About Our School
We built Eclipse Academy to support students and their families, how they ought to be: seen, respected, and guided to envision and achieve their own goals — at their own pace, on their own terms. We help each family to make smart academic choices in alignment with their values.
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 high 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, or a non-traditional way of learning. They may take advanced courses for enrichment, but these cookie-cutter programs don’t feel like enough. They want for someone to really ‘get’ and mentor them, and help them take flight.
Some students need more 1-to-1 attention — more engagement, support, and choice 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, and/or executive function.
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 or mobility 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 dream team of longtime colleagues and new collaborators, in 2018 we built a new kind of online school that’s relevant, student-centered, and gets results — with ample 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 playfulness co-exist. We’re glad you’re here! 🎉
School Mission & Learner Goals
Inspired Leadership
With decades of experience leading and growing schools, we’re committed to meeting each student where they’re at, and helping each family chart their best path forward. We bring a whole-hearted presence to our work — 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 tribe?
Schedule a free consultation with our Head of School to explore how enrollment can foster your child's unique strengths, 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
