Matt Beaudreau: Exploring the Core Differences Between Apogee Strong and Acton Academy

Education is about helping kids learn and grow. It's about giving them the tools and opportunities to discover their passions, develop their talents, and become the best versions of themselves. It's about fostering a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. A good education is a foundation for a fulfilling life, empowering children to become confident, capable, and contributing members of society.

In this solocast episode, Matt Beaudreau, Founder of Apogee Strong, sets out to clarify Apogee's mission and how it differs from Acton Academy. He addresses any remaining confusion and public perception issues, digging into the philosophical differences between the two organizations and sharing his personal journey in educational philosophy. Matt emphasizes Apogee's unique approach, which actively involves parents, offers flexible part-time and full-time options, and provides a hands-on, coach-driven learning environment. He also highlights the extensive support and resources Apogee provides to its affiliates, contrasting it with Acton Academy's more hands-off approach.

Quotes:

• "We want to be the education hub in a community. So, we want people to be able to drop in for the things that they want help with that we want those a la carte options. Acton is not an a la carte network. We are very much an a la carte network." - Matt Beaudreau
• "Forget not answering questions. We're answering a lot of questions, and we're proactively engaging with every single thing, from academia to the projects all the above, it is not anywhere near the Acton approach on that, nor is it near the traditional school approach." - Matt Beaudreau
• "We've got two foundations that that push towards, you know, scholarships for families to make these things available, the website, the CRM and the tech behind it all to give them the ability to have an internal community, or building an app that's on the way that will help for tracking of student work, student behavior." - Matt Beaudreau

Key Takeaways:

• Apogee is a separate entity from Acton Academy, despite the host's previous involvement.
• Apogee emphasizes parent involvement, contrasting with Acton's kid-centric approach. Apogee believes in coaching parents alongside their children, fostering a strong family-oriented learning environment.
• Apogee offers part-time and a la carte options, catering to homeschooling families and those seeking flexible learning solutions. This is a significant departure from Acton's focus on full-time enrollment.
• Apogee coaches actively guide students, contrasting with Acton's philosophy of letting students discover answers independently. Apogee believes in providing direct support and mentorship throughout the learning process.
• Apogee prioritizes physical fitness and incorporates it into the curriculum, recognizing the importance of a healthy body and mind for optimal learning.
• Apogee is building out a university partnership program, offering students opportunities to earn college degrees and trade certifications while completing their high school education.

Conclusion

Choosing the right educational path for your child is a significant decision. We hope this episode has equipped you with a deeper understanding of the differences between Apogee and Acton Academy, highlighting their unique approaches to parent involvement, curriculum design, and student support. Remember, the best choice for your family depends on your individual needs and priorities. We encourage you to explore both options thoroughly, visit campuses, and engage with their communities. By actively participating in this decision-making process, you can find the educational environment that will best nurture your child's growth, unlock their potential, and empower them to thrive.