ABOUT US
Apogee NTX is a mixed-age, project-based learning environment.
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Our Philosophy
We’re not a traditional school, and that’s deliberate. We’re a private academic enrichment community designed for families seeking a more learner-focused approach.
Instead of one-size-fits-all lessons, kids work through project-based, self-directed experiences that develop real skills like critical thinking, time management, and adaptability. These are the kinds of skills they’ll need whether they go to college, start a career, or launch their own business. Along the way, learners build confidence, independence, and a true love of learning, not just for today but for a lifetime.
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Building a 'Community' of Learners
It’s natural to wonder about the social side of smaller, mixed-age groups. What we see, again and again, is the opposite of what most parents expect. These settings tend to create stronger friendships and more genuine connections.
Kids naturally interact across different ages, learn to collaborate, and become comfortable speaking up and sharing ideas. In small groups, no one blends into the background. Every learner is recognized, supported, and encouraged to grow both academically and socially.
Daily Structure
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Morning: Mornings open with a Socratic-style conversation to get minds moving and curiosity flowing. From there, learners shift into focused academic work. They can continue using a curriculum you already use at home, or we can help recommend options that fit your child’s pace and learning style. Support is always available across reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, with learners rotating through what they need most.
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Afternoon: Afternoons open up into hands-on learning and real-world skill building. Depending on the day, learners might explore public speaking, financial literacy, outdoor education, entrepreneurship, or dive deep into a personal passion project. This time is intentionally flexible, giving kids room to follow their interests and stretch into new challenges.
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Life Skills Focus: Throughout the week, learners practice skills traditional classrooms rarely make time for: working on a team, pushing through challenges, setting goals, and even starting a business. These habits build confident, capable kids who know how to navigate the real world.
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Guides & Mentors, Not Teachers: Because we’re not a traditional school, our guides act as mentors and motivators, not lecturers. We choose them for their ability to spark curiosity, build confidence, and model resilience. Many bring experience from real-world fields like technology, giving learners insights they can use right away.
MEET OUR TEAM
Lauren Penn
Founder
Like a lot of parents, I wanted something different for my kids. An education that sparked curiosity, encouraged critical thinking, and didn’t require them to sit quietly in a room of 30 kids following the same script. I wanted them asking “why,” taking ownership of their learning, and seeing education as something that grows with them, not something confined to walls and bells.
But I also wanted more than strong academics. I wanted my kids to understand that freedom comes with responsibility to themselves, their family, and their community. That meant real-world skills too, from financial literacy to changing a flat tire, the kind of things you actually need once life starts happening.
When we couldn’t find a program that truly aligned with that vision, we did what most slightly stubborn, optimistic parents do. We built it. Smack in the middle of COVID, five years ago, the timing forced the issue and opened the door. Since then, I’ve helped launch two homeschool co-ops, and as my children have grown, this mission has grown right alongside them.
Apogee NTX exists to give families the kind of educational option I wanted for my own kids. One that builds independent thinkers, responsible young people, and confident learners who are ready for the real world, not just the next test.
Cameron Penn
Co-Founder
Cam spent more than 20 years building and leading Hey Guy Media, a Dallas–Fort Worth–based communications and creative firm developing campaigns for some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Mattel, Toyota, KinderCare, Chipotle, General Motors, Shell, IHOP, and Disney.
His work has included brand and product launches, executive and internal communications, crisis response, and long-form content development across corporate, nonprofit, and public-sector organizations.
Earlier in his career, Cam spent more than a decade in broadcast television with HBO and ESPN, earning two National Emmy Awards. His experience includes more than 2,000 hours of live television production, spanning SportsCenter, the NFL Draft, Inside the NFL, and On the Record with Bob Costas.
He later transitioned into public service, developing and implementing the first external communications strategy for the National Reconnaissance Office.
Cam also served eight years on the board of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, including three years as Board President, supporting programs serving more than 50,000 families worldwide.
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.