What if school prepared you for the real world?
Apollo Academy is a bold alternative to traditional school—where learners take ownership of their growth, become capable problem-solvers, develop a growth-mindset and master the skills needed to navigate life with confidence and purpose. At Apollo, learners are fueled by curiosity and grounded in responsibility.
Apollo Academy vs. Traditional School
Learners lead and govern their own mixed-age classroom with the support of guides. Our guides use the Socratic method to ask questions rather than lecture and learners mentor one another. We focus on building community, encouraging learners on their quests and creating an environment to foster growth and discovery.
Leadership
Teachers lecture from the front of the classroom and children are asked to sit and listen for the majority of their time at school. Students are expected to follow rules set by the school and teachers with no input from the learners themselves. Typically, students are grouped by age regardless of ability and have little input into their learning or projects.
At Apollo, progress isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each learner is measured against their own goals and growth—not a standardized scale. Through personalized portfolios and our Journey Tracker tool, learners, parents, and Guides can access real-time updates and celebrate mastery as it happens.
Tracking Progress
Homework and exams are used to measure student progress compared to averages. Standardized tests are used frequently to determine individual success with little regard for mastery of topics. An incredible amount of memorization is involved.
Learning is personalized, purpose-driven, and rooted in real-world relevance. Learners move at their own pace, mastering core skills before advancing and spending each day building independence, character, and curiosity through hands-on projects and Socratic discussion. Instead of grades or busywork, progress is measured by goals, growth, and ownership.
Learning Approach
Traditional schools follow a standardized curriculum, with all students moving at the same pace regardless of mastery. Learning tends to be driven by textbooks, testing, and compliance, with limited opportunities for self-direction or deep exploration. Success is usually defined by grades and test scores, not personal growth or lifelong skills.