FAQ's
Where is the school located?
Drumroll, please! After careful consideration and thorough inspections, we are beyond thrilled to announce that the location for our inaugural year at Apogee Anson has been officially selected! Our micro school will be hosted at the beautiful and historic Mt. Vernon Methodist Church in Wadesboro, NC!
This location is incredibly special to us. Not only does it hold deep family history—Matt's grandpa literally built the church with a team, brick by brick—but it also offers the perfect environment for our young learners. With wide open spaces for outdoor play, a small playground, a basketball court, and plenty of woods and shade for outdoor learning and activities, it's a humble yet perfect beginning for Apogee Anson.
God is truly orchestrating something amazing here, and we couldn't be more grateful to Mt. Vernon Methodist Church for believing in our vision and welcoming us with open arms.
What grades do you offer?
Well, we don’t really do grades… but we do offer different learning environments for our trailblazers based on age. In the 2024-2025 school year, Apogee Anson will serve learners ages 5-9* years old in our Ignite classroom. We plan to open a second classroom for ages 9-11 in the fall of 2025, with plans to continue to expand as we grow.
5-9yrs: IGNITE
Young trailblazers "ignite" their love for learning
9-11 yrs: DISCOVER (coming soon)
Young trailblazers "discover" their passions and interests
12-14yrs: EXPLORE (coming soon)
Young trailblazers "explore" careers and future options
15-18yrs: VENTURE (coming soon)
Young trailblazers "venture" on their own journey
We believe that children learn best when working with peers of various ages rather than being split into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, trailblazers of all ages collaborate in groups. Our flexible approach challenges each trailblazer with their own differentiated learning plan and inspires them through real-world projects and experiences. Our trailblazer-centered environment puts children at the heart of their learning, allowing them to create and maintain personal goals and forge their own trails.
Is this a Montessori school?
The short answer here, is no - we are not a Montessori school. However we deeply respect and admire Maria Montessori's philosophy to "follow the child", Our trailblazers engage with Montessori-inspired stations to practice essential skills, complemented by adaptive software, hands-on projects, and Socratic discussions. We believe in the power of outdoor learning and incorporate physical fitness into our daily routines, ensuring a holistic approach to education.
Our mission is to ignite each child's innate curiosity and passion for learning, fostering an environment where they can thrive and discover their unique strengths. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey, where your child will be empowered to explore, create, and grow in a community that values individuality and lifelong learning.
Is this a religious school?
At Apogee Anson, we are deeply rooted in Christian principles and inspired by a mission to cultivate each child's innate talents and passions. While we are a non-denominational micro school, we guide our community with values drawn from the Bible. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." We believe each child is uniquely created with a special purpose.
Galatians 6:9 encourages us with, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse embodies our commitment to nurturing virtues such as honesty, integrity, politeness, compassion, bravery, and honor in every trailblazer's heart.
We welcome families from all faith backgrounds and respect the diverse beliefs of our community. Our focus is on creating a nurturing and supportive environment where each child can discover their purpose, develop their character, and grow into the extraordinary individuals they are meant to be. At Apogee Anson, we celebrate the journey of learning, underpinned by a foundation of love and respect for each child's unique path.
What does a day at Apogee Anson look like?
A day at Apogee Anson is a journey of discovery, creativity, and growth. Our trailblazers start their day with a sense of excitement, ready to embrace new challenges and adventures. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day:
Morning Ascent: Our day begins with a warm welcome and morning gathering, where we set our intentions and goals for the day. Trailblazers then dive into a blend of Montessori-inspired stations, adaptive learning software, and various engineering projects all designed to spark curiosity and foster critical thinking.
Socratic Discussions: Engaging in Socratic discussions, our trailblazers are encouraged to ask questions, think deeply, and express their ideas. This method not only enhances communication skills but also builds confidence and independence.
Outdoor Adventures: We believe in the power of nature and physical activity. Throughout the day, trailblazers spend ample time outdoors, whether exploring nature, participating in physical fitness activities, or enjoying unstructured playtime. These experiences cultivate resilience, creativity, and a love for the natural world.
Real-World Projects: Trailblazers work on real-world projects that integrate various subjects and skills. These projects challenge them to solve problems, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. This experiential learning approach makes education relevant and exciting.
Personalized Learning: Each trailblazer follows a differentiated learning plan tailored to their unique strengths and interests. This personalized approach ensures that every child is challenged and inspired at their own pace.
Character Building: Throughout the day, we weave in opportunities for character development. Guided by principles from Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it," we emphasize virtues such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and bravery. Our nurturing environment supports trailblazers in becoming well-rounded, responsible individuals.
Community Time: We end the day with reflection and our "Summit Gathering," where we celebrate successes and share our experiences. This fosters a strong sense of belonging and reinforces our commitment to each other as a supportive community, driven by our very own trailblazers.
At Apogee Anson, every day is a new adventure, filled with opportunities to explore, grow, and shine. Join us and watch your child thrive in an environment where they are truly seen, valued, and inspired.
A more detailed daily schedule is available upon request. As young trailblazers mature and develop, the schedule will become flexible to accommodate different learning needs and passion projects. They will eventually be able to rearrange work blocks and choose from a variety of work options based on personal goals, passions, and commitments.
What PBL (project based learning) sessions will learners complete?
At Apogee Anson, our project sessions are dynamic opportunities for trailblazers to engage deeply in hands-on projects that foster critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Each session is designed to apply their learning to real-world challenges. Our Ignite Studio will feature project sessions such as 'Building the Tribe,' 'Teamwork,' 'Becoming the CEO of Life,' 'Health & Wealth,' 'Speech/Debate Logic,' 'Self-Reliance,' 'Shark Tank,' and 'Building a Business.' These sessions inspire our trailblazers to explore, create, and innovate, preparing them for a future where they can confidently lead and excel.
No Homework?
At Apogee Anson, we believe in maximizing our trailblazers' time during school hours for meaningful learning experiences and collaboration through group projects and quests. We're inspired by research that challenges traditional homework practices, emphasizing the importance of family time and extracurricular pursuits. Alfie Kohn's insights from 'Unconditional Parenting' resonate with our philosophy, suggesting that homework in elementary years may not enhance learning as presumed. Instead, it can stifle creativity and love for learning.
We're committed to fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in our trailblazers, preparing them for a future where they lead with passion and purpose. Our approach focuses on hands-on experiences that deepen understanding and ignite a lifelong love of learning. Join us in creating a community where every child thrives academically, emotionally, and socially, free from the constraints of excessive homework.
Need to chew on it a little more?
Do you serve students with special needs?
At Apogee Anson, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all trailblazers. While we prioritize accommodating diverse learning needs to the best of our ability, it's important to clarify that we may not have the specialized resources or training to serve children with severe learning disabilities.
However, we have seen that students with conditions like ADHD and dyslexia often thrive in nontraditional educational settings like ours. Our personalized approach allows us to tailor learning experiences to different learning styles, offering flexibility and the necessary support for these students to excel. By creating a dynamic and engaging environment, we empower students to leverage their strengths, navigate challenges, and achieve their full potential.
Although we may not provide specialized services for severe learning disabilities, we are committed to collaborating closely with families to understand each child's unique needs. We strive to offer appropriate accommodations and support whenever feasible. At Apogee Anson, every trailblazer is valued, supported, and empowered to succeed both academically and personally.
Will my child be prepared for college?
At Apogee Anson, we prioritize preparing trailblazers for both academic success and lifelong learning. Our focus on critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on experiences instills deep understanding and problem-solving skills essential for college readiness. Through personalized learning plans and mastery-based assessments, students develop self-confidence and a love for learning. We empower trailblazers to become independent thinkers and effective communicators, ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic endeavors, including college.
No grades? How do you measure student progress?
At Apogee Anson, trailblazers earn pins and medals as they conquer academic summits through portfolio presentations. We focus on deep understanding and practical application, not just memorization. Students advance when they demonstrate 'A' level mastery in their work, ensuring they are fully prepared to trek confidently to the next academic peak."
How much will it cost?
At Apogee Anson, we understand the importance of affordability when it comes to education. That's why we are committed to keeping our tuition rates accessible without compromising on the quality of the learner experience.
Thanks to the newly expanded Opportunity Scholarship Program in the state of North Carolina. Parents of ANY student entering K-12 can now apply for financial aid through this program, regardless of income. Scholarships range from approximately $3,000 to $7,000 and are based on a family's household income. These scholarships can be used to pay the required tuition and fees to attend Apogee Anson.
As part of our commitment to affordability, we require all prospective families interested in receiving a tuition discount to apply for the NC Opportunity Scholarship. We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality education, and we're dedicated to helping make that possible for families in our community.
To find out more information and check eligibility, please visit the Opportunity Scholarship Program website here. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us directly. We will be happy to help!
Our tuition for the academic year is $6,500 per student. This fee can be broken up into ten equal monthly payments ($650 per month) or in full and includes all the necessary supplies for your child's learning journey, with the exception of a personal laptop.
As a token of our appreciation for families who pay the full amount up front, we offer a 5% discount. This means that families who pay the full tuition amount in advance will receive a discount of $325 ($6,175 annually).
We're excited to share that families who join us in our inaugural year will have their tuition rates locked in perpetuity. This means that while tuition prices may go up in subsequent years, our founding families who embark on this journey with us will always enjoy the same tuition rates as year one.
If you have any questions about our tuition, financial assistance opportunities, or the enrollment process, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you in providing the best educational experience for your child... don't let cost be the reason that your family doesn't begin this journey.
What does the school year calendar look like?
Our school year calendar will closely mirror that of Anson County Schools for convenience and planning purposes. There are seven PBL Sessions that are broken down into 4-6 week increments throughout our calendar year.
*Calendar subject to slight changes