Welcome to:
The Launchpad Academy
Teaching the whole child, and improving educational opportunities with a model tailored to each student.
About the Initiative
Over the past several years, many families in the local community have expressed a strong desire for increased educational options for their children and grandchildren. After finding sufficient interest within the local community, we have initiated the development of The Launchpad Montessori Academy, a small, independent, Progressive-Montessori Private School that cultivates the love of learning, critical thinking, compassion for others, and a deep commitment to social justice and the environment.
Megan Sierk, founder and Director, is passionate about quality and affordable education options for anyone who seeks it. She holds a Master's Degree in Education from Drury University, where she graduated with honors. As part of her Master's program, Megan wrote position articles such as "No Time to Wonder" and "Differentiation in Education" advocating for high quality and individualized educational experiences for our young citizens.
Megan knows from personal experience the struggles parents face trying to find the best academic fit for their children as she has explored private schools, public schools, virtual schools, hybrid programs, and homeschool programs in her search for the best learning experiences for her own children. What she learned is that there is no "one size fits all" solution, and each child deserves a learning experience that is tailored to him/her as an individual.
A message from Megan:
"Welcome, and thank you for being in this space with me! It is my personal mission that every young individual be allowed to experience his or her work of learning in an organic, developmentally appropriate way that is supportive in the best way possible for them. We are shaping the future of our community, and together we can make a difference! Thank you for taking an interest in this passion of mine. I hope to meet you soon."
About The Launchpad Academy
Our Mission
The Mission of the Launchpad Academy is to provide an exemplary education through a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment that enhances each child's intellectual and emotional gifts, leading to responsible, compassionate citizens who have awareness of their environment; empathy for others; social ease and confidence.
Our Vision
Children and adolescents develop a strong sense of self, rooted in love for the environment and community, seamlessly transitioning from each stage of development through adulthood. They are equipped to thrive in changing times and prepared to contribute to their community as stewards of peace and humanity.
Our Values
At The Launchpad Academy, we:
Believe children must feel safe and supported.
Believe children should learn different perspectives, and ask lots of questions.
Believe children have the right to feel valued, respected as an individual, and encouraged to persevere.
Believe children should have a say in their education and the right to individualized high-quality learning opportunities.
Believe in teaching and supporting the whole child and prioritizing frequent periods of unstructured play to improve students' cognitive, social, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Believe that "equal" does not mean the "same".
Believe schoolwork isn't a rote assignment, it's a compelling adventure that cultivates independent thinking and builds self-confidence.
Believe parents, grandparents and guardians have a critical role in their child's education.
Believe in partnerships with at-home caretakers so that children are supported no matter where their learning takes place.
Believe children learn best when they are engaged with the world around them and their education doesn't stop or start when they are at school.
Value the strength of our collective community and provide opportunities for teachers, learners, and community members to learn with and from each other.
Promote many different pathways to life success and provide early opportunities for students to learn about and be immersed in these pathways.
"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." Mark Twain