Buckeye lake founders
Why Start an Apogee School?
After dedicating two decades to military search and rescue and over a decade in healthcare, witnessing the societal decline in health, morals, values, and critical thinking, we felt compelled to make a lasting impact. The birth of our first child crystallized this vision: to create an environment where children could become confident, self-educated, self-aware, and respectful individuals. Recognizing the failings of the current educational system—declining academic standards, increased anxiety, and harmful ideologies—we sought to establish an academy that nurtures both mind and spirit, supported by a loving community.
Apogee Buckeye Lake was founded to address these critical issues and to foster a community of like-minded families who value freedom, sovereignty, and holistic education. Our mission is to develop critical thinkers, confident problem solvers, and positive contributors to society. We provide a nurturing environment where families can grow and thrive together, emphasizing sustainable practices and strong community bonds.
Inspired by the idea of transforming wilderness into a productive garden and the belief that it is every person’s duty to make the world a better place, Apogee Buckeye Lake embodies these principles. Our farm-based, sustainable approach educates children in practical skills while promoting self-reliance and environmental stewardship. By starting with a small community and growing through our actions and reputation, we aim to create positive ripple effects that expand exponentially.
Apogee Buckeye Lake is more than a school; it is a beacon of hope and an avenue for societal improvement, providing a path to a better future for the people of Ohio and beyond.
How we do it
Project-Based Learning and Socratic Discussion
Project-Based Learning and Socratic Discussion
Project-Based Learning and Socratic Discussion
We implement critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning and Socratic discussions. Our guides, who are not traditional teachers, steer students towards discovering answers on their own. This method encourages independence, analytical thinking, and a deeper understanding of subjects.
Sustainable Farming and Practical Skills
Project-Based Learning and Socratic Discussion
Project-Based Learning and Socratic Discussion
Located on 8 acres of undeveloped farmland, we are building a sustainable farm from the ground up. Children learn to grow their own food, harvest clean water, manage a forest, and raise livestock. These activities teach autonomy, environmental stewardship, and the value of hard work. They also instill a true appreciation for the food cycles and the impact on health and the environment.
Community-Centric Environment
Project-Based Learning and Socratic Discussion
Community-Centric Environment
Community is at the heart of Apogee Buckeye Lake. We curate a group of families who believe they are the primary educators of their children and seek more than what the public system offers. Families are selected based on a growth mindset and a belief in entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and freedom. This community fosters a sense of belo
Community is at the heart of Apogee Buckeye Lake. We curate a group of families who believe they are the primary educators of their children and seek more than what the public system offers. Families are selected based on a growth mindset and a belief in entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and freedom. This community fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, enhancing the educational experience.
Personal Development Programs
Project-Based Learning and Socratic Discussion
Community-Centric Environment
Our commitment extends beyond the children, referred to as Heroes. We offer a 12-month personal development program called Apogee Strong for parents, focusing on improving health, wealth, relationships, time management, and self-awareness. This program includes conversations with top influencers and access to a network of like-minded individuals.
Flexible and Innovative Curriculum
Public Engagement and Real-World Feedback
Flexible and Innovative Curriculum
We are not bound by traditional educational constraints like standardized tests, state guidelines, or rigid curriculums. This flexibility allows us to adapt quickly to the needs of our students and incorporate real-world subjects like mechanics, cooking, finance, and business, ensuring that our Heroes are well-prepared for life beyond academia.
Leadership and Personal Growth
Public Engagement and Real-World Feedback
Flexible and Innovative Curriculum
We foster leadership by grouping children by developmental levels rather than strict age categories. Older children naturally assist and lead younger ones, earning badges for leadership activities such as teaching or helping the community. This system creates an internal economy and instills a sense of responsibility and achievement.
Public Engagement and Real-World Feedback
Public Engagement and Real-World Feedback
Public Engagement and Real-World Feedback
We measure the success of our programs through direct feedback from the public. Heroes showcase their projects and businesses in public exhibitions, receiving real-world validation. This feedback loop ensures that their learning is practical and impactful, preparing them to contribute positively to society.
Building a Better World
Public Engagement and Real-World Feedback
Public Engagement and Real-World Feedback
Our long-term vision includes expanding our facilities and programs to accommodate a wider age range and offering a diverse curriculum that prepares students for all aspects of life. By starting with a small community and growing through our actions and reputation, we aim to create net-positive results that will ripple outward, fostering societal change.