
The educational environment your child has been yearning for. Welcome to Luminaire Academy. Where Curiosity Shines and Critical Thinking Thrives.
Igniting Curiosity, Inspiring Growth
Igniting Curiosity, Inspiring Growth

Who We Are
At Luminaire Academy, our mission is to ignite the natural curiosity of young learners through a unique, hands-on S.T.E.A.M. curriculum. By integrating environmental stewardship and practical life skills into our curriculum, we aim to foster independent, critical thinkers who are prepared for a future of self-sufficiency, modern tech and collaboration. Through outdoor exploration and project-based learning, we empower children to not only excel academically but to thrive as responsible stewards of the world around them.
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Outdoor Learning Environment
Blending a Waldorf-inspired natural playground, outdoor classroom spaces with a Reggio-Emilia Approach, creating a space where children explore, create, and learn through hands-on experiences in nature.
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Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving Focus
Our hands-on S.T.E.A.M. curriculum encourages critical thinking and problem-solving by engaging students in real-world challenges that promote creativity, collaboration, and independent learning.
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Nature-Based Learning
Our nature-based learning is grounded in a permaculture curriculum that teaches children sustainable practices by working directly with the land. Children engage in practices that enhance soil quality, biodiversity, and carbon stocks, while developing skills in gardening, agroforestry, polycultures, and water harvesting. This approach not only promotes ecological responsibility but also empowers students to combat climate change and support sustainable agricultural practices
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Strong Community Connection
We foster strong community connections by actively collaborating with local organizations, businesses, and families to create meaningful partnerships that support our students' growth and contribute to the well-being of the community.
At Luminaire Academy, we are committed to building a foundation where children can flourish academically, socially, and personally. Our curriculum is designed to help children develop practical skills and a sense of responsibility toward themselves, their peers, and the environment.
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At Luminaire Academy, our mission is to foster a holistic, interest-driven educational experience that empowers children to become independent, compassionate, and innovative thinkers. Rooted in Montessori principles and inspired by Reggio Emilia’s emphasis on the child’s voice, we blend forest school outdoor immersion with the adaptability of a homeschool environment. Our teachers serve as mentors who guide each learner in acquiring fundamental skills through personalized, hands-on projects drawn from their own curiosities, including STEAM-rich explorations. By nurturing self-directed inquiry and a deep connection with the natural world, we inspire children to develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
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We envision Luminaire Academy as a global model of transformative education—one where children thrive in mixed-age, nature-centric settings, freely exploring their interests while building a strong academic and personal foundation. In this future, learners grow into empathetic stewards of the Earth, active contributors to their communities, and adaptive problem-solvers capable of navigating a rapidly evolving world. By seamlessly integrating Montessori methods, Reggio Emilia principles, forest school experiences, and homeschooling flexibility with rich STEM opportunities, Luminaire Academy prepares each child to illuminate their unique path toward a bright, purposeful future.
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Child-Led Inquiry:
We honor each child’s individuality, interests, and natural rhythms. By listening to their questions, observing their interactions, and encouraging self-directed exploration, we ensure learning is meaningful, relevant, and joyful.Holistic Foundations:
We support every aspect of a child’s growth—intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual. This holistic approach helps learners develop resilience, empathy, and a well-rounded sense of self.Nature as a Classroom:
We believe the natural world is a rich source of knowledge, inspiration, and well-being. Through forest school principles, children learn to respect the environment, take healthy risks, and discover the interconnectedness of all living things.Personalized Fundamentals:
Core academic skills—such as literacy, numeracy, and scientific thinking—are taught through strategies aligned with each child’s interests. Our teachers adapt materials, methods, and technologies to ensure that fundamental knowledge is built on a strong, personalized foundation.STEM-Rich Exploration:
We engage children in hands-on STEM activities to cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Through experimentation, design challenges, and technology integration, learners become creators, innovators, and confident navigators of the modern world.Collaborative Community:
We value a supportive, multi-age environment where learners collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another’s perspectives. By fostering respectful dialogue, teamwork, and shared responsibility, we strengthen our sense of community and social harmony.Adaptability & Independence:
Embracing the flexibility of a homeschool approach, we encourage children to take ownership of their learning journey. Through guided choices, reflection, and self-assessment, learners develop independence, adaptability, and self-confidence.Lifelong Learning Mindset:
We celebrate learning as a continuous, evolving process. By nurturing curiosity, wonder, and a growth mindset, we inspire children to remain passionate, thoughtful learners throughout their lives.
Our Curriculum
At Luminaire Academy, we believe that education should spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and build confident, capable learners. That’s why we’ve partnered with Prenda, a learner-centered curriculum built on core values like life-skills, collaboration, and exploration.
Prenda blends the best of academic structure with the freedom to learn in meaningful, personalized ways. Students progress at their own pace through core STEM subjects using a mastery-based model, ensuring deep understanding, not just memorization.
Through this partnership, Luminaire Academy integrates project-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world application, all in an outdoor, nurturing environment that encourages children to follow their interests, set goals, and love the learning process.
With Prenda as our foundation and Luminaire’s entrepreneur philosophy layered on top, students experience a holistic education that prepares them not only for success in school, but for a lifetime of purpose-driven learning. Our goal is to nurture independent learners who thrive in an environment that fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and growth to become confident leaders within our community.
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Children engage in hands-on projects such as engineering + mathematical projects, environment sustainability practices, creativity projects and outdoor exploration. Our technology curriculum introduces children to basic digital literacy, and interactive learning tools, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills while building a strong foundation for future technological exploration.
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We take monthly field trips to businesses where your child (with parent supervision) will be assigned to a field in the business that aligns with their interests to learn first-hand experience of how that skill-set makes our world a better place.
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At Luminaire Academy, we integrate Christian principles throughout our curriculum, guiding students to live by the 10 commandments. Through our lessons, we aim to nurture the child’s relationship with God, encouraging students to live with integrity, love, kindness and to respect the word of God in all that they do.
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At Luminaire Academy, education doesn’t end with textbooks and tech but extends into the world our students will one day lead. Our Life Skills curriculum is designed to equip children with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and strong values to carry into adulthood with confidence.
Students will gain essential tools in:
Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy
From running mini-businesses to understanding budgeting and saving, students learn how to think like problem-solvers, take initiative, and build financial responsibility early on.Trades & Practical Skills
We introduce foundational trade skills like woodworking, gardening, and basic mechanics — giving students the chance to explore how things are made and how they can build for themselves and their communities.Cooking & Wholesome Living
Our students participate in preparing nutritious meals from whole foods, learning how to nourish their bodies while also gaining kitchen confidence, teamwork skills, and an understanding of where food comes from.Community Service & Character Building
We believe in growing not just smart kids, but kind and capable humans. Service projects help students build empathy, see their impact, and understand the value of giving back.
Our life skills program is rooted in purpose-driven education — helping children discover their strengths, explore their passions, and grow into thoughtful, self-sufficient young adults who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Meet the team
Our educators are passionate about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and independence in every student. They are committed to the vision of Luminaire Academy and work closely with families to support each child’s development.
Jordan Sutlick - Founder and Leading Director
Primary Educator with a background in Montessori practice, licensed and accredited in STEM curriculum
Primary Educator with a background in Montessori practice, licensed and accredited in STEM curriculum
Lead Secondary Teacher
Lead Secondary Teacher
Lead Permaculture Studies Teachers

PRE-ENROLLMENT OPENS JANUARY 2026
PRE-ENROLLMENT OPENS JANUARY 2026
Ready to Join
Luminaire Academy?
17249 198th Street
Tonganoxie, KS 66086
Opening August 2027
We are excited to welcome new families to Luminaire Academy. Our team is ready to help guide you through the enrollment process and answer any and all questions you may have while addressing your child’s needs.
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Give us a call to schedule your tour and walk-through of your child’s school. We will also meet your child during this time. If you are as passionate about our vision as we are by the end of your tour, fill out our application for your child with your references and wait for an email.
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We will review your application and call you with any questions that arise. After our team has come to a decision, we will be in touch via email.
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Once your child has been accepted into our program, we will be in contact with all your paperwork and next steps.
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Please don’t give up and try again next year. We only have room for so many students, and we’re looking to expand in the near future with more partners and grant collaborations to help further our cause in helping give your child the school that he/she deserves and thrives in.
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Ready to learn more? Drop us your details and we’ll reach out to you soon. We’re excited to chat with you!