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-
