FAQs

PEAK Mastery is designed around personalized learning, mastery-based progression, real-world application, and strong teacher-student relationships. Students move forward when they truly understand concepts, rather than strictly based on time or grade-level pacing. The model also includes project-based learning, reflection, mentorship, movement, and flexible learning opportunities.

Yes. PEAK Mastery is pursuing approval through the Utah State Charter School Board as a public charter school.

No. As a public charter school, PEAK Mastery is intended to be tuition-free for families.

If approved, PEAK Mastery is projected to open in Fall 2028 as a K–8 school initially, with the intent to eventually expand through high school.

A final location has not yet been determined. Because the school is still in the approval process, the team is waiting to move forward with a lease or land purchase until approval is received. The goal is to find a location that is as central and accessible to families as possible.

Mastery-based learning means students are given opportunities to revisit concepts, improve their work, and continue learning until they demonstrate understanding and confidence. Progress is based on mastery rather than simply moving forward because the class schedule requires it.

Yes. PEAK Mastery is aligned with the Utah Core Standards while focusing on deeper understanding, retention, and real-world application of learning.

Students follow individualized learning pathways based on their strengths, needs, interests, and level of mastery. Teachers and coaches provide support, goal setting, and guidance throughout the process.

PEAK Mastery places a strong emphasis on reading, storytelling, discussion, and reading adventures. The school believes strong literacy skills are one of the most important foundations for lifelong learning, growth, and opportunity.

Wonder Workshops are interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences that combine subjects like math, literacy, science, and social studies into meaningful real-world learning experiences. These workshops may include storytelling, art, journaling, collaboration, hands-on exploration, and presentations.

Yes. The goal is not to lower academic standards, but to help students deeply understand concepts rather than relying primarily on memorization or short-term test preparation. Students are still expected to meet academic standards while developing critical thinking, communication, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Students would still have transcripts, grades, graduation requirements, and academic documentation expected by colleges. In addition to academics, the school aims to help students develop communication, critical thinking, collaboration, initiative, and real-world problem-solving skills through discussions, presentations, projects, internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning experiences.

The school day is designed with a balance of focused academics, movement, reflection, discussion, and hands-on learning experiences. Students participate in foundations blocks for literacy and math, independent study and coaching, Wonder Workshops, outdoor recess, electives, journaling, and Socratic discussions.

Flexible Fridays are designed to provide multiple learning pathways depending on student needs, family schedules, and learning goals. Fridays may include at-home learning, small-group support, workshops, field experiences, tutoring, project work, electives, or community-based learning opportunities.

No. The schedule is intentionally designed to include movement, outdoor breaks, hands-on learning, discussion, and interactive experiences throughout the day. While students will still participate in focused academic learning, much of the learning environment is designed to be active, collaborative, and experiential.

Mixed-age learning allows students to collaborate, mentor one another, and learn in more flexible groupings based on readiness and mastery rather than strictly by age. Some learning experiences may include mixed-age groups, while other academic experiences may remain more grade-level structured to ensure students receive appropriate standards-based instruction.

The goal is to keep required homework minimal, especially for younger students. PEAK Mastery believes children benefit from time for family, play, creativity, reading, and real-world experiences outside of school. Some long-term projects, independent goals, or passion-based work may occasionally extend beyond school hours.

The school intentionally incorporates journaling, reflection, discussion, mentorship, movement, and relationship-building into the daily rhythm of learning. Students are supported in developing communication skills, self-awareness, confidence, empathy, and healthy conflict resolution skills.

PEAK Mastery is designed around smaller learning communities and long-term mentorship. Coaches are intended to stay with students over multiple years whenever possible, helping students feel known, supported, and connected.

The school is designed so students interact with multiple trusted adults throughout the day, including coaches, workshop teachers, elective teachers, and support staff. If concerns arise, the goal is to work collaboratively with families and staff to determine what adjustments or support may help.

As a public charter school, PEAK Mastery would follow all special education laws and provide required accommodations and services for students with IEPs and 504 plans. The model is also designed to support flexibility through smaller learning groups, personalized pacing, movement breaks, relationship-centered coaching, and multiple ways for students to demonstrate understanding.

The school is looking for educators who care deeply about children, value strong relationships, support individualized learning, and are excited about meaningful, real-world education. The school also hopes to provide intentional training and support for teachers within this learning model.

PEAK Mastery believes technology and AI should be used intentionally and responsibly as supportive tools for learning, not as replacements for human connection, critical thinking, discussion, creativity, or hands-on experiences. The school plans to emphasize writing, reading, reflection, communication, and independent thinking alongside digital literacy and responsible technology use.

Final policies are still being developed, but the school anticipates limited or no phone use during instructional time, with an emphasis on focus, face-to-face interaction, collaboration, and meaningful engagement.

Student safety — physically, emotionally, and socially — is a major priority. Planned areas of focus include secure campus procedures, emergency preparedness, strong communication systems, clear expectations, relationship-centered support, and smaller learning communities where students are well known by adults.

Families can support the school by completing the interest survey, sharing the vision with others, attending community events, and following the journey on social media. Community interest helps demonstrate need during the charter approval process.

Families can follow PEAK Mastery on social media and through the website for updates regarding charter approval, future enrollment information, community events, and opportunities to get involved.