A culture of inclusion
We value and celebrate the uniqueness of each child and recognize the need for all students to be seen and respected for who they are.
Student-Centered and Process-Based Education
Each student is the center we orbit around. Our approach teaches self-discovery, autonomy, and confidence in thinking, relating, and communicating.
Individualized Education
Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio allow more one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Creative curricula & outdoor learning
Lessons combine inquiry-based academics and practical, hands-on projects and activities to engage students fully and deeply in learning. We also spend a lot of time learning outdoors on our beautiful multi-acre campus.
Experience why our children are HAPPY to learn!
What Makes Us Special?
We promise to nurture each child’s natural curiosity and independence through a thoughtful, child-centered approach to learning. We are committed to providing all the benefits of traditional education with a modernized curriculum that prepares your child for every learning environment. Our classrooms are designed to be a safe, respectful, and enriching environment where every child can grow at their own pace and reach their full potential.
Adapt to Students
To be effective, schools must adapt to students. Appamada molds itself to each student, rather than making students squash themselves into the mold of the school. The faculty enters the academic and emotional space the student occupies and supports them in moving forward.
Teach Self-Discovery
Self-discovery is one of the most important subjects we teach. When a school shapes itself to individuals, students undergo a journey where they learn to find themselves in relation to their own inner architecture, creating a life based on their own learning style, personality, and passions. This internal architecture in turn informs their external lives.
Engage Authentic Selves
When one’s guard is down, learning enters easily. Students should never have to be one thing at school and something else at home. Appamada students are supported in a vulnerable place of authenticity where they simply get to be who they are, and to engage dynamically with the subject matter.
Embrace Curiosity
Curiosity doesn’t distract from the lesson; it is the lesson. Students are supported in asking questions and finding their own answers on their journey to become creative, out-of-the-box thinkers who know what makes them tick.
Discover Their Own Path
Striking a path teaches more than following one. Appamada students undergo a reflective process to determine their own paths, as there is no external educational route prescribed by grades, tracking, or standardized testing.
Connect Learning to Life
Facts, figures, and dates are knowledge, not understanding. We focus on vitally connecting each individual student with what they’re learning. Instead of employing memorize-and-forget education, Appamada School focuses on creating integrated learning that digs deep into students’ passions and guides them in creating strategies to build upon their weaknesses.
Measure Mastery, Not Memory
Learning is measured by mastery, not memory. We offer written evaluations based on mastery rather than performance, using the metrics of participation, effort, initiative, perseverance and mastery to determine how successfully each student participates in a class based on their own individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning style.
The Essentials
Why Families Choose Appamada
At Appamada School, students are empowered to learn in an environment that values individuality, curiosity, and meaningful connection. The school fosters a culture of inclusion where every student is seen, respected, and celebrated. Its student centered and process focused approach emphasizes self-discovery, critical thinking, and confident communication. Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio ensure personalized attention, while creative, inquiry-driven curricula combine academic rigor with hands-on learning. Graduates leave well-prepared for college, with many earning acceptance to universities across the U.S. and internationally.
Academic Programs
Appamada School offers a comprehensive K–12 program designed to support students through every stage of their academic journey. The Elementary School (Grades K–5) builds strong foundational skills through engaging, exploratory learning. The Middle School program (Grades 6–8) encourages independence, collaboration, and deeper critical thinking. In High School (Grades 9–12), students refine their academic interests, develop real-world skills, and prepare for college and beyond in a supportive, student-centered environment.
Admissions
Our admissions process is quite easy. Choosing a school for your child is an important decision. During your tour, any questions on our learning method and philosophy will be answered to ensure that our school is a good fit for your child.
Take the first step toward joining Appamada School:
1. Submit an inquiry form
2. Schedule a school tour
3. Submit an Application Form
Parent Testimonials
“I cannot underscore enough how absolutely fantastic your committed staff are! We had some of our PT conferences today and I just love checking in with some of the folks so much – felt so supported and enriched by our conversations with Rebecca, Brian, and Dave – relationships we have now had for years.
I am just overwhelmingly so thankful for the experience our son has had and continues to have with Appamada – shaping him together into the wonderful human being he is today would not have been possible without the drive, desire, educational flexibility and absolute support of your hand selected human community!
His teachers are friends, mentors, and caring adults all in one – and I know this has meant a great deal to him as he is navigating his road to adulthood.
We are so appreciative of the kind words and care – and that you all truly ‘see’ and value our son!”
“This has been one of the best semesters that I have ever experienced, and I hope that there are more like this to come….My times at Appamada so far have been some of the best in my life, the friendships, the people, the entire package that Appamada offers. I am excited to say that this is my favorite school I have ever attended, and am wonderfully ecstatic to continue this beautiful journey for semesters to come.”