Agape Adventure Academy
Now Enrolling Ages 3-12 at Our St. Louis Christian,
Montessori & Nature-Based School
Limited Spots Available!
We guide children to create their own stories of success by developing skills that matter — real-world experience, character growth, and creativity that fuels lifelong learning.
Now Enrolling at Our St. Louis Christian & Nature-Based School
“This Isn’t School—It’s a Launchpad for Lifelong Adventure”
Agape Adventure Academy is more than a St. Louis Christian School, we’re a Christ-centered community where purpose and potential meet. Families looking for a St. Louis Montessori School, Forest School, or Reggio Emilia-inspired program find them all here, woven together in one unique school experience.
Serving Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade, we are transforming education by creating young leaders ready to step into their God-given purpose.
Located near Grant’s Farm, our academy believes in learning by doing. It’s not about sitting still, it’s about movement, engagement, and growth. At our nature-based school, your child will take on challenges that connect their mind, heart, and body in meaningful ways.
Picture your child leading a small business like a lemonade stand, exploring God’s creation through hands-on science like dissecting owl pellets, or bringing stories to life through creative Reggio Emilia-style art projects. We provide experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and readiness to lead.
Every moment here is designed to cultivate resilience, nurture independence through Montessori-inspired learning, spark creativity with Reggio Emilia practices, and foster courage through Forest School adventures.
This isn’t about memorizing facts, it’s about launching your child on a journey of leadership, faith, growth, and discovery, all backed by a community that cares.
Faith-Filled, Reggio Emilia & Montessori Education in St. Louis
Preparing young leaders to thrive in mind, body, and spirit—rooted in God’s love.
At Agape Adventure Academy, we honor every family’s journey. As a St. Louis Christian School, we welcome parents seeking a faith-filled education that also embraces the best of Montessori independence, Forest School exploration, and Reggio Emilia-inspired creativity. Our mission is to serve with open arms and open hearts while equipping children to thrive.
We believe in raising children with wisdom and strength to navigate a complex world. Our foundation is rooted in the Bible, the most influential book in history, shaping civilizations, inspiring leaders, and providing a moral compass for centuries.
As a non-denominational, non-profit, nature-based school, our passion is to cultivate the whole child—heart, mind, body, and soul. In weekly leadership labs, students tackle real-world challenges like organizing community service projects, resolving conflicts, and building teamwork skills, all through the lens of servant leadership.
Students also spend abundant time outdoors, exploring God’s creation through gardening, hiking, orienteering, and hands-on STEM projects that deepen their awe for the world around them.
From creating personal “Leader’s Creeds” to daily practices of prayer and gratitude, your child will learn to anchor their life in God’s truth while developing lifelong habits of resilience, gratitude, and leadership.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a school that prioritizes your child’s emotional, academic, and spiritual well-being can feel overwhelming. At Agape Adventure Academy, we partner with families to provide an education that is Christian, Montessori-inspired, Reggio Emilia-inspired, growth-mindset driven, and rooted in nature, so you can feel confident about your child’s future.
As part of Agape Adventure Academy, you’ll join a family of like-minded parents, sharing resources, encouragement, and prayer to support your child’s growth.
Are you ready to see your child thrive in a world anchored by truth and love? Schedule a tour or meet our team today to discover the Agape difference.
Curious to experience Agape in action? Let us show you around in person.
Ignite Your Little Leader…
Is Your Child’s Education Setting Them Up For Success?
More than ever, parents in St. Louis, Missouri are looking for alternative, independent, Christian school options that also offer the best of Forest School, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia education. At Agape Adventure Academy, we bring these powerful approaches together in a Christ-centered, nature-based school.
From our Montessori-based Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade, we are reimagining 21st century education.
Our microschool exists to empower character-filled human beings for life. Our graduates will be the next generation of leaders with a strong sense of self, their unique gifts, and the skills to impact others.
We offer a truly different approach to school. We move beyond traditional tools of lectures, homework, high-stakes tests, and grades. At our St. Louis Forest School, students PreK–6th learn in collaborative classrooms of multi-age learners. Our flexible approach challenges each student with their differentiated learning plan and inspires them through real-world projects.
Whether you’re searching for a St. Louis Montessori School or exploring the creativity of a St. Louis Reggio Emilia School, Agape Adventure Academy offers all of these learning styles in one Christ-centered community.
Join the Agape Adventure Academy family and let your child experience a foundation of faith, curiosity, and a growth mindset.
We are on a mission to guide tomorrow’s leaders, educating the whole child in body, mind, soul, relationships, emotions, and academics.
Join the Agape Adventure Academy community and have your child experience a foundation of a growth mindset!
We are on a mission to GUIDE tomorrow’s leaders through educating the whole child in their body, mind, soul, relationships, emotions, and academics!
Our Christian & Montessori-Inspired Approach in St. Louis
At Agape Adventure Academy, we are a Christian, nature-based school that blends the best of Montessori education, growth-mindset practices, and Reggio Emilia-inspired learning. Our approach develops leaders by empowering each child to discover their unique gifts and pursue their own hero’s journey.
We are deeply committed to expanding access to place-based education, play-based learning, child-led curriculum design, and abundant time outdoors. By weaving these methods together, we nurture confident learners who thrive both in academics and in life.
Our mission is to create a community of families and learners who are curious about the world and rooted in love—for self, for place, and for others.
Honest Results
“April is an incredible person and skilled leader-educator. She employs patience, mindfulness, nutrition, and nature in her lessons everyday! This isn’t just childcare; it’s life-changing. She truly is helping us raise a mindful, respectful, healthy, and well-educated child. Her Whole Child Curriculum is engaging, informative, strategic, and fun. I respect and appreciate her so much, and I’m so glad I found her! Our family is so grateful for these years of nature based, whole-child education we have been blessed to experience with April!”
Leadership
Christian
Hands On Learning
Outdoor Experience
Whole Child Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
More Info About Agape Adventure Academy
What is Your Statement of Faith?
Agape Adventure Academy Statement of Faith
- We believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, born of a virgin, living a sinless life, performing miracles, and offering atonement through His death and resurrection. He ascended to heaven and will return in power and glory. (Psalm 2:7-9, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 24:27)
- We believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God, given for teaching and guiding us in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16)
- We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19)
- We believe salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from human works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- We believe in the active ministry of the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live godly lives. (Titus 3:5, Galatians 5:22-23)
- We believe Satan is real, actively opposing God and His people. (Ephesians 6:10-13)
- We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 24:29-30)
- We believe the true Church is a spiritual unity of all believers, transcending denominations. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
- We believe God created each person as male or female, reflecting His image, and that these distinctions are sacred. (Genesis 1:26-27)
- We believe marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman, intended for a lifetime, with sexual intimacy reserved for marriage. (Genesis 2:18-25)
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Our Missional Commitment
At Agape Adventure Academy, we are a missional school rooted in our commitment to love, serve, and nurture the whole child. While our educational philosophy is inspired by our Christian faith, we warmly welcome families, staff, and volunteers from all backgrounds.
We ask that members of our community respect the values outlined in our Statement of Faith as they engage with our school, recognizing that our mission is centered on fostering character, leadership, and a love of learning in every child. Parents and guest speakers are not required to share our beliefs, but we invite all participants to respect the foundation upon which our school operates as we work together to create a vibrant and supportive community.
(Matthew 5:16)
Can a non-believer or a person of another faith attend Agape Adventure Academy?
Absolutely. Agape Adventure Academy welcomes all families, regardless of their faith background. While we are a Christian school with a mission rooted in the love of Christ, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where every child is valued and respected. Our focus is on nurturing the whole child—heart, mind, body, and soul—and we invite all students to join our learning adventure, no matter their personal beliefs.
Is Agape Adventure Academy right for my child?
Agape Adventure Academy is the right place for your child if they…
- Wish traditional school was more challenging and engaging.
- Enjoy doing projects around their interests with just a few dozen young people.
- Build, create, innovate, or make art.
- See things differently.
- Care about their future, want to find a calling, and want to change the world.
- Are kind, hardworking, and committed to doing their best.
What school calendar do you follow?
Our school year will begin the last week of August and goes through May, and closely mirrors the Lindbergh Public School system, including the winter vacation weeks.
What are your hours?
Our school runs Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 3pm. We currently enroll full time learners. There are no part-time spots available.
How much time do you spend outside?
As much as possible! Our classroom is nature. Our program has ample time outdoors, rain or shine, built into the schedule everyday. Outside of that, any and all parts of our day may take place outdoors. With this in mind, proper outdoor gear will be important to ensuring your child has a positive experience learning and playing in the elements. You will be provided with a gear list at the start of each season.
How does self-paced learning happen at Little Leaders Academy?
We provide a 21st century learning environment using the latest in educational technology for self-paced mastery of reading and math skills. Students are placed according to ability so that our program can meet the student right where they are. Students move on to the next level only after the content has been mastered, which ensures there are no learning gaps.
Are you going to add grades beyond sixth?
We are very open to adding “grades.” We have plans to serve students up to high school.
What is an overview of your approach?
Your child’s work is play. From the beautiful, open-ended toys inside to leaves, and stones outside, everything in the environment stands ready to be enlivened by your child’s imagination. With the guide’s gentle guidance, your child flows through a rhythmic day balanced between free play and structured activities. Children enjoy cultural studies, seasonal ASL songs and rhymes, yoga, STEAM and abundant outdoor play and exploration in all seasons.
As children age through the program, the complexities of projects and tasks deepen and they gradually take on more responsibility in the class. Your child’s day is full of delight and discovery as they connect with the educator (guide) and friends, building social-emotional intelligence and resilience while laying the groundwork for literacy, math, science, and critical thinking.
Meet Our Main Guide
What is a Microschool?
A purposefully small school typically with the following characteristics:
- led by a trained/licensed professional or group of professionals
- consists of mixed age class or classes with 15 learners or less, guided by the same educator
- focused on meaningful, sustainable, whole-child learning
Some other words used to describe a microschool might include one-room schoolhouse, and alternative school.
Is Agape Adventure Academy perfect?
Absolutely not! But we are excellent at listening and adapting to the feedback we receive from parents, guides, and students. We listen to our parents, students, and team and work to implement great suggestions! It’s important we collectively reinvent education in St Louis!
What are the educational goals?
Educational Goals
At Little Leaders Academy, we aim to provide a high-quality, comprehensive education that fosters your child’s love of learning and addresses the whole child academically, emotionally, physically and socially. Our curriculum varies by the studio; however, the goals for our school are consistent:
- To enter a partnership with parents in the education of their children.
- To lead students toward mastery of individually identified intellectual, social, physical, and daily life skills.
- To foster in students deep and persistent curiosity that will lead to lifelong pursuits of knowledge.
- To help students develop self-confidence.
- To instill in each student a sense of personal responsibility for the world in which we live.
- To spark in our students, wonder, imagination, and joy.
- To create a family-centered culture within each studio that emanates beyond our school to our homes and community. We pride ourselves on strong values, patriotism, peer mentoring, and personal responsibility.
- To cultivate a student’s entrepreneurial spirit and teach the principles of freedom and liberty of America’s founding generation.
What is the class size at this Microschool?
At Agape Adventure Academy, we hold a deep commitment to personalized learning, ensuring that every child receives the attention, guidance, and mentorship they deserve. Our class size reflects this dedication, allowing us to cultivate vibrant learning communities where each learner can flourish.
- Pre-K: Our youngest learners benefit from an intimate setting with a class size maintained at a 1:6 ratio. This ensures that our little explorers receive ample individualized attention, fostering a strong foundation for their educational journey.
- Kindergarten through 6th Grade: As our learners progress, the class size expands slightly to a 1:12 ratio. This still remains significantly smaller than traditional settings, enabling educators to tailor instruction, nurture critical thinking, and cultivate a deep love for learning in each child.
In aligning with Agape Adventure Academy’s philosophy, these class sizes empower our educators to know each learner deeply, to challenge and support them uniquely, and to foster a tight-knit community where collaboration and individual growth go hand in hand.
Where are you located?
Near Grants Farm (in South County) in St. Louis, Missouri. Our new location is launching the start of Summer 2024: 9373 Garber Rd, Sappington, MO 63126 You can learn more about our story on our recent blog post: https://aprilmaura.com/2024/03/10/rooted-in-growth-little-leaders-academys-new-beginning-in-st-louis-forest-school/
Will Agape Adventure Academy prepare my teen for college?
Our promise at Agape Adventure Academy is to have students well prepared for any selective university where they can score high enough on a standardized test to gain admittance. Once your student gets over the test-taking barrier at the university of their choice, their portfolio and critical thinking skills will be a big boost during the application and interviewing process. Most importantly, students are well prepared to shine in the real world, whether they choose to go to college full time, part time or not at all.
Do you provide lunches and a snack?
Students may bring their own healthy lunch and snacks for the day. We believe that it’s important to help young people develop healthy lifestyle habits, which is why we empower parents to make the best choices for their children.
When we have fruits and vegetables in season from our Microschool’s garden, we will serve them! Children will have water bottles that they keep at school.
What is a nature-based school?
It is an educational approach that:
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Involves regular and repeated access to the same natural environment.
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Promotes experiential, inquiry-based, play-based, and place-based learning.
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Supports risk management where children learn to work through challenges, experience risk, and learn from mistakes and successes which helps to build self-confidence.
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Involves educators playing a facilitator and mentorship role – lead by example, support child interests, learn with the child, provide resources and materials to extend learning, and observe the child’s progress.
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Involves individual and collaborative learning opportunities.
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Allows for the learning experiences to change with the seasons, landscapes, presence of loose materials, who is in attendance, and the child’s interests, among other factors.
What are your goals?
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Reconnect children with nature through play, inquiry, and exploration
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Encourage healthy active living
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Promote environmental awareness and appreciation
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Develop strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills
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Offer low student to adult ratios allowing for mentorship and student-led learning
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Do you offer art and music?
At Agape Adventure Academy, our approach to art and music transcends traditional boundaries. From exploring the ethereal beauty of the Milky Way through contemporary painting sessions to bringing ancient tales alive with an Inca Sun God play adorned with masks, our learners are immersed in a rich tapestry of artistic expressions.
Additionally, our students delight in the melodies of Spanish songs and the gentle resonance of handheld chimes, weaving a unique musical experience into their daily rhythm.
For a glimpse into these transformative moments, we invite you to explore our Facebook channel, where we proudly showcase videos capturing the passion and creativity of our young learners.
Do you offer team sports?
Although we do not offer formal team sports, many of our students participate in city league sports. Our school embraces a deep commitment to physical fitness and overall health awareness. Little Leaders students daily practice a yoga routine or body workout. Our students are very active, and we strongly support good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Additionally, our students delight in the melodies of Spanish songs and the gentle resonance of handheld chimes, weaving a unique musical experience into their daily rhythm.
For a glimpse into these transformative moments, we invite you to explore our Facebook channel, where we proudly showcase videos capturing the passion and creativity of our young learners.
Do you offer Character Education?
We believe that students become confident, independent learners, and good citizens when they embrace the following character qualities: integrity, resilience, self-reflection, and empathy. We believe in personal responsibility and high accountability standards. Agape Adventure Academy students are encouraged to take responsibility for their choices and actions as we think developing a strong moral compass will help students lead joyful and successful lives. Character learning is woven into all parts of learning.
Will children be grouped into grades?
We believe that students learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.
Without homework and frequent test taking, how do I know my child is learning?
Students celebrate the mastery of tools, skills, and character by earning badges, assembling portfolios, and taking part in public exhibitions. Public exhibitions allow students to present work to experts, customers, or the public for a real-world test. Electronics and hard copy Portfolios capture rough drafts, photos, videos, and other creative work.
What are the school's core values?
Our Core Values H.E.R.O.E.S.
HEALTHY MIND, BODY & SPIRIT
I operate with positivity and gratitude while pursuing knowledge and self-awareness. I maintain lifestyle habits like exercise and good nutrition. I care for my spirit by understanding that I am part of something bigger than myself and that my life has value and purpose. A healthy spirit gives and receives love.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
I carefully observe the world around me to identify challenges that I am uniquely suited to solve. My creativity fuels my hard work, grit, and endurance. I develop financial literacy as I hone my entrepreneurial mindset of innovation, collaboration, and hustle. I am responsible for my future, while recognizing, with gratitude, those who help me achieve my goals.
RESPONSIBILITY
I contribute to my community by completing what is expected of me, owning my mistakes, and maintaining healthy relationships. I utilize my resources by asking for help when I need it, consulting others, and investigating before taking action. I will be on time, every time. I make rational and moral decisions. I can be trusted and depended on. I seek truth and justice. I think for myself.
OPEN-HEARTEDNESS
I come from a place of empathy. I respect my community by listening to them, speaking honestly, and helping whenever I can. I am a kind and loyal friend. I do not gossip or use hurtful words or actions towards others. I promote equity and fairness in all situations. I have the courage to stand up for what is right.
EXCELLENCE
I will strive for continuous improvement in my schoolwork, friendships, and personal endeavors. I will build on my ideas. I set high standards for my behavior and the work that I deliver. I use my time wisely. I believe that growth is greater than perfection.
SERVICE
As an act of service and respect, I consider others in everything I do. I support, encourage, and strengthen my community with a kind and compassionate heart. I serve for the sake of others, not for recognition. I will discover and use my precious gifts to bring value to the lives of others. I understand my purpose and am mission-driven.
Learn more about our learning experience!
Enroll Today!
THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR AGAPE ADVENTURE ACADEMY ENROLLMENT WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY FOR THE 2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR.
We currently have limited spots for the 2025/26 School year.
If you’re considering joining our vibrant learning community, now is the time to act! Spaces are filling up quickly, and we don’t want you to miss out on this transformative educational journey.
Our new location: We are renting space from 9373 Garber Rd, Sappington, MO 63126 .
Non-Discrimination Policy
Agape Adventure Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or other school-administered programs.