Who We Are
Beliefs, Values, and Commitment
Young Scholars Academy is a virtual village that helps twice-exceptional, differently-wired, & gifted students to feel seen, nurtured, and happy as heck through strength-based courses, camps, and a community of belonging!
Who We Serve
At Young Scholars Academy, we primarily serve twice-exceptional (2e) students—asynchronous students who have exceptional gifts while simultaneously having exceptional learning differences—, differently-wired students (aka neurodivergent), and gifted students.
We empower our students to lean into their strength areas to become the creative architects of their destinies, forging a better tomorrow for all. Our students embrace the transformative power of strength-based, talent-focused learning, where passion and purpose ignite a lifetime of purpose, fulfillment, positive self-affect, growth, and impact.
Vision
Dr. Joseph Renzulli once said, “No one cares about Albert Einstein’s ability to paint, or Pablo Picasso’s ability to do complex mathematics.” It seems blatantly obvious when we phrase it this way, but…
When we look around us, it seems like schools everywhere are hellbent on having our students “fix” their struggle areas rather than cultivate their strengths.
At Young Scholars Academy, our vision is to lead a strength-based revolution for the differently-wired learners of the world!
We seek to save the world by igniting a passion for learning, celebrating each student's uniqueness, and guiding them toward realizing their fullest potential as empowered, confident, and compassionate global citizens.
Imagine the Happiness on Your Child’s Face When They’re Taking Courses Like This
Browse all CoursesValues
Empowerment Through Strengths
Celebrating and nurturing the unique strengths and talents of every Young Scholar, fostering confidence, and a positive self-image.
Inclusivity, Belonging, and Community
Creating a welcoming and supportive community where all our students and their families feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
Passionate Lifelong Learning for All
Cultivating a love for learning, a growth mindset, and freedom from deficit-based judgment, as we explore their passions and thrive.
Creative, Outside-the-Box Thinking and Doing
Providing a “yes, and” ecosystem where students think differently, ask big questions, identify problems, and suggest unusual solutions.
Type I Enrichment
Type I learning is fun, exploratory learning. This phase plants the seeds of curiosity, authenticity, and excitement which start to flower into meaningful learning.
It exposes students to a wide variety of disciplines, topics, occupations, hobbies, persons, places, and events that would not ordinarily be covered in traditional school.
You know, THE GOOD STUFF that our kids really care about, but often have to learn on their own.
Type II Enrichment
This is where we start to go DEEP! Type II consists of materials and methods designed to promote the development of complex thinking in interest areas selected by the student.
Activities include the development of:
- creative thinking and problem solving, critical thinking, and affective processes
- a wide variety of specific learning-to-learn skills
- discipline-specific skills for advanced learning
Type III Enrichment
Type III learning is where the gradual release of responsibility approaches its final phase- student ownership.
This phase involves students pursuing a self-selected area of content covered in the first 2 phases. Students really roll up their sleeves and embark on a scaffolded journey, with their mentor's guidance. This is where our learners assume the role of a first-hand inquirer, truly investigating at depths they’ve never before known.
It’s the most beautiful thing in the world to behold! It’s enrichment learning!
Pedagogical Framework
Renzulli’s Enrichment Triad Model
Enrichment Learning Is the Most Important Learning
It’s the way in which we learn and interface in the “real world”, if there is such a thing…
The goal is to empower our kiddos to learn to learn, and LOVE IT!
To do this, we:
- light curiosity on fire
- delve deeply into the complexity that they crave
- explore authentic problems
- examine all the good stuff that gets left out of school
As Seen On:
How You Benefit
At YSA, we are on a mission to empower every student to break free from the bondage of deficit-based education which drains our bright minds by incessantly focusing on what we don’t do well. We don’t focus on our students “bringing the bottom up”. No! No! No!
Our Young Scholars raise the roof as they cultivate and unleash their unique interests and talents into the world on their path to meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Here, neurodiverse kiddos with dual diagnoses—gifted behaviors and challenge areas—are nurtured in our haven where their brilliance shines brightly for the world to witness in all its glory!
Join us as we revolutionize learning and pave the way for a future generation of confident, compassionate change-makers, ready to tackle the challenges of our world with courage, empathy, a sense of humor, and determination.
Our Program
- Ignites a True Love of Learning
- Empowers Students Through Strengths
- Offers Weekly Excitement With Fun Courses
- Steeps Members in Community and Connection
- Broadens Horizons With Insights From Expert Talks
Join the Revolution
Input your email and join us as we revolutionize learning! Together, we pave the way for a future generation of confident, compassionate change-makers, ready to tackle the challenges of our world with courage, empathy, and determination.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At Young Scholars Academy, we recognize the profound value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in fostering a thriving educational community. We celebrate the rich tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and perspectives that our students and mentors bring to our virtual village.
It’s no secret that students of color are wildly underserved in neurodivergent and gifted education. Young Scholars Academy is dedicated to changing that.
We are committed to fostering an equitable environment where every Young Scholar is given equal opportunities and support to excel. We believe that access to quality education should not be hindered by any form of discrimination or systemic barriers. Our mission is to provide an inclusive and accessible learning space that empowers each student to explore their passions, express their voice, and fully participate in shaping their educational journey.
Inclusion lies at the heart of our approach, and we strive to create a safe, respectful, and empathetic community where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. We actively promote open dialogue and encourage the free exchange of ideas, knowing that diverse perspectives lead to richer discussions and deeper understanding. By cultivating an environment that celebrates uniqueness and supports collaboration, we nurture a generation of compassionate, global citizens who contribute positively to society and champion the rights and well-being of all individuals.
If you are a family of color who seeks to enroll in our virtual village and finances are a barrier to entry, please message our team and share your story. We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that our classrooms look like the world around us.
Choose Your Learning Path
Fall Courses
Many Fall Courses only open ONCE A YEAR for enrollment! Click below and empower content they crave, a community of friends, and caring mentors who love and nurture them!
Explore 2026 classes
Summer Camps
Set up Summer 2026 with your child thriving! Empower Your Kiddo to Explore, Connect, and Have FUN with a stellar variety of camps sure to captivate your child’s imagination! Camps are 1 hour a day and are a la carte!
Explore Camps
Self-Paced Courses
Empower Your Gifted or 2e Child to Dream Big and Learn the Content They Crave on their own terms with Self-Paced Courses! These classes come with a way to communicate with teachers and get feedback!
Explore Self-Paced Courses
👋 “Hi!” From Our Head
Wherever your child is on their twice-exceptional/neurodivergent journey, NOW is the best time to take the next step towards thriving! Here, at Young Scholars Academy, you will see your child thriving from day 1!
I know that you may be feeling alone, frustrated, anxious, or uncertain about your next step on the pathway to seeing your child become all that you know that they are capable of being.
I’m here to tell you that all you have to do is just take ONE MORE STEP!
Join our 20 mentors who have dedicated their lives to ensuring your child THRIVES! Join the 1,200+ families currently seeing their children flourish here in our Virtual Village! Take that one step today and your only regret will be that you didn’t join us sooner!
Looking forward to serving your family at the highest level!
-Mr. Sam, M.Ed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions Parents Ask.
Everything you need to know about Young Scholars Academy.
What is Young Scholars Academy?
YSA is a WASC-accredited virtual village for gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students ages 5–25. We offer 200+ live online courses (from Minecraft Redstone Engineering to AP Psychology to Mock Trial) with a maximum of 6–8 students per course, taught by 20 hand-selected mentor teachers who are neurodivergent themselves. We serve 1,200+ families across 47+ states and 17 countries. This is not a marketplace. It's a school and a community.
How does it work?
During Fall and Spring semesters, courses meet once a week, live on Zoom, 50 minutes per session. During Summer, camps run Monday through Friday, one week at a time. When your child enrolls in 3 or more courses, they get free access to Homeroom Social Club — a weekly gathering with a consistent group of friends. Between courses, students hang out on our virtual campus where they walk as avatars, eat lunch together, and build real friendships with kids from around the world who finally get them.
Who is this for?
Gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students, including kids with ADHD, autism, giftedness, anxiety, dyslexia, and PDA. No diagnosis required. If your child is clever, quirky, and hasn't found their people yet, they belong here. About 65% of our families homeschool. The rest use us alongside traditional or charter schools.
Is this a low-demand environment?
Yes. Enrichment courses have no grades and no traditional homework. However, for-credit courses include assignments and letter grades. Cameras always optional. Challenge by choice. Students are never cold-called, never forced to participate, and never penalized for how they choose to engage. For students with PDA, demand avoidance, or anxiety, this is the difference between a program they resist and one they ask to log into.
How much does it cost?
Semester courses start at $624. Summer camps are $149–$169 per camp. Payment plans, sibling discounts, referral credits, and ESA/charter funding accepted. We're an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs.
Will my child actually make friends?
This is the part that surprises parents most. Your child joins a course about something they love and meets 6–8 kids who love it too. Same group all semester (or all week for camps). Parents tell us their children are more connected with this community than with anyone physically around them. 93% of families re-enroll because their kids won't let them stop.
What if it doesn't work?
100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Switch courses, receive a credit, or stop payments. No questions asked. We can offer this because we know what happens when these kids find their people.
What do parents get?
Virtual Coffee & Connect hours every couple of weeks. Regular Expert Talks with leaders like Seth Perler, Debbie Reber, and Dr. Temple Grandin. A Facebook group where families connect and support each other. Progress updates from mentors. And the ability to watch your child's courses anytime (just stay off camera). You're not just enrolling your child. You're joining a village.