FAQs
What grades do you offer?
Through our multi-age learning studios and personalized learning plans we focus and speak to ages and maturity levels beyond grades, but comparable educational enviornments (in terms of grades), we currently serve ages Pre-K through 9th grade – with high school coming in in the future.
Is Aspire Academy a Montessori Program?
No. We are not a Montessori program although we do respect and implement many of the valuable Montessori methods. We also incorporate many other learning methods such as aspects of Waldorf, the Socratic Method, Design Thinking, Project-Based Learning, and utilize innovative digital learning platforms for concrete foundational skills.
Do you offer year-round school?
No. Our schedule runs from late August through May, but enriching, neurological movement programs are offered throughout the summer and every holiday break. These day and weekly camps are operated by our Eudaimonia affiliate program, LIFEKour Academy. Furthermore, our core skills curriculum is designed so that they can be taken on the road allowing families to travel together.
Is Aspire Academy accredited?
Yes, our program is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools, although we currently offer homeschool enrichment and families are required by law to register your children’s learning with the state in which they live.
What do you mean by Neurocentric Education or Methods?
We help our learners and families understand and apply suitable, personalized brain and nervous system inputs to create high performance outputs. These highly personal and seemingly simple inputs of movement, sound, color, tactile sensation, vibration, and more are extremely powerful in shifting one’s output to optimize their physical, emotional, and academic performance, applicable in all areas of their lives.
Is Aspire Academy religious?
Neither Aspire Academy nor Eudaimonia, our parent organization, promotes any specific religion. Eudaimonia is a non-profit ministry, serving the needs of the community through various programs and outreach, supporting families to flourish in their choosen spiritual journey.
What do you mean by Passion and Purpose?
We believe that every person (including young ones) has innate gifts and talents, which can feed their passions in order to flourish. Our role is to guide your child in developping those gifts, nurturing their passions and discovering how best to share them with the world! At Aspire Academy, your child will find their passion and purpose to impact the world!
What is “Learner-Governed" environment?
The learner-governed approach Aspire takes to education is designed to give your child far greater control over how they learn. We know this can be scary for parents who have only experienced more traditional education, but research shows that learners are much more engaged when allowed an appropriate amount of autonomy. You’ll find them taking greater accountability for themselves even at younger ages! With time, your child’s independence and critical thinking skills will grow, which means he or she develops into an independent thinker equipped with a lifelong passion for learning.
Does Aspire Academy serve special needs children?
Unfortunately, we are not currently equipped to serve children who need specialized attention. However, we are open to meet the needs of the learner and families through an open-door policy which allows your own aid or assistant to focus on their special needs. We recommend and work closely with an Adolescent Behavior Specialist, whom you can interview and hire to work with your child, or another specialist you choose.
Will Aspire Academy grow?
Yes! We started in the fall of 2021 with a one-room multi-age learning studio and numerous outdoor learning spaces on Eudaimonia’s beautiful campus. We are now updating a large building on the property to house multiple learning studios, a Kitchen Lab, and a Community Space!
- Bloom Studio – 2.5-5 years old
- Spark Studio – 5 to 7 years old (Coming Soon)
- Discovery Studio – 7 to 11 years old (Coming Soon)
- Adventure Studio – 11 to 15 years old (Coming Soon)
- Launchpad – 15+ years old (Coming Soon)
Are there more Aspire Academy’s?
Not yet! But the long-term goal is to develop additional locations around the world. This would enable us to offer various exchange-learner options between our locations!
What does it mean that Aspire Academy is an Acton Academy Affiliate?
When creating Aspire Academy we were inspired by many methods, from Montessori, Waldorf, Unschooling, and Reggio to Acton Academy, but like Bruce Lee, we wanted to “absorb what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what is specifically our own.” An example of something exclusive to Aspire, our learners gain an in-depth physiological and neurological understanding of themselves, allowing them to optimize their mental and physical performance. Utilizing quests and materials from Acton Academy’s 15 years of proven success is an invaluable resource. In addition, we have the ability for our learners to gather occasionally with other student-governed, like-minded learners for fun challenges, social gatherings, inspiration, and collaboration.
Aspire Academy program operates under a PMA. What does that mean?
Aspire Academy is a program of Eudaimonia Ministires, a (PMA) Private Ministerial Association, operating in the private sector. What is a PMA?
PMAs provide groups with the opportunity to form their own association, determining the practices, codes and services that define the association and serve as a space for members to share best practices and advice while facilitating discussion and learning opportunities around a common interest. PMAs exist for a range of industries and professions including healthcare and accounting, but could apply to a shared interest such as a hobby or a sport.
PMAs have a unique place within the law which means they are generally protected from the law unless members are subjected to “a clear and present danger of a substantial evil”. The right to assemble and associate is detailed in the First Amendment, and therefore a human right in the United States.
How can I apply for Aspire Academy?
Our application process begins with attending an Open House or Scheduling a Tour, followed up with a Family Interview. Our unique educational methods and philosophies are best experienced in person, and we would love to show you the beautiful campus. We look forward to hearing from you! Please email or call 833-568-7474 to get more information. We look forward to hearing from you!