Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy (IEA) — Montessori Roots, Entrepreneurial Wings.
Enabling K-8 students with entrepreneurial mindsets and future-ready skills in Utah County's premier charter school, located in Lehi Utah.
At Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy, we combine innovative teaching methods with practical entrepreneurial skills to prepare students for future success.
Empowering students to take ownership of their educational journey through guided discovery and personal goal setting.
Cutting-edge tools and platforms seamlessly integrated into daily learning experiences.
Developing business acumen and innovation skills through real-world projects and mentorship.
Combining traditional Montessori principles with modern educational approaches.
Our alumni continue to excel in high school, college, and their chosen career paths.
IEA is designed for students who thrive in an entrepreneurial, self-directed learning environment. Our ideal students possess these key characteristics:
Important: IEA is not a traditional school or remedial program. Rooted in Montessori principles and practices, our classrooms foster independence, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation. In the upper grades, an entrepreneurial focus becomes more integrated as students are challenged to apply their learning in meaningful, real-world contexts. Prospective students need to be ready to grow through challenges, take responsibility for their choices, think creatively, show initiative and pursue learning with purpose and independence.
Students who take initiative in their learning and can work independently without constant supervision.
Thrives with flexible schedules and can manage free time productively while making responsible choices.
Enjoys tackling challenges, thinking creatively, and finding innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Works well with others, shows leadership potential, and can contribute meaningfully to group projects.
Asks thoughtful questions, seeks to understand "why" and "how," and has a genuine love for learning.
Shows interest in business concepts, innovation, and creating value for others through their ideas.
Enjoys working on projects independently
Shows interest in starting their own ventures or projects
Can manage time effectively with minimal supervision
Demonstrates leadership qualities among peers
Asks thoughtful questions and seeks deeper understanding
Comfortable with technology and digital learning tools
Shows resilience when facing challenges or setbacks
Expresses interest in business, innovation, or creating solutions
Does this sound like your child? We'd love to learn more about your family's educational goals.
Our comprehensive K-8 curriculum combines core academic subjects with entrepreneurial skills and hands-on learning experiences.
Learn about our admission process and take the first step towards providing your child with an exceptional educational experience.
Take a virtual tour of our campus and learn about our programs.
Complete the online application form with all required information.
Participate in our fair lottery system for available spots.
"It seemed different in a good way, with a focus on learning to learn rather than learning to test."— Parent Survey
"We were fed up with the public school system and curriculum. We wanted a school that would give our children the freedom to grow as individuals, nurture creativity and entrepreneurship, and have the freedom to learn on their own terms."— End of Year Survey
"I wanted my children to learn self-directed learning and enjoy the process instead of the memorization and information dump that happens after a test in public school."— End of Year Survey
"I love that my kid is excited to go to school every day and feels like she has ownership of her learning."— Parent Survey
"The teachers are amazing and so invested in our kids."— Parent Survey
"I love the variety of methods used to teach, and most of all I love that my kid is excited."— Parent Survey
"Our family has had a great first year at Ignite and truly love this school so much!"— End of Year Survey
"I was looking for a more welcoming and accepting environment where my kids felt safe. Ignite was it…just what we were hoping for and more!"— Parent Survey
"There is a very positive vibe throughout the school."— Parent Survey
"We love the Montessori method and the entrepreneurship focus."— Parent Survey
"My children are hands-on and creative, and I wanted to continue to foster encouragement for them to lean into learning in ways that work for them personally."— End of Year Survey
"I love the constant communication parents receive both from the school and teachers. We also love all the family events!"— Parent Survey
"Ignite lets us be involved at every level, informed of any and all items! Love, love, love Ignite!"— End of Year Survey
"Because the kids can learn at their own pace and are taught to be independent thinkers and leaders."— Parent Survey
"My children have become more confident and independent."— Parent Survey
Find answers to common questions about IEA's programs, admission process, and educational approach.
A public charter school implementing an entrepreneurial program that uses a traditional Montessori model in grades K–3rd and Blended Learning model in grades 4th–9th. Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy offers a personalized approach to learning and gives meaning through projects that encourage ownership, collaboration, creativity, and communication.
To promote entrepreneurial success through academic rigor, project-based learning, and creating a culture of creativity, collaboration, adaptability, accountability, communication, and problem solving.
Learning to Know: personalized and accelerated learning through a student-centered, ability supported, and blended learning model that gives entrepreneurial-minded students flexibility of achieving academic goals at their maximum pace with control over time, place, and pace. Learning to Do: project and location-based activities designed to foster curiosity and cultivate entrepreneurial traits such as collaboration, problem solving, resiliency, and project management. Learning to Be: entrepreneurial culture inspiring students to be innovative problem-solvers committed to excellence.
Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy is committed to a strong evaluation program of its performance. We conduct a yearly evaluation submitted to the State Charter School Board, which includes: 1) student academic performance and engagement; 2) financial performance and sustainability; 3) governing board performance and stewardship; and 4) mission and vision alignment using evaluation plans and SMART goals. Each spring, the Governing Board reviews plans and goals for the upcoming year. They ensure alignment with IEA’s mission, promote creativity, entrepreneurial opportunities, and community involvement. Annual parent surveys are also used to evaluate and improve performance and strategic goals.
IEA offers extended opportunities compared to traditional schools by using a learning model driven by student goals and personal progress tracking. Students can advance upon mastery or take additional time to truly understand a concept without being held to the class pace. Multi-age peer groups promote a community of support, leadership, and collaboration. Students engage in frequent collaborative and project-based learning experiences that build 21st century skills.
Access all the important tools and resources you need for your IEA experience.