NOW ENROLLING FOR 2026-2027!

LEARNING SQUADS

"Mixed-age grouping resembles family and neighborhood groupings, which throughout history have informally provided much of children's socialization and education. The intention of mixed-age groupings in early childhood settings is to increase the heterogeneity of the group so as to capitalize on the differences in experience, knowledge and abilities of the children."

- Dr. Lilian Katz

Ignite Squad | Ages 5-8

Squad Focus

  • Ignite their love of learning.

  • Obtain core skills of reading, writing, and basic math

  • Social and Emotional growth

  • Physical growth through lots of play and movement

Learning Outline

  • Ignite their love of learning

  • Obtain core skills of reading, writing, and basic math

  • Social and Emotional growth

  • Physical growth through lots of play and movement

The Ignite Squad is designed to spark a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, experiential learning, free play, and exploration. The primary focus is on social-emotional growth, character development, and learning how to navigate relationships, responsibility, and conflict—skills that form the foundation for confident, self-directed learners. Academic skills in reading, writing, and math are intentionally built alongside this growth, supporting children as they learn how to think, make choices, and take ownership of their learning. With freedom within clear limits, students explore what works best for them, experience natural consequences, and are supported by Guides throughout the process, while daily movement and active play promote physical growth and resilience.

Young leaders integrate their learning experiences through additional outlets for exploration and creative expression. Open-ended and collaborative building projects, imaginative play and time in nature are all part of our schedule. Emotional literacy is a key focus of our Ignite Squad. We focus on social and emotional growth and wellness as a key foundation for developing self-direction in their learning.

Discover Squad | Ages 9-12

Squad Focus

  • Discover their passions/interests

  • Self-paced academics

  • Skill Discovery and Development

  • Physical Fitness

Learning Outline

In our Discover Squad, we encourage our young people to tap into their own unique genius. Our well-balanced educational experience promotes curiosity, creativity, and the ability to ask good questions. The squad is designed to create flexible spaces for work, learning, and play. It is a tight-knit community of mixed-age children who support each other and collaborate daily. This environment fosters a culture of respect and much of the character development that occurs here.

  • Discover their passions/interests

  • Self-paced academics

  • Skill Discovery and Development

  • Physical Fitness

The Discover Squad is designed to strengthen character, responsibility, and leadership while helping students discover their passions through leader-led projects, challenges, and real-world experiences. As part of a tight-knit community, students collaborate daily and engage in meaningful discussions that build communication skills, respect, and stronger decision-making. With a strong focus on skill discovery and development, learners build confidence, problem-solving, and resilience as they learn to take ownership of their growth. Academics are self-directed and self-paced, allowing students to progress with support and structure while developing independence and strong work habits. Daily physical fitness is an intentional part of the program, supporting discipline, energy, and overall well-being.

Explore Squad | Ages 12-15

Squad Focus

  • Explore their Options

  • Self-Paced Academics

  • Internships/Apprenticeships

  • Physical Fitness

  • Real-World Application

Learning Outline

In our Explore Squad, we begin to let your Leader(s) put those skills learned in previous Squads to work in the real-world. We begin by evaluating with them their strengths and interests gained from their time in the Discover Squad, and start to show them how those skills can be applied in the real-world through internships and apprenticeships and taking on bigger roles and responsibilities on campus.

  • Explore their Options

  • Self-Paced Academics

  • Internships/Apprenticeships

  • Physical Fitness

  • Real-World Application

The Explore Squad is designed to help leaders explore their options and begin connecting their interests to real-world pathways. A strong emphasis is placed on responsibility, maturity, and decision-making as students learn to manage their time, set goals, and take ownership of their growth. Leaders have the freedom to structure their day in the order that works best for them, while still completing clear non-negotiables—core skills, physical fitness, outdoor time, goal setting, and meaningful conversation. The remainder of their time is intentionally spent in pathway options that match their interests and aspirations, including:

  • Leader’s Choice Challenges

  • Building their own business

  • Apogee Young Man/Woman mentorship program, and/or

  • Internships or Apprenticeships

This model creates increasing freedom while building independence, strong habits, and real-world readiness.

Venture Squad | Ages 15-18

Coming Soon!

Ready to Learn More?

We’d love to connect and answer your questions. Contact us anytime — we’re here to help.