Walk into the Spark Studio and you will see an empowering physical space where learners are comfortable navigating independently, allowing their curiosity to drive them. During the first half of the day, learners explore Montessori works during their protected Work Cycle.  Learners are working on a variety of different challenges throughout the studio and have great choices, following Maria Montessori’s philosophy of offering ‘freedom within boundaries’.  In the afternoon, learners engage in Spark Play, focused on utilizing the outdoors with unstructured loose parts to cultivate their creativity.  While some learners may be building large structures to climb, some may be in the orchard picking pears or finding new insects, while others may be playing with our pet chickens!

When you first enter the Discovery Studio, what will strike you is that it does not feel like a classroom at all. It does, however, resemble a collaborative, working studio-environment.  Learners set their intentions for the day and the learners in Discovery get to experience a blend of independent work time, the content of which is determined by their personal goals, and collaborative hands-on projects that expose them to various fields of study and potential Callings on their Hero’s Journeys, for 6 weeks at a time. With ample space, and options throughout the campus, you’ll find throughout the day, children engaging in the outdoors choosing to read in the orchard, running under the trees, collaborating on the deck, creating in the kitchen, or focused and engaged independently at their table in flow. Beyond all this, learners engage in riveting Socratic discussions and debates, on topics ranging from current events to culinary skills, all with the purpose of putting them in the shoes of a hero who will make decisions.

Step into the Explore Studio and you’ll feel a noticeable shift- learners carry themselves with a growing sense of ownership and confidence. The day often begins with intention-setting and reflection, as learners identify goals, track progress, and plan how they’ll manage their work. During protected work blocks, you’ll see learners deeply engaged- some tackling challenging academic work at or beyond grade level, others collaborating to solve complex problems, and many building the muscle of focus, persistence, and self-direction.

Throughout the day, learners move between independent work, small-group collaboration, and facilitated discussions that strengthen executive functioning and communication skills. Guides coach learners to navigate challenges, reflect on setbacks, and try again- building resilience through real practice. By the end of the day, learners gather to reflect, celebrate growth, and name next steps, steadily preparing for the increased responsibility and leadership ahead.

Walk into the Peak Studio and it may be empty! Learners may be physically working out, at their apprenticeships, taking a hike or serving another studio. If you’re lucky and they are there, you’ll sense the energy of adolescence being taken seriously. Learners arrive ready for hard, meaningful work- setting intentions, wrestling with big questions, and engaging in rigorous academics that connect to the real world. The day blends focused academic blocks with independent projects, where learners explore emerging interests, test ideas, and begin to articulate who they are becoming.

Peak learners regularly step beyond the campus through off-site experiences and adventures that demand courage, adaptability, and teamwork. Rites of Passage mark moments of growth, inviting learners to confront challenge, ambiguity, and responsibility head-on. Throughout it all, learners are supported within a small, connected community- one that values honesty, reflection, and belonging. Each day moves them closer to clarity about themselves, their strengths, and the contribution they want to make.