Position: Apprentice Guide
Studio: Spark Studio (ages 5–7)
Schedule: Part-time, about 20 hours a week, flexible days and times
Pay: $22–$24/hour
Location: 1309 W Swann Ave, Tampa (Hyde Park)

We don't call them teachers. A Guide isn't there to have all the answers. A Guide asks the questions that help learners find them, and then steps back so learners can lead.

About Apollo Academy

Apollo Academy is a learner-driven microschool founded in 2021 and part of the global Acton Academy network. Our mixed-age studios replace grade levels with mastery: learners build strong foundations in reading, writing, and math at their own pace, then put those skills to work through hands-on quests, Socratic discussion, and public Exhibitions of Learning.

Learners set their own goals, write their own studio covenants, and hold one another accountable. The result is a community where children grow in confidence, independence, and character, and where adults get to do the most meaningful work of their careers.

The Role

As an Apprentice Guide, you'll work alongside our Head of School and Lead Guides to run a studio where learners are in the driver's seat. Your job is to design the environment, set high expectations, and coach each learner toward mastery, then hand over as much responsibility as they're ready to carry.

This is a role for someone who wants to grow. Apprentice Guides who thrive here grow into Lead Guide and Master Guide roles, and we anticipate offering this position full-time beginning in summer 2027.

Apprentice Guide → Lead Guide → Master Guide

What You'll Do

• Launch and lead daily Socratic discussions that build critical thinking

• Design and run quests: hands-on projects, challenges, and real-world simulations

• Support core skills time in reading, writing, and math, tracking each learner's progress toward mastery

• Prepare a studio environment that invites curiosity, focus, and independence

• Help learners create and uphold their studio covenants and Rules of Engagement

• Coach learners through goal-setting, conflict, and feedback rather than solving problems for them

• Plan and celebrate Exhibitions of Learning, launches, and studio traditions

• Partner with parents through clear, consistent communication

• Model what it looks like to be a lifelong learner on your own Hero's Journey

Who We're Looking For

• Deep respect for children and trust in their ability to learn and lead

• Experience working with groups of children, ideally mixed-age

• Familiarity with Montessori, project-based, or other nontraditional models (a strong plus)

• Understanding of, or genuine curiosity about, the Socratic method and the Hero's Journey

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Coaching, mentoring, or leadership experience (a plus)

• An entrepreneurial mindset: you experiment, reflect, and improve

• Warm-hearted and tough-minded, calm under pressure, and able to hold the line kindly

• Self-directed: you work well with minimal oversight and seek out feedback

• An avid reader and learner who's hungry to grow

Calendar, Pay & Benefits

Apollo runs an 11-month, year-round calendar with one-week breaks between sessions and three two-week breaks in the summer, so learners (and Guides) never burn out and never lose momentum. Guides use the week between each session for a mix of prep days and time off.

• $22–$24 per hour, approximately 20 hours per week

• Flexible days and times

• Paid time off

• Anticipated full-time offer beginning summer 2027

• Ongoing training through the Acton Academy network

• A clear path from Apprentice to Lead Guide to Master Guide

Begin in 4 Simple Steps

1. Apply. Complete the short application, take the free Six Human Needs test, and upload your résumé, cover letter, and results.

2. Do your research. Explore our approach, then tell us about yourself and why you want to guide.

3. Deep dive interview. A phone interview with our Head of School about the role, our model, and your journey.

4. Studio day. Spend time in the studio and interview with our learners, who help choose their Guides.