A Look Inside Adventure Academy

For many homeschool families, learning happens in a variety of settings—at the kitchen table, during a hands-on science experiment, or while reading together at the end of the day. But what if your student could also join a live, interactive class where they’re actively participating, connecting with peers, and exploring new interests—all from home?

That’s exactly what Adventure Academy was designed to offer.

Adventure Academy launched five years ago in response to parent requests for engaging, high-quality enrichment classes within a trusted school community. Families were looking for instruction similar to programs like Outschool, but with teachers they knew and students who shared a similar learning environment.

So the program was created from the ground up.

What started with just five classes has grown into a dynamic virtual program serving TK–8th grade students, now offering four sessions per year with an average of 55 enrichment classes each session. Today, Adventure Academy is led by program coordinators Amy Griffin and Kelley Soper, who continue to expand and refine the program while staying true to its original vision.

According to Amy and Kelley, the goal has always remained the same: create a learning environment where students feel excited to participate.

“We want kids to feel comfortable showing up, trying something new, and being curious,” Amy explained.

What started with five classes has grown into a dynamic program where students explore, connect, and truly enjoy learning.

Learning That Feels Different

Adventure Academy looks a little different from many traditional online classes. Instead of long lectures or passive instruction, classes are designed to keep students actively involved from start to finish.

Teachers create dynamic learning environments where students can participate in ways that feel comfortable to them. They might respond in the chat, raise a digital hand, give a quick thumbs-up, or speak directly with the teacher. For students who feel more hesitant, private messaging offers another way to engage without pressure.

For younger students, classes often include movement, dance breaks, and time to share about themselves—helping them stay focused while also building connections with their peers.

Over time, many students who start out quietly begin to participate more confidently. As they feel supported and encouraged, they become more willing to share ideas, ask questions, and take an active role in their learning.

“We want students to feel safe trying,” Kelley said. “If something doesn’t work the first time, that’s okay. That’s how learning happens.”

Built by Passionate Teachers

For many teachers, Adventure Academy has brought something meaningful back into their work. This is because in many traditional settings, strict curriculum and pacing requirements have limited their creativity as well. 

Adventure Academy classes are designed by the teacher. Being allowed to teach what they have created and built, gives them a strong sense of ownership in the subject, the student experience, and the learning outcomes. From classes like Math with Monsters and Rainforest Explorers to Think Like a Civil War Soldier, the offerings are as engaging as they are educational.

When teachers love what they’re teaching, students feel it.

“Teachers are sharing things they genuinely enjoy,” Amy said. “That makes a big difference for kids.”

A Program That Supports the Whole Family

Adventure Academy was designed to work alongside the homeschool model—not replace it.

Parents remain the primary educators, while the program provides flexible options to support both academic growth and enrichment. Some families choose classes to strengthen core skills, while others use them as opportunities for their students to explore new interests or connect with peers.

For families, this means students aren’t just logging into another online class—they’re building confidence, practicing communication, and enjoying the learning process.

Students aren’t just logging into another online class—they’re building confidence, connecting with others, and learning to love the process of learning.

Expanding to Meet Family Needs

As the program has grown, so have the needs of families.

After several years of offering enrichment classes, many parents began asking for more structured academic support. In response, Adventure Academy expanded to include CORE classes for students in grades 3–5, focused on reading, writing, and math.

Adventure Academy CORE classes offer a standards-aligned academic experience with live, direct instruction, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers who provide instruction, grading, and feedback.

With class sizes of just 12–15 students, learners receive personalized attention while building a strong foundation in key academic skills. Unlike enrichment classes, CORE classes serve as a student’s primary curriculum in these subjects—providing consistency, structure, and support for both students and learning coaches at home.

The success of this first year has already led to plans for continued expansion.

When teachers have the freedom to be creative and teach what they love, students feel it—and that excitement changes everything.

A Space for Growth, Confidence, and Connection

At its heart, Adventure Academy reflects what families value most about homeschooling: flexibility, personalization, and a love of learning.

Students are encouraged to try new things, explore their interests, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Along the way, they develop important academic skills, strengthen communication, and form meaningful connections with both teachers and peers.

What began as a simple idea has grown into one of the most dynamic and impactful programs within our Sequoia Grove Community. A program that serves students, supports families, and gives teachers a space to do what they love most.

And with continued growth ahead, Adventure Academy is just getting started.
 

Adventure Academy student displays his “Wild Giant” art project, crafted from cardboard and tin-can body, empty toilet paper roll for head and arms, and little springs for legs. 

Adventure Academy student shares his colored image of a desert scene for his Desert Explorers class.

Adventure Academy student focusses on the process of building his robot craft for the Wild Robot art project, using cardboard and hot glue to assemble parts with the book open in the background. 

Adventure Academy shows off her shoebox art project for the Animals of the Rainforest ADVA class, lining the “floor” with real pine tree leaves and including twigs for terrain. She built trees from empty toilet paper rolls and included a variety of miniature rainforest animals, like tree frogs, monkeys, badgers and leopards to emulate the animals of the rainforest.