ABOUT US

Apogee NTX is a mixed-age, project-based learning environment.

Apogee North Texas offers a bold reimagining of education, designed to

empower children with self-directed learning and real-world readiness.

Empowered Learning

Learners set and manage their own goals, fostering accountability and independence.

Grade-Free Learning

We serve ages 5-18, with personalized pathways that remove grade-level ceilings. A 5-year-old excelling in 9-year-old-level concepts? We customize their day for maximum growth.

Customized Experience

Education tailored to their pace and passions, whether speeding ahead or diving deep into a subject they love.

Prepared for the Future

By mastering critical thinking and practical life skills, learners build the confidence to thrive in any environment.

What makes us different?

Our Philosophy

We’re not a school. We are a private academic enrichment community created for families who want a learner-driven environment. Instead of one-size-fits-all lessons, we focus on project-based, self-directed experiences that build skills like critical thinking, time management, and adaptability. These are the real keys to success, whether your child chooses college, a career, or starts a business of their own. Along the way, learners develop independence, confidence, and a love of discovery that travels with them long after they leave for the day.

Building a 'Community' of Learners

Some parents worry about the social piece in smaller, mixed-age settings. In practice, these environments tend to produce deeper friendships and more authentic interactions. Kids connect naturally across ages, collaborate with ease, and gain the confidence to speak up and share ideas. In intimate groups, no one disappears into the background. Every learner is seen, supported, and encouraged to grow both academically and socially.

Daily Structure

Morning: Each morning opens with a Socratic-style conversation to spark curiosity and set the tone for thoughtful inquiry. From there, learners move into focused academic time. They can work from a curriculum you already use at home, or we can recommend options that fit your child’s pace and style. Throughout the morning, support is available for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies as learners rotate through what they need most.
Afternoon: Our afternoons open up into hands-on experiences and real-world skill building. Depending on the day, learners might dive into public speaking, financial literacy, outdoor education, entrepreneurship, or a personal passion project. These sessions are intentionally flexible so learners can follow their interests and stretch into new challenges.
Life Skills Focus: Throughout the week, learners practice skills that traditional classrooms rarely make time for: how to start a business, work on a team, persevere when things get tough, and set meaningful goals. These habits shape confident, capable young people who know how to navigate the real world.
Guides & Mentors, Not Teachers: Because we’re not a traditional school, our guides serve as motivators and mentors, not lecturers. We specifically chose them for their ability to spark curiosity and build resilience, and many bring experience from high-impact fields like technology, giving learners real-world insights they can apply right away.

MEET OUR TEAM

Lauren Penn

Founder

I always wanted something different for my children, namely an education that sparked curiosity, encouraged critical thinking, and wasn’t confined to a classroom of 30 kids. I wanted them to ask “why?” and to see learning as a lifelong journey that moves with them, not one that’s restricted by walls and schedules.

More than just academics, I wanted them to understand that freedom comes with responsibility — to themselves, their family, and their community. I wanted them to gain real-world skills, from financial literacy to changing a flat tire, preparing them for life beyond textbooks.

After searching for an educational platform that truly aligned with this vision, we realized the best path was to create it ourselves. Five years ago, in the midst of COVID, we had not only the motive but the opportunity. Since then, I’ve helped launch two homeschool co-ops, and as my children have grown, so has this mission.

That’s why I started Apogee NTX: to provide families with an educational experience that empowers children to think independently, embrace responsibility, and thrive in the real world.

Cameron Penn

Co-Founder

Cam spent the past 20 years leading

Hey Guy Media, an Argyle, TX-based creative studio behind campaigns for culture-shaping brands like IHOP, Roblox, Hot Wheels, Disney, and Toyota.

Over the years, he’s helped launch electric vehicles in Hollywood, Barbie celebrate her 50th birthday at New York Fashion Week, guided companies through headline-making crises, and shaped bold brand stories that stick.

He won two National Emmy Awards for HBO and ESPN, where he helped launch the hit series Hard Knocks, reimagined Inside the NFL, produced On the Record with Bob Costas, and, for good measure, became the youngest producer in the history of SportsCenter, and producer the NFL Draft. Later, he brought that same storytelling instinct to the intelligence community, developing the first external communications strategy for the National Reconnaissance Office.

in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Cam served as the public affairs representative for FDNY’s Engine 40/Ladder 35 (made famous by the David Halberstam best-seller "Firehouse" and co-chaired a committee that raised more than $650,000 for the FDNY Widow's and Children's Fund.

Cam also spent eight years on the Board of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, including three as Board President, helping expand its reach and impact for 50,000 constituents around the world.

Kelly Banner

Explorers Guide (5 to 7-year-olds)

Kelly Banner is a Texas native who lives in Flower Mound with her husband, three children, and their dog. Their family also keeps a small flock of chickens and loves spending time outdoors exploring nature. Kelly is a certified Montessori teacher and has led a small forest school for children ages 2–8. She’s thrilled to be part of the Apogee North Texas family and looks forward to working with your learners this year.