Open House, Monday March 3rd from 4pm-6pm

Meet our learners and guides, visit our studios, and learn how our community works.

Freedom through education.

grounded in family.

Ascend Academy Milford:
A Youth-centered educational center in Milford, PA

OUR mission

Ascend Academy exists to reseed freedom in our children and in our nation, through education for the entire family. We are raising up leaders - on purpose.

What if your children are meant for a different path?

Families at Ascend Academy are blazing a new trail.

Is this what you've been looking for?

Nestled atop a picturesque hill on our beautiful 8.34-acre property, Ascend Academy is a trailblazer for alternative education options in the tri-state area. We are a youth-centered, mastery-based education center serving children ages 4-14+ and their families.

Ascend Academy might be a good fit if your family...

Values freedom in education with a focus on child-led exploration, creativity, and personalized learning.

Limits screen time and prioritizes outdoor play, nature exploration, and physical wellness.

Seeks a close-knit school community that values deep relationships between guides, families, and students.

Emphasizes real-world, hands-on learning through projects, apprenticeships, and critical thinking over traditional methods.

Prioritizes character development and emotional intelligence alongside academic growth.

Values family involvement in education, seeing learning as a collaborative journey.

Centers Biblical truth as a moral compass.

Seeks flexible, innovative approaches that nurture each child’s unique development without rigid testing or conformity.

Swipe Through To See How We Learn!

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

-Albert Einstein

Our Approach

Project-Based

Real world skills developed through individual passion projects, collaborative projects, hands-on experiential learning, and Socratic discussion.

Student-Led

Individualized learning plans that allow children to explore their interests & passions while setting and achieving S.M.A.R.T goals

Mixed Age Studios

Mirroring real life, mixed-age groups allow for peer teaching, learning through observation, and allows for stronger bonds and better social skills.

Family Centered

Parents, learners, and their guides collaborate in the child's educational and social-emotional journey. Parents are encouraged to observe in-studio at any time.

Outdoor Time

We firmly believe time spent outside is beneficial for the growth and development of all of our young people, averaging 80-100 minutes outside a day. With weather permitting, learners spend time outside even in the snow and rain.

Biblical Worldview

Adults at Ascend prioritize the development of virtue and moral character as part of every learner's journey, and allow children the freedom to openly discuss and ask questions about the Bible. They are surrounded by strong role models and are encouraged to seek the Truth with all their heart, soul, and strength.

Wellness Focused

We focus on physiology, physical health, and holistic wellness. Learners do physical exercise daily and are expected to pack well-rounded lunches to support their ability to learn and be present.

No Homework

After 6+ hours in studio, there is much to discover in the freedom of having time and space to explore, to play with friends, to spend time with family, to write a book, memorize a song, play games, pursue hobbies, compete in sports, or dabble in a variety of activities.

FOUNDER 1

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FOUNDER 2

Our Studios

Spark Studio

(Ages 4-5)

This studio provides an environment that fosters academic, physical, and emotional independence through developmentally appropriate works inspired by Maria Montessori. Spark children have the freedom to choose their work as they practice, fail, grow, and eventually master important skills. Failure is not discouraged, but is seen as a growth opportunity.

This studio cultivates curiosity through hands-on experiences and play-based learning. Outdoor time and play are at the heart of our Spark learning design. We believe unstructured play is an essential part of childhood that supports a child's cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Because of this belief, we make sure to allow ample time for unstructured play every day. It is through unstructured play that young people learn to negotiate, cooperate, resolve conflicts, take risks, overcome adversity, and develop resilience.

The ultimate goal of this studio is for children to develop independence, a kind character, and foundational communication skills to prepare them for the next step on their journey to the Voyager Studio.

Voyager Studio

(Ages 5-7)

The Voyager Studio is designed to build on the independence, curiosity, and foundational skills developed in Spark, providing children with the freedom and responsibility to take their learning journey to the next level. Rooted in Montessori principles, this studio fosters academic, social, and emotional growth by emphasizing goal-setting, critical thinking, and collaboration. Voyagers engage in self-paced academics through individualized learning plans, allowing them to develop strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics at their own pace.

Voyagers also begin refining their Socratic discussion skills, learning to ask thought-provoking questions, explore different perspectives, and engage in respectful dialogue. Hands-on, collaborative project work is at the foundation of the experience, with children working together on science and history-focused projects spanning multiple weeks. This immersive, experiential approach deepens their understanding and fuels their natural curiosity.

A strong sense of community is cultivated through daily interactions, teamwork, and shared experiences. Voyagers collaborate with their peers and connect with the Elementary Studio, fostering mentorship and leadership opportunities. Outdoor exploration and play remain essential, as movement and nature continue to support their developmental and cognitive growth.

By the time children complete their time in the Voyager Studio, they have developed the academic skills, work habits, and confidence needed to transition into the Elementary Studio, ready to take on deeper Socratic discussions, leadership opportunities, and more advanced project-based learning.

Elementary Studio

(Ages 7-11)

Our Elementary School Studio is designed to create flexible spaces for work, learning, and play. It is centered around a tight-knit community of mixed-age children who support each other and collaborate daily.

This environment fosters a culture of respect, focus, and mastery of foundational academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Studio Leads take on a Socratic role at this level, asking questions to guide thinking rather than simply providing answers. Socratic discussion is introduced and practiced daily by all children.

As they learn to navigate and operate with freedom within boundaries, they organically become better decision-makers, a skill that is imperative for a long, healthy, fulfilled life of meaning.

Project-based, passion-driven, cooperative learning happens in the afternoons allowing our young people to explore and experiment with different extracurricular opportunities.

The Elementary Studio practices self-governance, learning to balance freedom within boundaries daily.

Upper Level Studios

(Ages 11 and up)

The Upper Level Studio at Ascend Academy prepares our young adults for the real world by engaging in work that matters while applying for and landing apprenticeships in the surrounding local communities. The apprenticeship process challenges our young people and cultivates a deep sense of accomplishment while allowing them to take on more mature responsibilities and the role of leadership through service.

During these transformative years, we inspire our young people to develop independent thinking, strong time management and organizational skills, strong friendships, leadership skills, and to pursue their work and life with integrity.

Young people are supported to be able to thrive while developing their own academic plans, learning from leaders in the community, and enjoying a higher level of freedom as they learn to navigate the world and their place in it. Our oldest, high-school-level attendees have the option to remain on campus, work, or attend dual enrollment classes during the day.

A Note From Our Founder

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 NIV

At Ascend Academy Milford, we believe that education should complement the family, not replace it. Our mission is to support and strengthen your family's journey, helping to forge strong relationships between you and your children.

We recognize that family is the foundation for raising virtuous and resilient leaders, and we honor and respect the family unit greatly. As the Bible states "Train a child up in the way they should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6.

Through our partnership with Apogee Strong, we offer parents access to coaching programs like Apogee Man and Apogee Woman, designed to inspire personal growth and leadership by example.

Choosing a different path—whether leaving the public school system, putting the Lord first in your family's life, limiting screen time at home, or prioritizing wellness—isn’t always easy. However, with a supportive community behind you built on shared values and a mission to change the world - all things are possible. Apogee Strong is a growing network of like-minded families committed to raising the next generation of leaders who live into their God-given purpose.

We can’t wait to welcome you into our community!

- Alyssa Verdi, Founder & President of the Board

WHAT IS APOGEE?

At Ascend Academy Milford, we are proud to partner with Apogee Strong, a nationwide network of educators and families dedicated to restoring freedom and sovereignty through transformative education.

Together, we are disrupting the traditional education model by cultivating environments where children are encouraged to lead their own educational journeys.

This partnership empowers not only students but entire families, creating a vibrant community that champions critical thinking, creativity, and independence.

FOUNDER 1

FOUNDER 2

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