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LEAP! Inquiry Model (3rd+)
Upper Hembree Camps
Literature, Expression, Arts, and Perspectives
Our LEAP Inquiry Model is designed for intrinsically motivated and curious learners who love to read, research, investigate, and create. LEAP provides a deep, interdisciplinary learning experience where curriculum is curated into theme-based units rooted in social, cultural, and scientific concepts and further enhanced through literature and art. LEAP is ideal for astute, curious, creative, accelerated, gifted, creative, and/or twice exceptional (2e) learners.
Prerequisites:
ELA: Students need to be avid readers who can read at a strong 4th grade level.
Math: We offer a leveled math program beginning in 3rd grade and above.
Overview
LEAP Learning Cohorts (3rd - High School)
EdVentures LEAP
Elementary 3rd - 6th
Quick Facts
Student Body
LEAP students are engaged, motivated, and curious. They are compassionate, kind, and community-oriented. They enjoy experiential learning through reading, research, writing, labs, arts, and more. They persist through challenge. Many of our learners would be considered gifted, accelerated, and/or twice exceptional (2e).
Teachers
LEAP teachers understand the curious child's nature and are willing to delve into deep inquiry and discussions alongside students. Our teachers possess a bachelor's in education and/or are highly qualified in their field of study. Many possess a masters degree, GA certification, and multiple specialties in-field.
Learning Climate
We offer an environment of curiosity and inquiry. Students are engaged and dedicated learners. Our low teacher to student ratio (1:8) offers the ability to individualize, challenge, and support learners in the academic quests. Our students enjoy a small, calm, compassionate, stress-reduced learning environment with a community of peers who respect and encourage each other. We understand that a supportive, community-oriented environment better serves overall academic development and mental health than a traditional setting for many students.
Inquiry Model
Our LEAP Program (Literature, Expression, Art, and Perspectives) is an inquiry-based educational framework designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. Through interdisciplinary exploration, students engage with literature, artistic expression, and diverse perspectives to develop a deep understanding of human experience and societal issues. To ensure strong mathematical foundations, math is taught through leveled, standards-aligned instruction.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is curated to meet the specific needs of our hybrid model. Our goal is to ensure students learn key standards and concepts in the core subjects, without overwhelming or overburdening students with copious amounts of seat work or home study. To that end, we have put together a mix of teacher-created materials, hands-on instructional approaches, trade curriculum, workbooks, literature, and texts to create the most efficient, yet effective programming for our students.
Accredited Courses
Accredited transcripts are available through ACA West, offering students flexibility in course selection. Our program offers core credit and elective options to build your RHSC, college-ready transcript.
Attendance Options
LEAP offers both full-time and hybrid learning options, allowing families to choose the model that best fits their needs. At the heart of the program are our two Inquiry Days where students engage in dynamic and collaborative instruction across core subjects in a socially rich and intellectually stimulating environment. Learning continues on remaining days through your choice of Guided Workdays (school-based, teacher supported), or Home Study Days (home-based, parent-supported) along with our optional Friday enrichment programs.
5-Day
Monday - Friday
2 Inquiry Days
+ 2 Guided Workdays
+ Choice of Friday Enrichment Program
4-Day
Monday - Thursday
2 Inquiry Days
+ 2 Guided Workdays
OR
2 Inquiry Days
+ 1 Guided Workday
& Choice of Friday Enrichment Program
3-Day
2 Inquiry Days
+ 1 Guided Work Day
OR
Choice of Friday Enrichment Program
Core Inquiry Days
3rd - 7th - M/W
6th - 10th - T/TH
Students attending the 2-Day model will be given two days of curriculum and assignments to complete on Home Study days.
Friday Labs (K-6)
@ West Roswell
or
Creative Collab (3rd+)
@ Upper Hembree
or
Friday Electives (8th+)
@ Weatherstone
What is an Inquiry-Based Model?
Our LEAP Program (Literature, Expression, Art, and Perspectives) is an inquiry-based educational framework designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. Through interdisciplinary exploration, students engage with literature, artistic expression, and diverse perspectives to develop a deep understanding of human experience and societal issues. To ensure strong mathematical foundations, math is taught through leveled, standards-aligned instruction.
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Our Inquiry Model is based on the following tenets:
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Student-Centered Learning – Students take an active role in asking questions and seeking answers.
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Exploration & Investigation – Learning is driven by inquiry, experimentation, and real-world problem-solving.
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Interdisciplinary Approach – Encourages connections between different subjects for a more holistic understanding.
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Critical Thinking & Reflection – Students analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information rather than memorizing facts.
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Collaboration & Discussion – Encourages group work, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas.
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Authentic Learning Experiences – Lessons often involve real-world applications and hands-on projects.
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Teachers as Instructors and Facilitators - Simply put - we believe many skills needs to be explicitly and systematically "taught," while other skills and content can be learned through independent reading and research. Therefore, teachers take an active role in teaching core skills in math and structured literacy through interactive lessons as well as essential knowledge in science and social studies. Teachers then facilitate active reinforcement of the skills and acquisition of expanded knowledge through purposeful practice, projects, reading, research, composition, art, and more.
LEAP Framework: Literature, Expression, Art, & Perspectives
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Literature:
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Investigate diverse texts from different cultures, genres, and time periods.
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Engage in literary analysis and thematic discussions.
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Explore how storytelling shapes and reflects societies.
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Expression & Examination:
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Develop written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
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Engage in debate, creative writing, and performance.
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Foster personal voice and advocacy through inquiry-based projects.
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Apply critical thinking and research skills to evaluate information.
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Investigate scientific, historical, and philosophical questions.
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Assess the credibility of sources and evidence-based arguments.
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Art:
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Analyze visual and performing arts as a mode of storytelling and critique.
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Create art pieces inspired by literature, culture, and social issues.
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Use artistic expression to communicate ideas and emotions.
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Perspectives:
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Examine historical, cultural, and philosophical viewpoints.
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Engage in discussions on identity, ethics, and global citizenship.
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Conduct research and inquiry into diverse worldviews.
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Curriculum & Instruction
​LEAP! is an inquiry-driven, cross-curricular program for intrinsically motivated students in 3rd grade through high school. This program emphasizes deep learning, critical thinking, and real-world application. While math and structured literacy are delivered through leveled instruction, the remaining subjects offer cross-curricular units of study that ask guiding questions and prompt students to investigate and explore answers through research, literature, discussions, and project-based learning. Core inquiries are anchored in social, cultural, and scientific concepts, which then inspire thematic units and literature selections, fostering deep connections across disciplines. Composition is integrated throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to express their ideas through analytical, informational, and creative writing.
Given the unique model of our program, our interdisciplinary curriculum is composed of a variety of resources that promote project-based learning, including informational texts, literature selections with novel study guides, hands-on labs, research and reporting opportunties, and projects and presentations. Through collaborative and independent learning experiences, students develop the skills and confidence to think critically, solve complex problems, and communicate effectively.
LITERACY, LANGUAGE, & COMPOSITION
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​This model is designed for avid readers capable of reading at a strong 4th grade level or above as inquiry questions are answered through reading, research, and literature.
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Literature: Literature serves as the backbone to many of our inquiries and stories lend themselves to understanding human and societal issues. We believe students learn best when they invest in their learning endeavors - therefore, most literature studies will include options for independent, paired, or group study experiences. Literature studies will include integrated lessons in structured literacy (language concepts, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary), development of reading strategies, critical analysis, discussion, comprehension, written and oral responses, and projects.
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Composition: Composition projects will be used as a means to articulate thoughts and knowledge across all disciplines. Explicit instruction will be provided to deepen their mastery of various essay forms and as a means of personal expression through narratives and poetry. Through guided instruction, they will develop clarity, coherence, and structured formatting in their writing, ensuring their ideas are conveyed with precision and eloquence.
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Structured Literacy: Leveled instruction in structured literacy—covering grammar, morphology, spelling, and more—will be delivered through carefully curated curricula and/or worktexts to be completed on Workdays. Worktexts will deliver explicit and systematic lessons that can be guided by parents during for those working at home or facilitated in class during Guided Workdays.
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LEVELED MATH INSTRUCTION
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While we strive for interdisciplinary learning across most subjects, students receive leveled and targeted instruction in math that meets their individual needs while emphasizing problem-solving and real-world application. Our in-class math instruction is both robust and hands-on, ensuring students actively engage with mathematical concepts through exploration and practice. Students are placed in appropriate groups for leveled instruction tailored to their readiness, allowing for appropriate challenges and support. We utilize Math Mammoth, a hybrid-friendly worktext that builds sharp conceptual understanding and mathematical thinking. Students continue mathematical studies at home through fluency activities, purposeful practice, and math-related projects.
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES: SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES​
Serving as the foundation of our inquiry-based model, concept cycles rooted in science, social awareness, and cultural studies ignite deep and active learning. Inquiries are delivered in 6 to 8 week units and challenge students to explore a diverse range of topics, making every lesson an exciting journey of discovery.
SOCIAL STUDIES​
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We offer a thoughtfully designed three-year content cycle that aligns to the Georgia Standards for Excellence in social studies while also incorporating current events, societal issues, and world cultures. This approach ensures essential coverage of required concepts through dynamic instruction and hands-on investigations while also broadening global perspectives and ideas. Students in high school will be offered classes that align to Georgia's Required High School Curriculum to ensure a college-ready transcript.
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Content Cycles Per Cohort:
3rd - 6th: American History, World Cultures, Social Perspectives, Current Events
6th - 8th: World Cultures, Georgia Studies, Social Perspectives, Current Events
8th - 12th: Local Studies & Geography, US History, World History, Gov/Civ, Societal Perspectives, Current Events
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SCIENCE​
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Our science program is also designed as a three-year content cycle, aligned with the Georgia Standards for Excellence in science, and integrating real-world applications, scientific advancements, and environmental studies. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage of key concepts through investigations in anchoring phenomena while fostering scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Students will explore core branches of scientific study, including biology, chemistry, physics, earth and space sciences, and environmental science. High school students will have access to courses aligned with Georgia’s Required High School Curriculum, ensuring a college-ready transcript.
Content Cycles Per Cohort: 3rd - 5th: Earth & Space Science, Physical Science, Conservation, Life Science
6h - 8th: Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science (Eligible for High School Credit)
8th - 12th: Accredited Courses: Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology, Astronomy + Independent Course Options
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WORK HARD, PLAY HARD​
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All students benefit from breaks to move, decompress, and socialize! Unstructured breaks are critical to reducing stress, renewing stamina, and cultivating friendships. We offer both a morning break and extended lunch period. Daily outdoor breaks and nature-based learning opportunities provide movement and reflection, enhancing student engagement and socialization.
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