Our Approach to Learning

Empowering Young Leaders Through Real-World Learning

At Apogee St. Croix, we believe education should be inspiring, challenging, and deeply personal—a journey where learners discover who they are, what they’re capable of, and how they can impact the world.

Our approach centers around project-based learning (PBL) in a learner-driven environment, guided by coaches. This method is grounded in research and proven to foster the critical skills and character traits young people need to thrive in the 21st century.

Our Studios are not centered on lectures or tests—but on deep thinking, meaningful work, and the daily practice of independence, creativity, and character.

Project-Based Learning: Learning That Matters

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is at the core of our curriculum. Each year, we design flexible project themes that leave room for exploration, allowing learners to investigate, create, and problem-solve in ways that align with their unique interests and questions.

Research shows that PBL:

  • Increases engagement and motivation through hands-on, relevant tasks

  • Boosts retention and understanding by applying concepts in real-world contexts

  • Strengthens critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication

  • Builds self-direction and confidence through goal setting, iteration, and ownership

  • Outperforms traditional models in academic outcomes and social-emotional growth (Buck Institute, Lucas Education Research, Stanford LPI)

At Apogee, projects are not just academic—they are personal. Learners wrestle with meaningful challenges, present their solutions to real audiences, and grow through the process.

Socratic Discussion: Sharpening the Mind and Character

Learners engage in Socratic discussions, guided conversations built around powerful questions, moral dilemmas, and timeless ideas. These sessions are not about finding the “right” answer. They are about practicing respectful dialogue, listening well, thinking critically, and exploring multiple perspectives.

In Socratic time, learners:

  • Defend their ideas with logic and humility

  • Learn to listen for understanding, not just to respond

  • Build empathy, courage, and intellectual integrity

Whether discussing justice, happiness, leadership, or history, Socratic dialogue strengthens the mind and shapes the heart.

A Learner-Driven Environment

At Apogee St. Croix, learners don’t sit back—they step up. We structure our days in predictable time blocks, giving rhythm and focus, while learners exercise autonomy within those blocks to complete academic work, collaborate on projects, and pursue personal goals.

This balance of freedom and accountability develops:

  • Initiative: “See the need, take the lead” becomes a habit

  • Ownership: Learners track their own progress and reflect regularly

  • Self-management: Time and energy are tools to be mastered

  • Resilience: Mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures

We trust children to own their education—because when they do, they rise.

Coaches: Guides, Mentors, Role Models

At Apogee St. Croix, we believe that young people thrive when surrounded by adults who see their potential and walk beside them—not in front of them. That’s why we are coaches.

A coach’s role is to guide, inspire, and challenge—not to direct or dictate. Our coaches create an environment where learners feel safe to stretch, supported to struggle, and celebrated when they grow.

Coaches at Apogee:

  • Ask powerful questions that spark curiosity and critical thinking

  • Model integrity, discipline, and humility in their own learning journeys

  • Create systems of accountability that empower learners to take ownership

  • Hold high standards with compassion, knowing that excellence and grace can coexist

  • Walk alongside learners, helping them build the skills, habits, and mindset for a life of purpose and impact

We coach because we believe that learning is not just about content—it’s about character. And the best way to build character is in the context of real relationships, meaningful challenges, and consistent encouragement.

Our coaches are not the heroes of the story—our learners are. We’re here to support their journey.

The Power of Outdoor Play

Outdoor time is not an “extra” it’s essential to our learning model. We intentionally schedule multiple outdoor sessions each day to support the whole child: physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally.

  • Physical: Activities like running, climbing, and balancing improve motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness.

  • Cognitive: Nature-rich environments stimulate creativity, curiosity, and executive function through unstructured play.

  • Social: Team games and free play build communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

  • Emotional: Time in nature reduces cortisol levels and anxiety, increases self-esteem, and supports emotional regulation.

  • Academic: Studies from the University of Illinois and the American Academy of Pediatrics show outdoor time improves attention, focus, and even academic performance.

We view outdoor exploration as a classroom without walls—one that develops resilience, problem-solving, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.

At Apogee, outdoor exploration isn’t a break from learning—it is learning.

Whole-Community Feedback: Everyone Has a Voice

We believe feedback should be kind, specific, helpful and multi-dimensional. Our Multi-Age Studio Project Feedback Model includes self-reflection, peer evaluation, and family feedback for every major project.

  • Learners complete mid-project and final assessments using Google Forms tailored to their studio level (Foundation, Apprentice, Journeyman)

  • Peers give feedback using guided forms that ensure thoughtful and constructive input

  • Parents give feedback at showcases, offering encouragement and insight into their child’s growth

  • All feedback focuses on effort, presentation, creativity, and character—not just product

This 360-degree feedback model helps learners grow in self-awareness, communication, and the ability to give and receive input with grace.

Learning at Apogee St. Croix Is…

  • Purposeful: Real-world work rooted in relevance

  • Empowering: Driven by learners, not adult agendas

  • Active: Filled with movement, creation, and curiosity

  • Relational: Built on trust, feedback, and growth

  • Whole-child focused: Honoring mind, body, and spirit

At Apogee St. Croix, we’re not preparing kids for the next test.

We’re preparing them for life.

THE PHILOSOPHY

GET INSPIRED

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to

have tried to succeed.”

–Theodore Roosevelt-

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