Frequently Asked Questions

 We combine classical education with the Socratic method, character development, entrepreneurship, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Small class sizes (8 students max, first year) allow for deep discussion, critical thinking, and mentorship. 

 No. While we uphold timeless moral and ethical principles, Existere Academy is not affiliated with any specific religion or denomination. We value intellectual freedom and respectful dialogue. 

For our first academic year, we are accepting applications for a range of grade levels. Final class offerings will depend on the volume and quality of applications received. We will carefully review each application to ensure we build balanced, mission-aligned classrooms. If you believe Existere is the right fit for your child, we encourage you to apply — even if you're unsure whether their specific grade will be offered this year. 

We draw heavily from Hillsdale College’s classical curriculum, integrate Tuttle Twins for economic and civic education, and teach through Socratic dialogue, where students learn to ask questions, challenge ideas, and speak confidently.

 We are a private, independent school. Accreditation is a choice, not a requirement, and many of the most successful classical schools operate without it. We focus on quality over bureaucracy. 

 Yes. Classical education is one of the most respected foundations for higher learning. Our graduates will be articulate, thoughtful, disciplined, and well-rounded—qualities that colleges and employers increasingly value. 

Small class sizes allow us to truly know each student. We support each child with patience and purpose, helping them grow in both intellect and character. No one falls through the cracks here.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on technique, leverage, and control rather than size or strength. It teaches students how to stay calm under pressure, problem-solve in real time, and develop physical and mental discipline.

At Existere Academy, Jiu-Jitsu is more than just self-defense — it’s character formation. It cultivates humility, respect, perseverance, and confidence. Training on the mat reinforces many of the same virtues we teach in the classroom. Every student participates, regardless of experience or athletic background. We believe the lessons learned in Jiu-Jitsu prepare students for life — not just competition.

Yes. Safety is a top priority—physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Our environment is nurturing but structured, and bullying is not tolerated. The academy is designed to build strong, confident, grounded young people.

Parents are our partners. We encourage active engagement and welcome feedback. Our model thrives when families and staff work in alignment.  We feel lack of parental influence is a fail in the Public School system.

Very little. Nearly all academic work is completed during the school day. The only consistent at-home expectation is daily guided reading. We believe in using the daytime hours wisely—training students to focus, think critically, and manage their time. This not only builds academic strength but also strengthens family life by reclaiming evenings for connection, rest, and other pursuits. Our goal is to prepare students for both academic and personal success.

We operate on a 9-month academic year. School runs from 9:30- 2:30, Monday through Thursday, September through May, with traditional holiday breaks. See our academic calendar for exact dates.

Base tuition is $8,000/year, with discounts available for:

• Siblings
   
• Paid-in-full
   
• Active Spartan Grappling Academy (SGA) membership
  See our tuition page for a full breakdown.

We are committed to working with families. If you believe Existere Academy is the right fit for your child, please reach out. We may offer partial scholarships or donor-supported funding options.

We understand that choosing a new and different kind of school can feel risky. Many families are quietly dissatisfied with the status quo but unsure if they’re ready to make the leap. Existere is not an experiment — it is a return to what works: timeless education, strong values, deep thinking, and real human connection.

Our model is built on proven methods and a clear mission. We’re not waiting for a broken system to fix itself — we’re building something better now. If you feel that tug in your gut that your child needs more, you’re not alone — and you're not wrong.

This decision takes courage. But so does raising strong, grounded young men and women. We’re here to walk that road with you.

Existere Academy was founded by a group of committed educators, parents, and entrepreneurs who believe children deserve more than conformity and test prep. 

Email Director@existereacademy.org  to schedule a tour, request an information packet, or begin the application process.