Student Housing Options
SSS Academy provides two distinct housing pathways for student-athletes who relocate to Phoenix. Whether through our USA Hockey-compliant Billet Program or our standard boarding facilities, every student-athlete receives a safe, structured, and supportive living environment designed to complement their training and academic schedule.
🏒 Billet / Host Family Program — Hockey Only
$7,000 per year ($700/month for 10 months) — paid directly to billet host families
The Billet Program pairs hockey student-athletes with carefully screened local host families in the Phoenix area. This is a time-honored tradition in hockey development, providing players with a family-like environment while they train and compete at the elite level.
What is a Billet Family?
A billet (host) family opens their home to a student-athlete for the duration of the academy season. The host family provides a private bedroom, daily meals, transportation to and from the arena, and — most importantly — a warm, supportive family environment that helps young athletes thrive far from home.
USA Hockey Safe Sport Compliance
Our Billet Program is fully compliant with USA Hockey Safe Sport requirements. This includes:
- All adults (18+) in the household must be registered with USA Hockey
- All adults must complete annual SafeSport Training certification
- All adults must pass comprehensive background screening per USA Hockey Screening Policy
- Maximum of 2 players per billet household (per USA Hockey policy updated December 2024)
- Dedicated Billet Coordinator oversees all placements and compliance
- Written agreements between family, player, and academy
- Regular check-ins and home visits by the Billet Coordinator
- 24/7 emergency protocols in place
What's Included
- Private bedroom in a screened host family home
- Daily meals provided by the host family
- Transportation to/from Fire 'n' Ice arena
- Family-style living environment
- Laundry facilities
- Wi-Fi and study space
Interested in Becoming a Billet Family?
We are always looking for caring families in the Phoenix area to host our hockey student-athletes. Billet families receive $700/month and become an integral part of our academy community. Learn about the full program, SafeSport requirements, and apply online.
🏠 Standard Boarding — Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball, Figure Skating
$7,000 per year (10 months)
Our standard boarding program provides comfortable, secure housing for non-hockey student-athletes. Boarding facilities are designed to support both athletic performance and academic success, creating a community where student-athletes can thrive.
Boarding Includes
- Furnished shared room (double occupancy)
- Common areas with study space, lounge, and recreation
- Wi-Fi throughout the facility
- Laundry facilities
- 24/7 on-site supervision by trained residential staff
- Secure building access with key card entry
Food & Meals
Food costs are available for purchase as needed. Boarding students have access to all three Fire 'n' Ice dining venues — Lava's Edge Restaurant, Cross Bar Sports Bar, and Glacier Café — as well as kitchen facilities in the boarding area for self-preparation.
Housing Comparison
| Feature | Billet Program (Hockey) | Standard Boarding |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| Available For | Hockey only | Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball, Figure Skating |
| Living Arrangement | Private room in host family home | Shared room in boarding facility |
| Meals | Provided by host family | Available for purchase as needed |
| Transportation | Provided by host family | Shuttle service available |
| Supervision | Host family + Billet Coordinator | 24/7 on-site residential staff |
| Safe Sport Compliance | USA Hockey SafeSport certified | Fire 'n' Ice safety protocols |
Total Annual Cost Examples
| Scenario | Tuition | Registration | Housing | Discount | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hockey — Billet + OSA Discount | $30,000 | $1,500 | $7,000 | -$7,200 | $31,300 |
| Hockey — Billet (No Discount) | $30,000 | $1,500 | $7,000 | — | $38,500 |
| Any Sport — Standard Boarding + OSA Discount | $30,000 | $1,500 | $7,000 | -$7,200 | $31,300 |
| Any Sport — Standard Boarding (No Discount) | $30,000 | $1,500 | $7,000 | — | $38,500 |
| Any Sport — Day Student (No Housing) | $30,000 | $1,500 | — | — | $31,500 |
Food costs are not included in any housing option and are available for purchase as needed.
Supervision & Safety
Student safety is our top priority across both housing programs:
- Background-checked and trained supervisory staff
- Regular check-ins with students and host families
- 24/7 emergency contact available
- Strict curfew enforcement
- Academic progress monitoring
- Regular communication with parents/guardians
- Zero-tolerance policy for substance use
House Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Curfew (Weeknights) | 9:00 PM (in room), 10:00 PM (lights out) |
| Curfew (Weekends) | 10:00 PM (in room), 11:00 PM (lights out) |
| Room Inspections | Weekly |
| Visitors | Common areas only, with approval |
| Substance Policy | Zero tolerance — immediate dismissal |