Apollo Academy Welcomes Experienced Partners

If there is anything that the last two years have taught us at Apollo Academy, it's that life is better with a tribe. We set out late last summer to find a partner who understands the learner-driven model, is passionate about Acton Academy and has a heart for children. We are proud to officially welcome E.S.T.E.A.M. Academy and E.S.T.E.A.M. Learning Labs partners Nicholle Walton-Durban and JoAnn Nolte.

They are eager to share their NINE YEARS of experience in growing an Acton Academy and dozens of enrichment programs for children and teenagers. They are passionate about learner-led communities and share in my vision of how Apollo Academy (& now ESTEAM Learning Labs Tampa) can impact our community.

We are very proud of the school we’ve created over the last few years, but adding a partner with a proven track record in learner-driven environments and relevant enrichment programs is going to take us to a new level. We are looking forward to a bright future ahead!

With our new partnership, we are launching STEAM-based summer camps in 2024! Check out our camps for ages 4-15 and use code EARLYBIRD20 before February 29th for 20% off! Register Here.

Nicholle Walton-Durban
Passion, Purpose, Curiosity, and Grit. These are the things that have driven Nicholle thru her life. Born and raised in the South, at the age of 20, she would set out on her Hero’s journey and chase her dreams to Los Angeles, CA. There she attended Santa Monica College,Cal State Fullerton, studied Theater Arts, traveled to China as part of a Musical Theater Troupe/Cross Cultural Exchange Program, received her license in Cosmetology, and worked her way up in a startup from an entry level position to VP of Operations in just under 5 years. After relocating to Austin, TX in 2008, Nicholle opened Edgen Films in 2010, and then 4Reelz School of Film in 2014, offering classes and camps where kids, teens, and adults of all ages could come to explore, create, and express, while learning and developing skills in a variety of Art / Tech Industry’s.

Of all her adventures, becoming Mom to 3 wonderful boys is truly where passion and purpose aligned, and Nicholle wanted to ensure they would have an environment where they could discover their own unique gifts, talents, passion’s, and purpose. In 2016, Nicholle would team up with Joann Nolte and open E.S.T.E.A.M Academy (an Acton Academy affiliate) combining their love of Art, Technology, and Entrepreneurship with Core Academic Studies, Socratic based Discussions, Projected-Based Learning and Enrichment, in a Student-Led environment. Then, in 2024, Nicholle joined the Apollo Academy team.

JoAnn Nolte
As a life-long learner, JoAnn has pursued a wide range of knowledge and experience across several fields. JoAnn studied Organizational Management and Youth Psychology while attending Colorado Christian University, she began her journey in the realm of learning as she and her four children journeyed together through 12 years of homeschooling.

Along the way, JoAnn has learned real-life lessons on how young minds truly think and learn, how to celebrate and capitalize on those varied learning styles, and strengthen individual talents and interests. She celebrates opportunities to see those around her heroically traverse challenges to discover how they can change their corner of the world. She truly believes that everyday life is a huge, open classroom with endless possibilities.

While on this learning journey JoAnn started Learning Fun 101: LEGO Robotics, an educational company in the Central Texas Area that reaches over 2000 children every year with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Learning Fun 101 success was the beginning of her life as an entrepreneur and a key component in the creation of E.S.T.E.A.M Academy. Joann joined the Apollo Academy and E.S.T.E.A.M. Learning Labs Tampa team in 2024.

At Apollo Academy, we are dedicated to a modern and nontraditional education that sharpens the skills needed for the real world. We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2024. You can schedule an intro call here or submit the contact form below.

You can also find us on Instagram @ApolloAcademyTampa.