Apogee Lockhart School of Life Support

Dear Friends and Supporters,

It’s not cliché to say, our children literally are the future, and as Charles Eisenstein writes in his book, The more Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible- “We are all here to contribute our gifts toward something greater than ourselves, and will never be content unless we are.”

It’s true. We will never be content putting meaning into things, attaching value to trends, syphoning dopamine from toxic sources, and entrusting the hearts and minds of our children to pop culture and a broken and corrupt system that would rather keep them lost in the system rather than free to create their own.

It’s time we grasped this with our own hands.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a groundbreaking educational initiative that will transform the way our children learn and grow. The School of life- Lockhart will start as a Homeschool Co-Op 4 days a week with one Farm Day. In 2025, the plan is to open an Apogee Campus in Lockhart by Fall of 2025. Apogee was founded by Matt Beaudreau and Tim Kennedy, and was created to give the power of educating our children back into the hands of the parents and the community. Apogee is designed for every school to be unique and allow for complete autonomy over curriculum, schedule, systems and operations, testing, programs, etc. The core of Apogee is sovereignty on all fronts, and that may look a little different for each campus.

The School of Life (future Apogee) homeschool co-op & farm school, is rooted in the rich teachings and philosophies of Rudolf Steiner, Montessori, nature and project-based learning, Coyote mentoring, and Socratic methods, focusing on the development of the whole child: Mental, Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Social, and Creative.

We plan to evolve into a fully functioning hybrid campus offering a unique blend of homeschooling and communal learning experiences right here in our community.

In a world where conventional education often falls short, the importance of our children's education cannot be overstated. It is essential that we return to the roots of their creativity and nurture their souls in an environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and a deep connection to nature. Our farm school will provide children with the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences, guided by the wisdom of nature and the principles of holistic education.

We believe in taking the power of education out of the hands of the government and placing it where it belongs: with the families and communities who know their children best. By supporting our campaign, you are contributing to a movement that values personalized learning, environmental stewardship, and the holistic development of every child.

Why is this so crucial?

We believe that learning is innate, we are hardwired and designed to learn. This is not a forced behavior, however modern day schools have taken away this ability. The public school system does not teach kids how to think it teachers them what to think. Many districts are continuing to model themselves around pedagogical practices in other countries, where the exemplar classroom is rows of students, dressed in uniform, repeating “answers” in unison. Where teachers are following a script and principals and instructional coaches are following a script to work with teachers. Students are indoors, under fluorescent lights, told to sit still and be quiet and do as they are told. We are destroying ourselves by robbing our children of their innate creativity and thoughtfulness.

There are good people doing amazing things in public schools, it is the system that is broken. It is our belief that teaching is not exemplified by a single adult telling others what they know. Learning is natural and we need to get out of the way to allow kids to do what they do best. Adults are guides, mentors and facilitators to provide opportunities and experiences for kids. To have kids observe and reflect on their own lessons, to understand that there is no right answer in all subjects, including math. It is time to create the environment we desire and need for our kids, families and communities. We do not have to change the system, or tear it down, it will automatically be replaced with a more beautiful idea and system. A community built on love, honesty, honor, courage, and loyalty, commonly known as the Bushido code.

Do we know there is a more beautiful that is accessible and achievable? YES!

Do we think this is some easy, vanity driven, idealistic, rainbows and unicorn’s hero’s journey? HELL NO.

This will not be easy. This will take a lot of work, time, collaboration and commitment. We are fully devoted to this journey and we CANNOT do it without the help from others who share a vision and have the integrity create and bring this vision to life.

We are only 2 people who have heard the call, feel the pull, and a deep knowing that something has to change. Many of us have felt that, and now it’s time to do something about it.

To be candid, asking for help and money is a challenge all of its own for Ethan and I, so we want to say first, that your support in ANY way is valued. Spreading the word, volunteering on work days, or just sending your ideas and verbal support is huge.

Money and supplies are our greatest needs at the moment, so we can start construction ASAP, prepare materials and projects, pay teachers and get this ready to go by September. I know it’s a tight window, but we know we can make this happen.

Thank you for making it this far.

By investing in the Apogee Campus, you are investing in a future where children are empowered to think critically, live sustainably, and grow into compassionate, capable adults. Together, we can create an educational environment that honors the whole child and prepares them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Join us in making this vision a reality. Here are the opportunities to donate:

1. **Building a Pavilion**: Help us construct a versatile outdoor learning space that will serve as the heart of our campus. This pavilion will provide shelter for classes, gatherings, and activities in all weather conditions. Your contribution will directly support the materials and labor needed for this essential structure.

2. **Materials for Curriculum and Projects**: Ensure that our students have access to high-quality educational materials and resources. Donations in this category will fund textbooks, art supplies, science equipment, gardening tools, and other project-based learning materials that inspire creativity and hands-on exploration.

3. **Affiliate Fee for Apogee Training**: Support our educators in receiving specialized training through the Apogee program. This training is crucial for implementing the unique educational methods and philosophies that will set our school apart. Your donation will cover the costs of training sessions and certification fees.

4. **Operation Costs**: Help us cover the day-to-day expenses of running the school. This includes utilities, administrative costs, teacher salaries, and other operational necessities that ensure the smooth functioning of our campus. Your support will keep our doors open and our programs running efficiently.

5. Adding a 501 non-profit arm of our current health and wellness haven and event space for educational programming. This will help us begin to receive grants, donations and other tax related benefits to running a community education learning center.

By donating to any of these areas, you are playing a pivotal role in the creation and success of the Apogee Campus. Together, we can cultivate a brighter, more sustainable future for our children and our community.

Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.

With Gratitude,

Angela & Ethan