Apogee Dripping Springs Mission

is to prepare teens for life.

Apogee Strong Vision

IS FOR FREE THINKERS TO FLOURISH.

The Apogee Dripping Springs Approach:

Our program is more than just a High School; it’s an incubator for young adulthood, where high school education transcends traditional boundaries. This program is designed for students eager for knowledge, growth, and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Apogee Dripping Springs prepares students for life with a curriculum that includes critical thinking, real life learning, and community engagement.

This is not merely a school; it's a gateway to adulthood, characterized by a strong focus on character development.

WHAT DOES APOGEE MEAN?

APOGEE (NOUN):

THE HIGHEST POINT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOMETHING; A CLIMAX OR CULMINATION

The Story Behind Apogee Dripping Springs: A New Chapter in Dripping Springs Education

As a parent in today's rapidly changing world, finding the right educational environment for our children can be daunting. We all desire a place that not only challenges and nurtures them but also resonates with our family's values. This journey is deeply personal for me as I navigated through the educational options available in Dripping Springs, seeking a school that would truly prepare my daughter to step confidently into adulthood while reflecting our family's core beliefs.

The idea for this program sprang from a pressing need for an alternative educational model—one that transcends traditional schooling to provide meaningful, engaging, and value-aligned education.

Recent surveys show a concerning trend: over 60% of middle and high school students find school boring, and another 30% view it as a waste of time. These figures are more than statistics; they are a clarion call for educational reform.

In Dripping Springs, like many communities, the existing options did not fully meet what I envisioned for my daughter. I sought a program that not only promised academic excellence but also a strong moral foundation free from the pervasive 'woke' narratives often found in mainstream education. It became clear that if I wanted such a unique blend of rigorous academics and conservative values, I would need to create it.

Thus, Apogee Dripping Springs was born: the first micro high school in our region, designed to forge a new path in education. At its heart, our program is about more than just academics. It is about preparing our youth for life beyond school—equipping them with practical skills, from financial literacy to real-world problem-solving, and nurturing their character. Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through projects and internships facilitated by partnerships with local professionals who are masters of their crafts.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that education should be a transformative experience. We aim to inspire students to explore their passions, develop their talents, and become leaders who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood. At Apogee Dripping Springs, education is not a passive experience but an active journey of discovery, growth, and empowerment.

As we prepare for our inaugural year, I am thrilled about the opportunity to work closely with Dripping Springs' youth and community professionals. Together, we will create a nurturing educational environment where every student can thrive. This is not just a school; it's a community committed to launching young adults into their next great adventure with confidence, competence, and a strong sense of self.

Sincerely - Sarah Pevehouse - Founder

Meet The Founder & Board President

Sarah Pevehouse

Sarah is a passionate advocate for innovative educational models. With over two decades of leadership experience, she deeply embraced the Waldorf education system during her time in California, receiving extensive training to enhance her pedagogical skills.

Sarah's leadership was instrumental in establishing the Sanderling Waldorf School Parent Council, and she further developed her expertise as the Admissions Director at Charlottesville Waldorf School. Her skillset includes conflict resolution and fundraising.

Sarah served as the Special Projects Coordinator and Podcast Manager for Front Row Dads, where she managed online events and communications.

A champion of medical freedom since a personal family experience in 2014, she passionately advocates for parents' rights in healthcare decisions.

Sarah's personal interests include organic living, regenerative agriculture, and competitive running. She believes strongly in the principle "what the mind believes, the body achieves," a motto she embodies daily as a mother to her two daughters and a partner to her husband Shane, a dedicated USMC veteran.

Together, they are excited to bring a new vision for education to their community.

"Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist."

  • - John Taylor Gatto

Board Secretary

Tara Lenore

Graduated Magna Cum Laude from UDM with a concentration on Waldorf Education in early 2000’s. Tara has worked in both public, private and homeschooling domains for over 20 years. She has taught teachers at The Waldorf Institute of the Great Lakes and served as faculty chair for 2 years. She was a pioneer in developing a program for rising First Graders which has since flourished and grown.

Certified professional teacher in the state of Michigan

Four years of study in self defense classes

Board Vice President

Ray Sanchez

Ray is a seasoned professional with over 35 years in law enforcement and military operations, including roles as a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Agent, U.S. Army Warrant Officer, CID Special Agent, and Military Police officer. He has provided executive protection for high-profile defense and transportation secretaries and held key positions such as Regional and Division Director, and Special Agent in Charge.

Ray holds a Masters of Arts in Organizational Management and is a graduate of advanced law enforcement and military training programs, Ray has proven leadership skills in teaching, training, mentoring, and coaching.

Currently, Ray contributes his wealth of knowledge and experience as a Guest Teacher within the Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD) and the Hays County School District (Hays CISD), where he continues to influence and inspire the next generation of leaders.

THE PHILOSOPHY

GET INSPIRED

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to

have tried to succeed.”

–Theodore Roosevelt-

Education post-COVID; The Great Reset | Matt Beaudreau | TEDxFolsom

Our expectation of education should be reconsidered - the pandemic reveals a new perspective. Listen to find out how something that has seemingly divided so many, may actually be the thing that brings future generations together.

Matt is the founder of several Acton Academy campuses in Northern California, co-founder of Apogee Strong Mentorship Program, and the host of The Essential 11 podcast. He is also a highly sought keynote speaker, having taken the stage to speak to over 250,000 people around the world in the last decade. Website - www.actonplacer.com, www.apogeestrong.com This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

ABOUT US

At Apogee Dripping Springs, our students learn in a collaborative setting. Our flexible approach challenges each student with their own learning plan and inspires them through real-world projects and experiences.

Copyright © 2023 - 2024 Mission Heights Education, INC - All Rights Reserved. Mission Heights Education, INC. DBA Apogee Dripping Springs is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization