Apiary Leadership Academy

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Apiary Leadership Academy Meet Apiary - A better way to do school. Education as it should be: student-centered & rooted in curiosity In year one we'll be serving K-8th grades.

ALA is the only private, secular, accredited school in Iowa for grades K-12 that is offering a unique educational approach emphasizing hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and holistic development, while creating an internal service model to welcome all abilities.

Childhood is supposed to be about discovery. Getting your hands dirty. Turning over rocks. Digging in the dirt. Finding ...
10/01/2026

Childhood is supposed to be about discovery.

Getting your hands dirty. Turning over rocks. Digging in the dirt. Finding worms and wondering where they’ve been hiding.

Not everything has to be a lesson planned by an adult. Sometimes the learning is simply: What’s under here? What happens if I dig deeper? Where does this little creature live?

At Apiary, we believe childhood should leave room for curiosity, wonder, mess, questions, and the freedom to explore.

Because sometimes the best classroom is just… the ground beneath your feet. 🪱🌿

At ALA we’re intentionally fighting against the idea that kindergarten should look like anything other than children pla...
09/29/2026

At ALA we’re intentionally fighting against the idea that kindergarten should look like anything other than children playing, moving, exploring, creating, asking questions, building relationships, and learning through meaningful experiences.

School shouldn’t be about making children look older, earlier.

It should be about helping them become capable, curious, confident humans.

That’s part of what we mean by school as it should be. 🐝

09/28/2026

We recently had such a great time exploring Jester Park! From discovering nature and getting outside to spending time together as a community, our field trip was a perfect reminder that some of the best learning happens when we step outside the classroom.

Our students had the opportunity to explore, ask questions, observe, move, and simply enjoy being curious about the world around them. 🌱

At Apiary, we believe learning doesn’t have to happen at a desk, and sometimes the most memorable lessons happen with fresh air, muddy shoes, and a little adventure! 💛

🎥credit: Jerry Peñalva

09/12/2026

What a fantastic first week back at school!

It’s been wonderful seeing everyone settle back into routines, reconnect with friends, and jump into a new year of learning.

Here’s to a year full of growth, laughter, play, new adventures, and lots of great memories! 🐝

✨ We're back! And, we're bringing something new to Apiary!✨ For the first time EVER, we’re partnering with Broken Arrow ...
09/03/2026

✨ We're back! And, we're bringing something new to Apiary!✨

For the first time EVER, we’re partnering with Broken Arrow to offer custom Apiary apparel. We are VERY excited to finally bring these designs to our ALA families and friends!

This is just our first round, with more fun designs and options to come, but we couldn’t wait to share these with you.

Take a peek, find your favorites, and get ready to represent Apiary in style! 💛

Shop the first collection here!

Are you considering a different school experience for your child? Join us for one more open house before the ESA applica...
06/27/2026

Are you considering a different school experience for your child?

Join us for one more open house before the ESA application closes on June 30th! Come explore our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see how hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, life skills, and a strong sense of community come together to create an exceptional educational experience at Apiary.

📅 Open House: Monday, June 29th
⏰ Time: 4-7pm
📍6123 Scout Trl, Des Moines

If you've been considering Apiary, we'd love to meet you before the ESA deadline. Can't make it? Reach out to schedule a private tour!

We can't wait to welcome your family! 💛

💛A heartfelt thank you to the families who joined us at our recent open house! We loved sharing our space, our vision, a...
06/16/2026

💛A heartfelt thank you to the families who joined us at our recent open house! We loved sharing our space, our vision, and what makes Apiary Leadership Academy so special.

If you missed us on Sunday, join us tonight! We can’t wait to meet you, answer your questions, and welcome you into our community. ✨

🐝Apiary Leadership Academy Open House
📆Tuesday, June 16th
⏰4-7pm
📍6123 Scout Trl, Des Moines

As we close out the very first year of Apiary Leadership Academy, we’ve been reflecting on just how special this journey...
06/03/2026

As we close out the very first year of Apiary Leadership Academy, we’ve been reflecting on just how special this journey has been.

Starting a school from the ground up takes courage, trust, and a shared belief that learning can look different. This year, our students, families, and teachers built something beautiful together—a community rooted in curiosity, connection, growth, and joy.

We’ve watched students discover confidence in themselves, develop meaningful relationships, and learn in ways that honor who they are. And while we’re excited for what’s ahead, there’s something emotional about the end of this first chapter together.

Thank you for being part of our beginning. This first year - and the people - will always hold a special place in our hearts. 💛🐝

🐝✨ As we start counting down the final days of our first year at Apiary Leadership Academy, we’re realizing just how man...
05/07/2026

🐝✨ As we start counting down the final days of our first year at Apiary Leadership Academy, we’re realizing just how many special moments we’ve shared together.

From hands-on projects and outdoor adventures, to laughter-filled afternoons, messy experiments, and unexpected moments of joy. This year has been full of memories we’ll never forget.

One of the best parts of learning together has been the freedom to explore, play, discover, and simply enjoy being a community. These are the moments that make a school year truly meaningful.

We’re soaking up every last bit of it. 💛

04/29/2026

Cue Mary Poppins: “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” 🪁

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Des Moines, IA
50321

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