About Eclipse Academy
Eclipse Academy supports students and their families, how they ought to be—seen, respected, and invited to envision and achieve their goals, at their own pace and on their terms. We get to know each family in order to fully customize an education. An accredited school for grades 3 - 12 and college, tailored especially for you.
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) evaluated a century of research on effective practices in gifted education, and identified three elements of an ideal curriculum for gifted students, which have prevailed over time as best practices.
Our approach at Eclipse Academy embodies these three principles:
Individualization
Advanced learning and acceleration
Inquiry-based learning
Our school’s mission statement reads:
Eclipse Academy engages students in dynamic learning experiences that allow them to investigate, evaluate, and refine their own understandings and character. We meet gifted and twice-exceptional students where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally—and craft customized learner-centric programs that address the goals, interests, abilities, and challenges of each student. Using a progressive education approach that incorporates inquiry, hands-on activities, problem solving, and mindfulness—in 1-to-1 and small-group environments—we provide learning experiences that are powerful, playful, and personally relevant.
The Challenges
Our inspiration for Eclipse Academy came from the simple realization that the traditional school model isn't working for many students and families. As a Head of School at private schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, our founder has had thousands of enrollment meetings with families experiencing the same challenges:
Some students are gifted learners, held back by the traditional classroom. They crave faster progress, more depth and challenge, or a non-traditional way of learning. They may take advanced courses, but cookie-cutter programs don’t feel like enough. They want for a teacher to really ‘get’ and mentor them, and help them take flight.
Some students need more 1-to-1 attention — more engagement, choice, or support in their learning. While bright and capable, they may feel unmotivated and disconnected from their academics, or desire more freedom to follow their curiosity. They may also need dedicated support to overcome challenges in learning, attention, executive function, or emotional regulation. As many of our students experience anxiety and perfectionism, we foster an environment that celebrates healthy academic risk taking.
Some students need a self-paced schedule, which traditional classrooms can’t accommodate. Many students are ready to blaze ahead of the curve. Others need more time. In either case, traditional classrooms don’t adapt to you.
Some students can’t access a world-class education. Perhaps they live in a remote place, experience health issues, or have busy schedules and can’t commute. Other students find they’re competing for too few academic opportunities.
Our Solution
Together as a close-knit team of longtime collaborators, we set out in 2018 to build a new kind of online school that’s radically student-centered, and gets results — with a wide range of accredited coursework, 1-to-1 and small-group classes, a global community of gifted and 2e peers, customized scheduling, and sliding-scale tuition.
Welcome to Eclipse Academy, where academic challenge and fun co-exist. We’re glad you’re here! 🎉
School Mission & Learner Goals
Inspired Leadership
With decades of experience launching and leading schools, we’re committed to meeting each student where they’re at, and helping each family to chart their own path forward. This is our mission and true calling.
Ashley Sarver, Founder & Head of School
Casey Hollister, Director of Education
Ready to embark on a transformational educational journey, and find your people?
Schedule a free consultation with Ashley, our founder and Head of School, to explore how enrollment can foster your child's unique abilities, interests, and aspirations.
“My profoundly gifted child loves school like never before. I’ve been searching for years, and finding Eclipse Academy is a dream come true. He’s finally found his peers, and has made real friends!”
— Parent of a full-time Eclipse student, grade 6
“Eclipse teachers really get my 2e child…and understand and respect our entire family. We have never felt so supported and listened to.”
— Parent of a part-time enrichment student, grade 10
