Local Learning Academy

After weeks of research, testing, brainstorming, and plenty of debate, the teams have officially selected their algae products, algae strains, and production plans!

Now comes the challenge of convincing others that their idea is worth investing in.

The teams are hard at work developing their Shark Tank pitches, and it has been fun to watch their different approaches take shape. Some chose a traditional presentation format, while others went all-in on commercials, infomercials, and creative marketing campaigns.

What I love most is seeing how seriously they are taking the process. They’re thinking about their audience, refining their messaging, anticipating questions, and learning that a great idea is only part of the equation. Being able to communicate that idea effectively is just as important.

The creativity, ingenuity, and problem-solving behind these products have been impressive. We can’t wait to see them bring their ideas to life on presentation day!

Working with Packet Line Farms this year was such an incredible collaboration!

It brought together so many things we value deeply at Local: community, local history, hands-on learning, mentorship, sustainability, and meaningful experiences for teens.

Mrs. Jennifer and Owen are truly remarkable people and such a positive example for our teens. Together, they created an urban farm at the Clearwater Historical Society and welcomed our teens into the process from the very beginning. The teens weren’t just observing. They were helping build, create, problem-solve, plan, and launch alongside them.

They also helped create a nature-based learning program and community garden at a local preschool, giving our teens opportunities to step into leadership and mentorship roles in such natural and rewarding ways.

Every week seemed to bring a new adventure, new responsibilities, and new opportunities to grow. The teens looked forward to every moment of it.

We are so thankful for this partnership and cannot wait to continue growing alongside Packet Line Farms next year. Thank you both for the energy, heart, and vision you bring into this community. You truly are something special!!

What a year this has been.

From your very first presentations, when many of you were so nervous to stand up and share your life plans with our little group, to boldly creating sustainable businesses, it has been incredible to witness your growth.

What stands out most isn’t only what you accomplished, but the way you showed up for yourselves and for each other. You have grown through every challenge and opportunity, becoming confident, supportive, and sure of who you are. Every conversation, setback, and success helped shape this experience into something truly meaningful.

It has been such a privilege to watch you each grow this past year, and I feel so grateful to have shared this incredible journey with you. Thank you for your honesty, your courage, and your creativity. Thank you for being uniquely you!

I am proud of each one of you and genuinely excited to see where life takes you next. Keep up the amazing work, you are going to make such a difference in this world. I am so proud of you and the amazing human beings you are becoming!!!

Hi, I’m Mrs. Stephanie. The one usually hiding behind the camera lens documenting our incredible teens!

We set out to create learning experiences that combined strong academics with real-world life skills while exploring meaningful local community issues. We wanted learning to feel alive. Hands-on. Challenging. Connected to the real world.

But just as importantly, we wanted to build a community. A place where teens could form genuine friendships, take risks, laugh until they can’t breathe, make core memories, and truly enjoy these high school years together.

And somehow… we actually did it!

This year we explored marine science, local community issues, America 250, entrepreneurship, world geography, cooking and culture, and even helped launch an urban farm at the Clearwater Historical Society. The teens tackled big ideas, solved problems, built friendships, and created memories I know they’ll carry with them long after high school.

Next year, we’re continuing to grow with project-based Medical Biology, solving medical mysteries, exploring government through real federal court cases, and diving into the psychology shaping society today. All of our classes can also be paired with ASU Universal Learner courses and CLEP for flexible high school pathways.

We’re incredibly excited for what’s ahead and for the new learners who will become part of this amazing community.

So… will you be learning with us next year?

The teen years are often filled with so much pressure. Perform. Achieve. Plan for the future. Grow up faster. Do more.

And while independence and responsibility matter, so does this.

Time to laugh. Time to play. Time to swing so high your feet almost touch the sky.

We want our teens to grow into capable, confident young adults, but not at the expense of their joy. There is something really important about giving them space to simply be kids a little longer!

This was a fun one to watch unfold 🎥

What started as a regular day at the farm turned into the teens helping create a promotional reel for Packet Line. They talked through ideas, figured out what shots would work, tested different angles, and helped bring the story together.

It’s easy to look at urban farming and only see planting, but there’s so much more happening out here. The farm has become a place where the teens try new things, work with community partners, and step into projects that feel real because they are.

Watching them move from talking through ideas to actually filming was a good reminder that some of the best learning happens when they’re trusted with meaningful work.

We always make time for games, and honestly, it’s one of the best parts of the week.

After spending hours focused on projects and academics, everyone needs a chance to laugh, move around, and just have fun. Some of the funniest moments happen during these random little team challenges.

It’s also where a lot of friendships really grow. Not sitting at a table working, but in the middle of a game, laughing so hard nobody can talk straight 😄

Life moves so fast. It’s important to slow down. Take a breath and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Some of the best moments are the ones we almost rush past!