Thinking back to my childhood, I remember long days spent playing outside with friends, engaging in imaginative and unstructured play. We would build forts and secret bases, have epic wars, and create our own games and rules. We’d get hurt and fix each other up so our parents didn’t find out. We convinced ourselves that our neighbor was... Continue Reading →

A self-directed learning environment is more than a classroom; it’s a space where curiosity and creativity thrive and real education happens. Our goal is for students to come in and feel inspired to learn anything they want. Large blocks of uninterrupted time allow them to not feel rushed through their work. Here are some ideas... Continue Reading →

At Arete Academy, we believe learning should be meaningful, self-driven, and structured in a way that is conducive to learning. But how do you provide structure without stifling autonomy? That’s where the Arete Guidance System comes in. If you’ve ever wondered what education looks like when students truly take the wheel, keep reading. Finding the... Continue Reading →

Ok, that image is obviously AI-generated and could use a little work. However, it's still fun to play with. I love AI, especially for core academic skills such as writing and math. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing every industry—including education. While some fear AI will dumb down education, the reality is quite the opposite. AI... Continue Reading →

At Arete Academy, we believe that every decision we make should reflect our values. While many schools celebrate Valentine’s Day with parties, candy, and card exchanges, we have chosen a different path—one that prioritizes mindfulness, meaningful connections, and sustainability. Overstimulation and Disruption For many young learners, school parties—especially those filled with sugar, noise, and social... Continue Reading →

When people hear about self-directed learning, they often assume it means kids are left to do whatever they want. But in reality, most self-directed learners are setting their own academic goals and working hard to accomplish them. This approach requires intrinsic motivation, discipline, and a commitment to growth, all supported by scientific research. Much of... Continue Reading →

Self-directed learning is gaining in popularity among parents, educators, and families who want more freedom and flexibility in education. But with this growing interest comes a lot of misconceptions. If you’re considering a self-directed approach for your child or your learning environment, let’s break down some of the most common myths. Myth 1: Self-Directed Learning... Continue Reading →

By: Audrey Teller My education began in the comfort of my home, where I was unschooled, free to explore topics that interested me. This form of education fostered a love for self-directed learning, which seamlessly aligned with the principles of Arete Academy when I transitioned there for high school. Attending Arete Academy was unique because... Continue Reading →

By: Arthur Hill I attended Arete Academy since its founding in 2016, though it was under a different name at the time, and graduated in 2019 at the age of 15. Before that, almost the entirety of my education was done at home through textbooks and websites such as Khan Academy. Math was the only... Continue Reading →