Frequently Asked Questions

Who is AAO for?

Apogee Augusta Outpost is designed for families who desire more than traditional education—those seeking purpose-driven learning, Christ-centered values, and meaningful connection.

This program is a great fit for:

* Parents who want to be actively involved in their children’s growth and education

* Children who thrive in hands-on, curiosity-led environments

* Families who value character development, nature immersion, and real-world skills

* Those looking for a supportive, like-minded community

* Believers who want to ground their learning journey in faith and identity in Christ

* Families enrolled in the Apogee Anywhere homeschooling program who are seeking local connection, accountability, and shared experiences

Whether your child is a natural-born leader, a quiet observer, or somewhere in between—if your family longs for intentional growth and whole-person development, you’ll feel right at home here.

What is AAO?

We are a 508c1a, Non-Profit, Private Ministerial Association (PMA) that is member-based. The ministry is organized in part for worship and for educational, spiritual, and beneficent purposes, and is established under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Bylaws and Ecclesiastical Law of Apogee Augusta Outpost.

Fall 2025 marks an exciting transition as Rooted becomes Apogee Augusta Outpost (AAO). This shift represents a significant milestone, opening the door to new opportunities, enriched educational experiences, and holistic development for the next generation of warriors.

While our name is changing, our heart remains the same. We continue to offer what you’ve always loved about Rooted: a strong connection to nature, a deep commitment to social-emotional well-being, and a Christ-centered foundation.

Apogee Augusta Outpost fosters an environment where young leaders grow spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Through innovative coaching, experiential learning, and a character-based framework, learners develop into resilient, purpose-driven individuals prepared to thrive in a changing world.

Our evolving "Life Gym" model is designed to involve the whole family. Rooted in faith and anchored in timeless values, we walk alongside families as they pursue their God-given identities—together.


What is a Life Gym?

A term coined by Apogee Co-Founder Mr. Matt Beaudreau. A Life Gym is a dynamic, coach-supported environment where individuals of all ages engage in continuous learning, personal development, and growth. Unlike traditional education, a Life Gym is not confined to a classroom or curriculum but instead offers tailored, hands-on experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Families participate together, strengthening bonds as they explore knowledge, skills, and passions in a holistic, learning environment. Guided by coaches, each member works at their own pace to master challenges, build character, and unlock their God-given potential, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, self-discovery, and community impact.

At the Outpost, we don’t “school” children—we train whole people. The term Life Gym captures our belief that education is not preparation for life; it is life.

This is a training ground for the soul, the body, and the mind. We’re raising Kingdom citizens who walk in purpose, peace, and confidence in every sphere of influence.


When is AAO in session?

Our full-day program runs one day a week from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with drop-off beginning at 8:45 AM. Our year will begin on August 20, 2025. See our Calendar

In addition to our core day, our offerings include:

* Quarterly mini-courses and immersive classes

* Family field trips and community days

* Leadership workshops, nature experiences, creative arts & more

These enriching experiences are announced in advance and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority access for our members.

A fresh schedule is shared every quarter to keep learning engaging, relevant, and responsive to our community’s needs.

Where is AAO located?

Our core program currently takes place in the welcoming home of Iricel, located at:

3035 Lake Forest Drive, Augusta, GA.

In addition to our main gathering space, enrichment classes and special offerings will be held at various locations throughout the community. These locations will be announced with each new quarterly schedule.

What problems are we responding to?

We’re addressing the realities families are facing:

* Burnout from overscheduled, fragmented lives

* Children detached from nature and real-world learning

* Over-reliance on screens, systems, and scores

* A deep hunger for faith-rooted, identity-anchored education

* Isolation in the homeschool world without meaningful support or rhythm

We offer a life-giving alternative—a community where families are seen, equipped, and empowered.

Who is AAO not for?

While we welcome a wide range of learners and families, Apogee Augusta Outpost may not be the best fit if:

You’re looking for a traditional classroom experience with desks, worksheets, and standardized testing

You prefer strict academic pacing over curiosity-led exploration and real-world application
You're uncomfortable with faith-based learning that weaves biblical truth and identity in Christ throughout the day
You’re not ready or willing to be actively involved in your child’s learning journey
You prefer to drop off and not become invested with a connected, growth-minded community
Your family values rigid structure over flexibility, movement, and student ownership

We thrive in the gray areas of learning—where wonder, responsibility, faith, and freedom collide. If that sounds overwhelming instead of exciting, we may not be the best match—and that’s okay.

How does AAO plan on integrating Apogee's emphasis on personal freedom and sovereignty in education with the Christian teaching of reliance on Christ?

At ‘AAO’, we believe that true freedom comes from understanding our identity in Christ. Apogee’s model of personal sovereignty aligns with our Christ-centered values by empowering our future leaders to take responsibility for their own learning while grounding them in the truth of God’s word. Our program encourages critical thinking and self-discovery, all within a framework that emphasizes our ultimate reliance on Christ for wisdom, guidance, and strength. By fostering an environment where learners are free to explore their interests and develop their unique gifts, we help them grow into confident individuals who know that their ultimate source of freedom and purpose is found in their relationship with Jesus.

Why Won't “AAO’ Chase State or Federal Educational Standards?

At AAO, inspired by the Apogee approach, we believe that standardized education often stifles the true potential of children by imposing a one-size-fits-all model. Matt Beaudreau emphasizes that education should not be about fitting children into pre-determined molds but rather about nurturing their unique talents, interests, and passions.

Standardization tends to focus on conformity and compliance, which can limit creativity and critical thinking. Instead, we aim to create an environment where future leaders take ownership of their education, driven by curiosity and guided by coaches who encourage exploration and growth. This approach aligns with our mission to cultivate capable, resilient, and independent thinkers who are prepared to navigate the complexities of life beyond the classroom.

By not chasing state or federal standards, we have the freedom to tailor our educational experiences to meet the individual needs of each leader, allowing them to pursue excellence in areas that truly resonate with them.

For more on this, you can listen to Matt Beaudreau discuss these ideas in his podcast episodes and talks​ (Family Savvy)​(Nick Bare).

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