to educational accessibility according to BestColleges.

Global Ambassador and Scholarship Fund

Biles transitioned from student to global ambassador at UoPeople where she actively promoted education through her platform. In 2020 Simone Biles established the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund to assist students transitioning out of foster care because she understands the struggle since she too was raised in foster care. This initiative, covered by Sportskeeda’s article on Biles’ college journey, underscores her commitment to giving back. Her advocacy serves as an inspiration to me because it demonstrates that true success involves helping others achieve their goals not just personal accomplishments.

Balancing Act: Education and Gymnastics

Time Management Mastery

What methods did Biles employ to achieve excellence in gymnastics and maintain strong academic performance? Both fans and athletes who look up to her remain intrigued by this question. Her exceptional time management skills stand out because she succeeded in both her UoPeople studies and gymnastics training. The adaptable nature of online learning enabled her to pursue her studies during breaks between training sessions and competitions. Her family support along with UoPeople's structured system proved to be critical according to the Sporting News article.

Lessons for Young Athletes

The story of Biles offers actionable advice for students who must juggle their educational responsibilities with their personal passions.

  • Select educational programs which align with your timetable by opting for online courses or homeschooling.
  • Athletes should rely on their family members and mentors or coaches to maintain their progress.
  • Establish well-defined objectives for your educational work and primary interest.

The lessons from her path function as a guidebook for students who are simultaneously pursuing their dreams and education.

Educational Milestones: A Summary Table

This table presents a detailed summary of Biles' educational journey to enhance understanding.

Level Institution Details Years
Elementary Benfer Elementary School Attended in Harris County, Texas for early education 2000s-2012
High School Homeschooling Began in 2012, completed diploma in 2015, focused on gymnastics training 2012-2015
College (Planned) UCLA Committed in 2014, turned professional in 2015, did not attend 2014-2015
College (Enrolled) University of the People Enrolled in 2018, studying business administration, online, created scholarship fund 2018-Present

This table organizes Simone Biles' journey by drawing information from Wikipedia and BestColleges.

Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond the Gym

Simone Biles’ academic path shows her ability to adapt through her experiences at Benfer Elementary and homeschooling followed by near admission to UCLA and her current online studies at UoPeople. Her narrative goes beyond Olympic achievements to show how she harmonizes her aspirations with self-discipline while supporting others through her scholarship program. Simone Biles demonstrates to young athletes and interested individuals that it's possible to simultaneously pursue education while chasing personal aspirations.

Her journey inspires not just through her medals but through her commitment to learning and giving back. For young athletes, her story is a roadmap: with the right support and discipline, you can excel in both academics and your passions. Curious about how she managed it all? Explore Simone Biles’ Wikipedia page or dive into BestColleges’ detailed coverage. Please leave your inspirational thoughts about Biles’ story in the comments section.

  1. The article presents accurate information based on verified sources to provide fans and interested readers with details about Biles' educational background. ↩︎

  2. Multiple sources identify Benfer Elementary as the initial educational institution where Biles began her studies during her time in Spring, Texas. ↩︎

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