At Little Leaders Academy, we hold a deep commitment to personalized learning, ensuring that every child receives the attention, guidance, and mentorship they deserve. Our class size reflects this dedication, allowing us to cultivate vibrant learning communities where each learner can flourish.

• Pre-K: Our youngest learners benefit from an intimate setting with a class size maintained at a 1:6 ratio. This ensures that our little explorers receive ample individualized attention, fostering a strong foundation for their educational journey.

• Kindergarten through 6th Grade: As our learners progress, the class size expands slightly to a 1:12 ratio. This still remains significantly smaller than traditional settings, enabling educators to tailor instruction, nurture critical thinking, and cultivate a deep love for learning in each child.

In aligning with Little Leaders Academy’s philosophy, these class sizes empower our educators to know each learner deeply, to challenge and support them uniquely, and to foster a tight-knit community where collaboration and individual growth go hand in hand.

Near Grants Farm (in South County) in St. Louis, Missouri. Our new location is launching the start of Summer 2024: 9373 Garber Rd, Sappington, MO 63126 You can learn more about our story on our recent blog post: https://aprilmaura.com/2024/03/10/rooted-in-growth-little-leaders-academys-new-beginning-in-st-louis-forest-school/

Our promise at Little Leaders Academy is to have students well prepared for any selective university where they can score high enough on a standardized test to gain admittance. Once your student gets over the test-taking barrier at the university of their choice, their portfolio and critical thinking skills will be a big boost during the application and interviewing process. Most importantly, students are well prepared to shine in the real world, whether they choose to go to college full time, part time or not at all.

Students may bring their own healthy lunch and snacks for the day.  We believe that it’s important to help young people develop healthy lifestyle habits, which is why we empower parents to make the best choices for their children.

When we have fruits and vegetables in season from our Microschool’s garden, we will serve them! Children will have water bottles that they keep at school. 

It is an educational approach that:

• Involves regular and repeated access to the same natural environment.

• Promotes experiential, inquiry-based, play-based, and place-based learning.

• Supports risk management where children learn to work through challenges, experience risk, and learn from mistakes and successes which helps to build self-confidence.

• Involves educators playing a facilitator and mentorship role – lead by example, support child interests, learn with the child, provide resources and materials to extend learning, and observe the child’s progress.

• Involves individual and collaborative learning opportunities.

• Allows for the learning experiences to change with the seasons, landscapes, presence of loose materials, who is in attendance, and the child’s interests, among other factors.

• • Reconnect children with nature through play, inquiry, and exploration

  • Encourage healthy active living

  • Promote environmental awareness and appreciation

  • Develop strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills

  • Offer low student to adult ratios allowing for mentorship and student-led learning

At Little Leaders Academy, our approach to art and music transcends traditional boundaries. From exploring the ethereal beauty of the Milky Way through contemporary painting sessions to bringing ancient tales alive with an Inca Sun God play adorned with masks, our learners are immersed in a rich tapestry of artistic expressions.

Additionally, our students delight in the melodies of Spanish songs and the gentle resonance of handheld chimes, weaving a unique musical experience into their daily rhythm.

For a glimpse into these transformative moments, we invite you to explore our Facebook channel, where we proudly showcase videos capturing the passion and creativity of our young learners.

Although we do not offer formal team sports, many of our students participate in city league sports. Our school embraces a deep commitment to physical fitness and overall health awareness. Little Leaders students daily practice a yoga routine or body workout. Our students are very active, and we strongly support good sportsmanship and teamwork.

Additionally, our students delight in the melodies of Spanish songs and the gentle resonance of handheld chimes, weaving a unique musical experience into their daily rhythm.

For a glimpse into these transformative moments, we invite you to explore our Facebook channel, where we proudly showcase videos capturing the passion and creativity of our young learners.

We believe that students become confident, independent learners, and good citizens when they embrace the following character qualities: integrity, resilience, self-reflection, and empathy. We believe in personal responsibility and high accountability standards. Little Leaders Academy students are encouraged to take responsibility for their choices and actions as we think developing a strong moral compass will help students lead joyful and successful lives. Character learning is woven into all parts of learning.

We believe that students learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.

Students celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges, assembling portfolios, and taking part in public exhibitions. Public exhibitions allow students to present work to experts, customers, or the public for a real-world test. Electronics and hard copy Portfolios capture rough drafts, photos, videos, and other creative work.

Our Core Values  H.E.R.O.E.S.

HEALTHY MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

I operate with positivity and gratitude while pursuing knowledge and self-awareness. I maintain lifestyle habits like exercise and good nutrition. I care for my spirit by understanding that I am part of something bigger than myself and that my life has value and purpose. A healthy spirit gives and receives love.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

I carefully observe the world around me to identify challenges that I am uniquely suited to solve. My creativity fuels my hard work, grit, and endurance. I develop financial literacy as I hone my entrepreneurial mindset of innovation, collaboration, and hustle. I am responsible for my future, while recognizing, with gratitude, those who help me achieve my goals. 

RESPONSIBILITY

I contribute to my community by completing what is expected of me, owning my mistakes, and maintaining healthy relationships. I utilize my resources by asking for help when I need it, consulting others, and investigating before taking action. I will be on time, every time. I make rational and moral decisions. I can be trusted and depended on. I seek truth and justice. I think for myself.  

OPEN-HEARTEDNESS

I come from a place of empathy. I respect my community by listening to them, speaking honestly, and helping whenever I can. I am a kind and loyal friend. I do not gossip or use hurtful words or actions towards others. I promote equity and fairness in all situations. I have the courage to stand up for what is right.

EXCELLENCE

I will strive for continuous improvement in my schoolwork, friendships, and personal endeavors. I will build on my ideas. I set high standards for my behavior and the work that I deliver. I use my time wisely.  I believe that growth is greater than perfection.

SERVICE

As an act of service and respect, I consider others in everything I do. I support, encourage, and strengthen my community with a kind and compassionate heart. I serve for the sake of others, not for recognition. I will discover and use my precious gifts to bring value to the lives of others.  I understand my purpose and am mission-driven.