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.

  • outdoor learning

    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.

  • STEAM Curriculum

    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.

  • Nature-Based Curric

    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

  • Community Collaboration

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    • 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.

  • Why Choose Luminaire Academy?

    Luminaire Academy offers a unique approach to education that blends critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and practical life skills. Here’s why Luminaire Academy is the right choice for your child:

  • Small Class Sizes

    Small Class Sizes to Ensure Personalized Attention

    With small class sizes of >15 verses larger private schools and public schools of 24+ per teacher, we can offer individualized support, allowing each child to learn at their own pace. With these numbers, we’re able to center your child’s education around your individual child’s interests and developmental needs that resonate with their natural curiosities.

  • Nature-Based Learning

    Flexible, Nature-Based Learning Environment

    Our outdoor classrooms and nature-integrated lessons provide the natural integration of your child’s senses. Time and time again, studies show that when children learn through hands on experiences outdoors, their frontal cerebral cortex absorbs information more efficiently (Hamilton 2014). At Luminaire Academy, we believe in teaching your children a STEAM rich curriculum, while providing them with the resources and environment they need to excel in.

  • School Therapy Needs

    All Therapy Needs Will Be Met During School Hours

    Does your child currently have therapy needs that the public school system isn’t capable of meeting? One of the largest reasons we created this school was for children just like yours. Call us today to learn how your child’s therapist can come in during school hours to work with your child. We understand first-hand the complexities and obstacles our children face for extra-curricular activities after school due to their therapy needs not being met during school hours and we’re here to end that for your child.

  • Life Skills School

    Life Skills Intertwined Into Our Curriculum

    At Luminaire Academy, we prioritize the development of life skills alongside academic learning. Through partnerships with local businesses, children will have the opportunity to learn the basics of various trades, gaining hands-on experience in skills at an entry level. This practical approach not only builds confidence and independence but also prepares children with valuable skills they can carry into adulthood, empowering them to take initiative and solve problems in real-world situations.

Our Curriculum

At Luminaire Academy, our curriculum focuses on hands-on, nature-based learning that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creative expression. Through our S.T.E.A.M. approach, students engage in real-world projects and explorations that integrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math, all while developing a deep connection to the environment. Our goal is to nurture independent learners who thrive in an environment that fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and growth.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Students participate in activities that build leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

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

Horticulturist with a degree from ……

Assistant Teacher

Local Farmer with an appreciation and passion for our environmental practices

STEM Curriculum

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Once your child has been accepted into our program, we will be in contact with all your paperwork and next steps.

  • 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!