Apogee Dripping Springs, founded by Sarah Pevehouse with the support of her husband Shane, is part of a growing movement in alternative education. Sarah saw a pressing need in Dripping Springs for a small, supportive high school environment—especially for students who might find the local public high school overwhelming. Her vision is to provide an education that equips students with practical life skills, strong character, and close mentorship. In August, she brought this vision to life by opening Apogee Dripping Springs, which serves students in grades nine through 12.
“My mission is to prepare young people to be independent thinkers who take responsibility for their lives,” Sarah explains. “Real-world readiness is critical. I believe we've been measuring success the wrong way, and no matter what the future holds, we need young adults who are capable and confident.”
Apogee Dripping Springs operates on a project-based, thematic learning model. For example, students are currently exploring the theme “What's Your Code?” with a focus on the Middle Ages. Through introspective journaling, weekly discussions, and interviews with veterans, students will collaboratively develop a class code—a set of values they agree to live by in their learning environment. Hands-on projects, like building a trebuchet in partnership with Innovation Treehouse and honing public speaking skills through Toastmasters for Teens, further reinforce the theme.
Physical fitness is another foundational element of the program. Students train twice a week at Second Wave CrossFit and Stoic Jiu-Jitsu. “Doing hard physical things builds character,” Shane notes.
Each day concludes with a closing circle, where students reflect on their day and recognize acts of character among their peers. This practice fosters a strong sense of community and accountability.
Sarah’s advice for parents is simple: “Be curious and lean in. These are the final years you’ll have this much time with your teen, so choose their peer group wisely and stay involved. You won’t regret being more hands-on.”
As an affiliate of the Apogee Strong Foundation founded by Tim Kennedy, the program aims to educate the entire family. To this end, parents who enroll their children automatically gain access to mentorship programs for both men and women. This encourages parents to lead by example and demonstrate that personal growth is a lifelong process.
ApogeeDrippingSprings.com
My mission is to prepare young people to be independent thinkers who take responsibility for their lives.