Where Education Meets Athletic Excellence: Our Ongoing Partnership with D-Lab Basketball

At Aubrey Academy, we believe students shouldn’t have to choose between chasing their dreams and completing their education. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight one of our most impactful partnerships—our founding collaboration with DeShawn “Dash” Montaque, founder of D-Lab Basketball.

Dash Montaque, founder of d-lab basketball

Dash is more than a coach—he’s a visionary. As a high-performance basketball trainer with years of experience working with elite athletes, Dash understands the unique needs of student-athletes who are preparing for NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 opportunities. He was instrumental in helping the launch of Aubrey Academy, ensuring our online private school was designed with NCAA eligibility in mind from day one.

Our very first students were part of the D-Lab family—high-performance athletes who needed a learning experience that could adapt to their demanding training schedules. With Dash’s support, these students enrolled in our Grade 9 Business course, where they weren’t just completing credits—they were developing leadership skills, learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, and exploring real-world scenarios that reflected their identities and passions, especially in basketball.

This course was more than a requirement. It was an opportunity for student-athletes to see themselves in the curriculum—to apply the mindset and discipline they learn on the court to the world of business and leadership. Whether managing time like a point guard, leading with confidence like a team captain, or strategizing like a coach, our students found that the skills they build in sport translate powerfully into academic success.

We are now proud to offer NCAA-approved courses that allow student-athletes from D-Lab Basketball and beyond to earn real Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits without compromising on training time or academic quality. Our fully online, teacher-led courses are personalized to help students thrive both in the classroom and on the court.

This is just the beginning of our long-term partnership with Dash and D-Lab. Together, we are creating a future where student-athletes can truly have it all—excellence in sport, excellence in education, and a path to NCAA success.

If you’re a student-athlete looking to maximize your potential, or a parent or coach seeking the right academic support for your player, Aubrey Academy is here to help you level up.