Our mission is simple yet profound: to inspire kids to love learning. We believe that when children truly love learning, they become lifelong learners, creative thinkers, and compassionate problem-solvers. But for that love of learning to flourish, three essential conditions must be met.

First, students must feel confident. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is not an upon which everything else is built. A child who feels seen, valued, and supported is a child who is ready to learn. Through daily advisory circles guided by the CircleWays model, students practice empathy, presence, and mindful communication. In resolving conflicts, we guide students to learn from their mistakes, repair harm, and strengthen community bonds. Our mixed-age learning environment encourages students to become deeply embedded in the community. With older students to look up to and younger students to mentor, students have vertical and horizontal avenues for connection and purpose in the community. When students feel embedded, they feel secure and supported. They lean into taking risks, asking questions, and developing resilience: this is the gateway to courage, curiosity, and growth.

Second, students must be empowered to explore their passions. Every child arrives with unique interests, questions, and dreams. When we give students ownership over their learning, we nurture intrinsic motivation and confidence. ASTEME’s curriculum is designed to cast a wide net—offering space to dive deeply into what excites them while introducing new areas of curiosity. Our program allows students to take seven different electives each week, ranging from LEGO Engineering and Superhero Science to Debate, Art, and Environmental Design. By honoring choice and passion, we help students see learning not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to explore who they are, feeding their curiosity about the world.

Third, students must understand why they are learning what they learn. Relevance transforms engagement. At ASTEME, we connect every lesson to the real world so students see meaning and purpose in their studies. Whether they’re building robots to explore physics, designing solutions for environmental challenges, or applying math to everyday scenarios, students recognize the connection between knowledge and life beyond the classroom. When children understand the “why,” they stop asking, “When am I ever going to use this?”—because they’re already living the answer.

Access is central to ASTEME’s mission. With over 40% of our students identifying as students of color and 30% receiving scholarships, we are committed to maintaining a diverse community that reflects the world our students will one day lead. Our tuition remains intentionally lower than other Westside schools to ensure that socioeconomic diversity continues to thrive.

We aim to cultivate curious, confident, and compassionate humans who think independently, communicate effectively, and approach challenges with creativity and resilience. What truly sets ASTEME Academy apart is our vibrant spirit—a unique blend of intellectual adventure, emotional growth, and community responsibility. Here, children are inspired to imagine, to lead, and to care deeply for others. In a world that often prioritizes test scores over curiosity, ASTEME stands as a joyful reminder that education can—and should—be about becoming one’s fullest self.

Ultimately, our goal is not just to prepare children for high school—but for adulthood and a life of purpose.