Classes are mixed-age, allowing learners to progress towards mastery at their own pace while fostering collaboration and leadership skills. The program maintains small class sizes, with a maximum of 15-20 students depending on age, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.

Students learn in developmental groups rather than strict grade levels, allowing them to progress at their own pace—advancing when ready while receiving support where needed. Hands-on Montessori materials enable students to work on different concepts simultaneously. Where they excel, students have the opportunity to teach peers which deepens their own mastery while fostering collaboration, leadership, and a strong learning community.

Student progress is measured through one-on-one assessments in math and language arts at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. Rather than focusing on grades, we emphasize mastery, project completion, and personal growth. Students earn badges in core subjects as they demonstrate mastery, and progress is documented through physical and digital portfolios, Guide feedback, and parent meetings. Learn more in the Mastery Focus section of our Academic Approach page.

Go to “A Day at Apogee Sacramento” for a view into a student’s typical day.

Technology is used as a supervised, supplemental tool to reinforce math and literacy concepts, and support research, but our primary focus is on hands-on, immersive learning. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity without over-reliance on screens while also helping students develop familiarity with technology as a valuable and versatile resource.

At Apogee Sacramento, joyful learning is a key measure of success. Research shows that children learn best when experiences are joyful, meaningful, engaging, iterative, and socially interactive. When anxiety is low, brain function is higher, leading to deeper learning, better retention, and a love for discovery.

We embrace both a mastery focused and project-based approach inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where children are respected as curious, capable, and active participants in their learning. By integrating academic work that each student is ready for with hands-on, meaningful discovery, we create engaging and purposeful learning experiences that build a strong foundation and promote joyful growth that students will want to keep coming back for!

Students from programs like Apogee are often well-equipped for traditional settings due to their ability to think critically, work independently, and communicate effectively. We prepare students for future transitions by focusing on mastery, character, and adaptability.

Our small class sizes and individualized learning approach allow us to accommodate various learning styles. While we do not have additional resources for a special education program, we work closely with families to support students with specific needs whenever possible.