Freedom through education.

grounded in family.

Ascend Academy Milford:
A learner-Driven 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?

Ascend Academy is a learner-driven, mastery-based education center serving learners ages 4-13 (with plans to expand to support learners ages 14-18) 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.

Learner-Driven

Personalized learning plans that allow learners 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 learner'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 learners 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

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

FOUNDER 2

Our Studios

Spark Studio

(Ages 4-7)

This studio provides an environment that fosters academic, physical, and emotional independence through developmentally appropriate works inspired by Maria Montessori. Our young Spark learners 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 is 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 learners to develop independence, kind character, and foundational communication skills to prepare them for the next step on their journey to the Elementary Studio.

Elementary School 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 learners who support each other and collaborate daily. This environment fosters a culture of respect, focus, and mastery of foundational core skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Guides take on more of a Socratic role at this level and ask questions to guide thinking rather than simply providing answers. Socratic discussion is introduced and practiced daily by all learners.

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 opportunities in the afternoons allows our young people to explore and experiment with different extracurricular opportunities.

Learners practice self-governance and learn to balance freedom within boundaries on a daily basis.

Upper Level Studios

(Ages 11 and up)

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

During the transformative Middle School years, we inspire our young people to develop independent thinking, strong friendships, leadership skills, and pursue their work and life with integrity.

Our Upper Level learners at Ascend design their own academic plans, learn from leaders in the community, and enjoy a higher level of freedom as they learn to navigate the world and their place in it. Our oldest, high-school level learners 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 school should complement the family, not replace it. Our mission is to support and strengthen your family, helping you live your best life together.

We recognize that family is the foundation for raising leaders, and we aim to empower each family member to grow into the best version of themselves. 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, limiting screen time, or prioritizing wellness—isn’t always easy. But in community, all things are possible. Ascend Academy 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 & Head of School

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 learning 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

CONNECT WITH US TODAY!

First Name

Last Name

Email *

Phone

How can we help? *

Text Message Opt-In

You agree to receive automated reminders and promotional messages from Ascend Academy Milford. You also agree to our terms of service and Privacy Policy. This agreement isn't a condition of any purchase. Msg & Data rates may apply. Reply STOP or OUT to end or HELP for help.