Learning Design

We believe that learning to be, learning to do, and learning to learn are more important than learning to know.

21st Century Learning

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The latest in educational technology for self paced mastery of reading, writing and math skills.
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Hands-on project based quests to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.
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Deep Socratic discussions about heroes, history and self-governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write and speak.
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Professional tools for art, engineering, tech and storytelling in place of worksheets and busy work.
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Written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems.

Three Types of Learning

Learning to Learn.

Young people learn how to learn first. When good habits are formed, learning comes faster, with more depth, and in way that preserves natural curiosity and love of learning.

Learning to Do.

Real learning is active, which is why we replace worksheets, essays, lectures, and tests with real world, hands-on experiences that invite learners to develop real skills and discover deep passions.

Learning to Be.

Much like the real world, learners face monsters that take them off course; the resistance to doing the hard-important thing, staying focused on long term goals when distraction is near, and feeling like you are a helpless victim, rather than the hero of your own story. When learners face these challenges with courage, grit, and determination, they learn to be.

Measuring Mastery

Young heroes celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges and taking part in public exhibitions.

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Learners use badges to track academic progress in Core Skills like reading, writing, math and spelling and character development in Servant Leader Badges.
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Young heroes deliver public exhibitions of their work at the end of each four to six week sprint.
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Self-management and self-governance skills are measured by peer reviews at the end of each session.

Technology Lab

Hands-on STEM for Explorer & Adventure Studios

Students collaborating on a coding challenge

Hands-on robotics and engineering activity

Learners programming robots in the Technology Lab

Technology Lab is a hands-on, curiosity-driven space where learners explore how technology works and how to build with it responsibly. Learners design and create their own websites, learn robotics and programming, dissect technology to discover inner workings and how they function together, etc. Through real-world tinkering, problem-solving, and experimentation, Technology Lab empowers learners to move beyond passive use and become confident creators, critical thinkers, and thoughtful users of technology.