At Apollo Academy, we do things differently. We believe that young people are far more capable than the world often gives them credit for, and our school is designed to empower, challenge, and inspire them to take ownership of their learning.
For parents new to our community, this can sometimes feel unfamiliar—especially if you’re used to a traditional school system where teachers direct every step and grades define success. At Apollo Academy, Heroes (our students) set their own goals, manage their time, and govern themselves within a structured environment that fosters responsibility, accountability, and self-motivation.
So, what does that mean for you as a parent? Here’s a quick guide to understanding how Apollo Academy works and what you can expect along the way.
1. Parents Are the Ultimate Authority in Their Hero’s Life
You know your child best. At Apollo Academy, we see our role as partners in your child’s educational journey. We honor your authority and respect your decisions regarding your Hero’s path. While our approach fosters independence, we understand that your expectations for progress and achievement matter most—and we work to uphold our commitments to both Heroes and parents.
2. Heroes Run the Studios
One of the biggest differences at Apollo is that our learners take charge. Instead of teachers dictating every move, Heroes practice self-governance, making decisions about their learning, behavior, and community. This means that rather than stepping in to solve every problem, our Guides (facilitators) coach Heroes to think critically, resolve conflicts, and hold themselves accountable.
While this level of freedom may feel different at first, it empowers Heroes to develop leadership, responsibility, and problem-solving skills—essential tools for success in the real world.
3. Failure is a Stepping Stone to Growth
As a parent, watching your child struggle can be hard. But growth comes from challenges, not from always getting things right the first time. At Apollo Academy, we encourage Heroes to fail early, cheaply, and often so they can build resilience and learn important life lessons in a supportive environment.
Whether it’s a Hero learning to manage their time, navigating friendships, or striving to improve their work, every challenge they face prepares them for greater adventures ahead.
4. No Grades—Only Real-World Standards
At Apollo, there are no traditional grades. Instead, Heroes measure their progress against real-world excellence by asking:
- ✅ Is this my best work? (If it’s a first attempt)
- ✅ Have I improved from my last attempt?
- ✅ Do my peers agree this meets our community’s standards?
- ✅ Would this be considered high quality outside of school?
- ✅ Have I demonstrated a deep understanding (aka mastery) of this concept?
By removing the pressure of letter grades, Heroes take pride in their work, refine their skills, and develop a strong sense of personal excellence.
5. Problem-Solving Without Adult Intervention
Interpersonal conflicts are a natural part of life, and at Apollo Academy, Heroes are expected to work through challenges themselves—just like they will in the real world.
While Guides are available to ensure safety and provide conflict resolution tools, we encourage Heroes to take ownership of their relationships, seek feedback from peers, and learn to navigate social situations independently.
That being said, high community standards matter. If a Hero repeatedly disregards our Honor Code, they may be sent home as a serious message from the learning community. If this happens, they will have the responsibility of explaining the situation to you, reinforcing the idea that accountability starts with them.
6. If You Have a Question About Apollo, Ask Your Hero!
Instead of asking Guides how your Hero is doing, ask your Hero directly. We believe in transparency, self-reflection, and personal accountability, which means Heroes know exactly where they stand in their progress.
Encouraging your Hero to reflect on their journey reinforces the idea that learning isn’t something done to them—it’s something they own.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
Apollo Academy is built on the belief that young people are capable of incredible things when given the freedom and responsibility to rise to the challenge.
💡 Want to learn more about how Apollo Academy works? Schedule an intro call here or check out our resources here. You can also find us on Instagram @ApolloAcademyTampa.
