Mission Statement

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

oUR cORE vALUES

Leadership, Accountability, and Integrity

We instill leadership through integrity, accountability, and self-discipline, equipping learners with the skills to lead purposeful, respectful lives.

Independence

We empower young people to take responsibility for their education, preparing them to thrive in the real world beyond traditional academics.

Freedom & Collaboration

We partner with families to foster growth and collaboration in a learning environment where education is a shared family journey.

Wellness

We prioritize the health, safety, and respect of each child, equipping them to unlock their full potential through understanding the connection between the brain and well-being.

Sanctity of the Human Spirit

We believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit and are committed to preserving what is good and holy by ensuring children are free of exposure to inappropriate influences and topics.

oUR Promises:

We promise to partner with families to create an environment where your children will:

• Become critical thinkers and problem solvers who take accountability for their actions.

• Develop skills needed for focus, self-direction, and sound decision-making.

• Learn about and practice what it means to have respect and compassion for others.

• Be given opportunities to exercise curiosity and a love for learning.

• Develop both foundational and modern 21st-century skills.

• Be equipped with the tools to develop a strong moral character.

• Be free from exposure to inappropriate influences and topics.

• Learn to take responsibility for their actions.

• Be free to discover their purpose and grow into who God made them to be.

• Feel safe, respected, and at home.

• Find joy in coming to school, exploring, and growing.

•Understand the role of brain health and physiology and how it can improve overall well-being.

OUR Story

Walking through the doors that God opens

“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

Alyssa Verdi, founder of Ascend Academy, is a former Middle School public school teacher and mother of three. She holds a Master’s degree in K-12 Health Education and is passionate about offering an alternative to traditional education to better serve local communities.

Throughout her long journey of traditional public schooling and then teaching, Alyssa had grown increasingly disillusioned with the conventional school system. She didn’t want her own children to simply "be fine". She wanted them to thrive, and to be seen as capable individuals with unique strengths. Her goal was for them to feel empowered, understand that education is a journey where failure is a natural part of growth, and, most importantly, be in an environment where they could openly express their love for Jesus Christ and walk His ways.

When their son approached Kindergarten age, Alyssa was again disheartened by the lack of local alternative educational options. This led her to explore the possibility of starting her own Christian Montessori-based school to serve her family and others who wanted something different. With a strong desire (and big prayers), the Verdi family decided to open Ascend Academy in Milford, PA. Alyssa describes the experience as "nothing short of a journey". Ascend is the first educational space in the Tri-State area to offer a program fully committed to learner-driven methods.

Five years into running Ascend Academy, the learning community is thriving. With a commitment to preparing young people fo the 21st century, personal growth, holistic health and fitness, moral character, and integrity; Ascend sets the whole family on a journey to fulfill their God-given purpose.

“Parenting is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s a lot of pressure when you realize all the choices that have to be made; both big and small. The Lord placed a heavy burden on my heart when it was time for our son to go to school. My husband Rob and I realized there were no options in our area for schooling other than the traditional route; which we had been turned off by more and more over the years. We wanted something different for our kids: An education where they weren’t restricted in their learning environment or judged by what they could or couldn’t do on a test. More importantly, we wanted our kids to be in an environment where they were able to build confidence and courage in becoming who God made them to be.

Our hope is that our studios will provide families in the area with a promising option; an option that will put both parents and their children on a Hero’s Journey sparked by curiosity, accountability, integrity, and commitment to growth. Nothing great comes without sacrifice and sometimes, risk. We fell in love with the idea of a learner-driven community, and I know that other families will, too.

I am grateful for the good times and the hard times through this process. The people that work for and attend Ascend are inspiring and a joy to know. I am fully aware that I did not do this on my own. I have so many inspiring humans who helped make Ascend what it is today. The young people deserve something a place like this to become educated. They are so special and the world needs them - each one of them. It's an honor to provide this opportunity. My prayer is the the Lord will continue to bless the mission, and the people who have worked so hard to make it a success."

- Alyssa Verdi