Rooted in Augusta is excited to announce we are in a new transition. Fall 2025 we will become Apogee Augusta Outpost. This transition marks a significant milestone for our organization, promising new opportunities, enhanced educational experiences, and holistic development for our future leaders. We will stay true to what you love about rooted: our strong focus on nature and the social emotional well being of our leaders, all within a Christ centered environment.

The AAO model fosters an environment where leaders can grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. We use innovative coaching methods and a strong framework that emphasizes character development to help leaders become resilient individuals prepared for a changing world. Our approach involves the WHOLE family in the educational journey, guided by our faith and values.

Over the coming months we will work diligently to ensure a smooth transition. We are committed to keeping this website up to date every step of the way. There will be opportunities to learn more about the AAO program and ask questions through this website and the provided contact information.

2024/2025 will host a three day program beginning September 3rd and concluding on May 29th. Our hours of operation will be 9:00-3:00, with drop-off beginning at 8:45.

Our latest update: Due to Hurricane Helen, we are practicing and embracing adaptability. This means utilizing our community resources and support.

The best way to contact our Chiefs is through our email: [email protected]

To remain up to date on all things AAO frequent this website and our accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

During this transitional year of learning, AAO will limit enrollment to 15-17 leaders with plans to expand in Fall 2025. We encourage all curious minds to reach out and apply with the understanding of our current limitations. AAO looks forward to expanding our future leaders!

‘AAO’ is a non-profit, non-traditional homeschool learning pod that will transition into a member based "Life" gym. Definition of a Life Gym This model will open up the program to entire families and not be limited to just homeschool families. Children are welcome from public or private school systems as well as home study programs. Currently our families are enrolled as homeschoolers and are protected under the ‘The Learning Pod Protection Act’, which states children from public or private institutions that participate in a learning pod can turn in documentation showing participation to be counted as attendance. Parents of ‘AAO’ home study students are responsible for complying with all Georgia (or South Carolina) homeschool laws, however, our team can assist with some compliance (registration with the state and attendance for example). Our parents, leaders, and coaches work together throughout the year to set appropriate learning plans and goals. 

A term coined by Apogee Co-Founder Mr. Matt Beaudreau. A Life Gym is a dynamic, coach-supported environment where individuals of all ages engage in continuous learning, personal development, and growth. Unlike traditional education, a Life Gym is not confined to a classroom or curriculum but instead offers tailored, hands-on experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Families participate together, strengthening bonds as they explore knowledge, skills, and passions in a holistic, learning environment. Guided by coaches, each member works at their own pace to master challenges, build character, and unlock their God-given potential, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, self-discovery, and community impact.

A coach-supported environment means students collaborate with mentors to select materials and set a learning pace that suits their needs. This type of educational approach might feel unfamiliar to some students at first or could offer the guidance and freedom your child has been seeking. In a coach-supported environment, students are encouraged to research questions, seek solutions when they encounter challenges, and rely on guidance from their mentors to navigate obstacles effectively. They are encouraged to ask questions, admit when they need help, participate in discussions, and embrace opportunities to learn something new. In a coach-supported model based on the ‘AAO’ approach, your child will take an active role in their education with the support of dedicated coaches. Here’s how this model works:

1. Personalized Learning Plans

Each future leader creates a personalized learning plan tailored to their interests, strengths, and academic goals. These plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure they stay relevant and challenging.

2. Project-Based Learning

Future leaders participate in hands-on, project-based learning designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Working on meaningful, real-world projects fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

3. Self-Paced Learning

Future leaders progress through the curriculum at their own pace, with mentors supporting their journey. This approach allows them to spend more time on challenging areas and move quickly through familiar topics, ensuring mastery before advancing.

4. Coaching, Mentoring and Guiding

All Coaches dual serve as a mentor. This especially holds true as our future leaders transition and leaders level up to a higher educational experience. In this way, mentors play a central role in this model, offering encouragement, resources, and feedback. They help future leaders set goals, stay on track, and develop essential life skills, ensuring a balance of independence and structured support.

5. Community and Collaboration

A collaborative learning environment enables future leader to work with peers, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. This approach builds communication and teamwork skills, preparing future leaders for real-world interactions.

6. Focus on Character Development

The Apogee approach emphasizes both academic and character development. Future leaders learn to take responsibility for their actions, build resilience, and cultivate a growth mindset as they navigate their learning journey.

7. Integration of Technology

Future leaders leverage technology as a tool to access information, resources, and online courses. This integration prepares them for the digital world while enhancing their ability to learn effectively with guidance.

By nurturing a love for learning and encouraging future leaders to take ownership of their education within a coach-supported environment, this approach helps children become motivated, lifelong learners who are well-prepared to face future challenges and opportunities.

At ‘AAO’, we believe that true freedom comes from understanding our identity in Christ. Apogee’s model of personal sovereignty aligns with our Christian values by empowering our future leaders to take responsibility for their own learning while grounding them in the truth of God’s word. Our program encourages critical thinking and self-discovery, all within a framework that emphasizes our ultimate reliance on Christ for wisdom, guidance, and strength. By fostering an environment where learners are free to explore their interests and develop their unique gifts, we help them grow into confident individuals who know that their ultimate source of freedom and purpose is found in their relationship with Jesus.

At AAO, inspired by the Apogee approach, we believe that standardized education often stifles the true potential of children by imposing a one-size-fits-all model. Matt Beaudreau emphasizes that education should not be about fitting children into pre-determined molds but rather about nurturing their unique talents, interests, and passions.

Standardization tends to focus on conformity and compliance, which can limit creativity and critical thinking. Instead, we aim to create an environment where future leaders take ownership of their education, driven by curiosity and guided by coaches who encourage exploration and growth. This approach aligns with our mission to cultivate capable, resilient, and independent thinkers who are prepared to navigate the complexities of life beyond the classroom.

By not chasing state or federal standards, we have the freedom to tailor our educational experiences to meet the individual needs of each leader, allowing them to pursue excellence in areas that truly resonate with them.

For more on this, you can listen to Matt Beaudreau discuss these ideas in his podcast episodes and talks​ (Family Savvy)​(Nick Bare).