At Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy, we combine innovative teaching methods with practical entrepreneurial skills to prepare students for future success.
Student-Led Learning
Empowering students to take ownership of their educational journey through guided discovery and personal goal setting.
Technology Integration
Cutting-edge tools and platforms seamlessly integrated into daily learning experiences.
Entrepreneurship Focus
Developing business acumen and innovation skills through real-world projects and mentorship.
Montessori Methodology
Combining traditional Montessori principles with modern educational approaches.
Success Stories
Our alumni continue to excel in high school, college, and their chosen career paths.
Is IEA Right for Your Child?
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.
Self-Motivated Learners
Students who take initiative in their learning and can work independently without constant supervision.
Comfortable with Autonomy
Thrives with flexible schedules and can manage free time productively while making responsible choices.
Natural Problem Solvers
Enjoys tackling challenges, thinking creatively, and finding innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Collaborative Leaders
Works well with others, shows leadership potential, and can contribute meaningfully to group projects.
Curious & Inquisitive
Asks thoughtful questions, seeks to understand "why" and "how," and has a genuine love for learning.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Shows interest in business concepts, innovation, and creating value for others through their ideas.
Signs Your Child Will Thrive at IEA
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.
"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
Empowered, Self-Directed Learners
"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
Dedicated, Passionate Teachers
"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
A Nurturing Environment
"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
Montessori & Project-Based Learning
"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
Community & Communication
"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
A Place to Grow
"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
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about IEA's programs, admission process, and educational approach.
What is Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy?
Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy (IEA) is a tuition-free public charter school in Lehi, Utah, serving kindergarten through 8th grade. IEA uses a Montessori model in grades K–3 and a blended learning model in grades 4–8, with project-based learning and entrepreneurship woven through every grade so students build ownership, collaboration, creativity, and communication.
Is Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy free? Is there tuition?
Yes, IEA is free to attend. As a public charter school, IEA is publicly funded and charges no tuition. Like other Utah public schools, there are some school fees for things like activities and athletics. The fee schedule is adopted each year by the IEA Board of Directors, fee waivers are available, and no student is denied participation because of inability to pay.
Where is IEA located? Do we have to live in Lehi to attend?
IEA is at 1650 W Traverse Terrace Dr, Lehi, UT 84043, in the Traverse Mountain area near Silicon Slopes. You do not have to live in Lehi: as a public charter school, IEA is open to any Utah student. The school is within commuting distance of Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, American Fork, Highland, Alpine, Draper, and Bluffdale.
What grades does IEA serve?
Kindergarten through 8th grade. Students learn in multi-age classrooms: Kindergarten, Lower Elementary (1st–2nd grade), Middle Elementary (3rd–4th grade), Upper Elementary (5th–6th grade), and Middle School (7th–8th grade).
How do I enroll my child at IEA?
Apply online from our enrollment page. For the current 2026–2027 school year there are limited openings in grades 3–8, and other grades fill from the waitlist as seats open. For the 2027–2028 school year, applications open Monday, November 16, 2026 and close Friday, January 15, 2027 at 12:00 pm. A random lottery is held that afternoon, and families are notified beginning Tuesday, January 19, 2027.
IEA is a public charter school built on Montessori principles. The Montessori model is used in grades K–3 to lay a strong academic foundation. Students are taught to take ownership and manage their learning, supporting an entrepreneurial culture. Academic learning across all grades is paired with project experiences and entrepreneurial challenges to build creativity, collaboration, adaptability, accountability, communication, and problem solving.
Does IEA have sports?
Yes. Students in grades 6–8 can compete as the Ignite Firebirds in cross country, soccer, volleyball, and basketball through the Utah Charter and Small School Athletic League (UCSSAL). Each sport is offered as long as enough students sign up.
Yes. IEA partners with community organizations to offer after-school programs such as karate, dance, science, and chess. Offerings change each term, and families register through MySchoolBucks.
Yes. Lunch is available Monday through Thursday and is ordered online ahead of each week. Menus, pricing, and ordering deadlines are posted on the School Lunch page.
IEA keeps homework to a minimum. Ignite encourages an atmosphere of rigor and collaboration during the school day, and teachers focus on lessons aligned to your child’s proficiency, goals, and growth areas. By optimizing school hours for learning, students have more time for enrichment and family.
Do IEA students wear uniforms?
There is a dress code, but no assigned uniforms. Details can be found in the student conduct and dress code policy.
Does IEA offer a language immersion program?
No, but the school is open to starting a before or after school language program if there's interest. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out.
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools, publicly funded and open to all students. They are designed by parents, educators, or community leaders to meet specific educational missions. Charter schools must be approved by a charter board and meet state standards like any other public school.
Who can attend a charter school?
Charter schools are open to all children regardless of race, religion, disability, or ability. Many focus on specific educational needs or topics. Enrollment is limited and managed through a lottery process.
What is a charter school lottery?
If applications exceed available spots, students are selected via lottery. Siblings of current students may receive preference. Ignite will not discriminate in its lottery process and adheres to public school admission standards.
When will I find out if my child got a spot?
For the 2027–2028 school year, the lottery is held the afternoon of Friday, January 15, 2027, and families are notified of their status beginning Tuesday, January 19, 2027. Students who are not selected are added to the waitlist, and families are notified by email or phone as spots become available.
What testing is required by the State for public charter schools?
Charter school students take the same state-mandated assessments as students in traditional public schools, including KEEP, Acadience Reading, RISE, and DLM. Ignite may use additional assessments to evaluate student growth. All curriculum aligns with Utah Core Standards with no gaps in state requirements.
How does a publicly funded Montessori school differ from a private Montessori school?
Public Montessori schools are held to state standards, ensuring educator licensing, training, and accountability. Student performance is tracked via state standards for continuity. Public Montessori schools are eligible for grants and additional programs (e.g., STEM, literacy), offering transparency and communication with families to support student success. In contrast, private Montessori schools are not bound by these state requirements.
Why should I consider IEA for my child?
IEA’s personalized Montessori (K–3rd) and Blended Learning (4th–8th) approaches support instruction tailored to each student's level, timing, and mode of learning. Students progress at their own pace instead of being restricted by the whole class pace, allowing for better individual growth and success.
What is different about Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy?
IEA creates engaging learning environments through instructional strategies like entrepreneurial challenges, project-based learning, small group instruction, and Socratic dialogue. Students engage in contracts, goal setting, and critique using the T.H.I.N.K. method (truthful, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind), preparing them to be independent problem-solvers and collaborators.
What opportunities does IEA offer compared to other schools?
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.
How is Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy an entrepreneurial school?
Ignite sponsors startups that give students hands-on entrepreneurial experience. Programs like BizWorld and TechTrep teach business, leadership, and problem-solving skills. These are integrated into the classroom and after-school options. Students also engage in team-based real-world challenges while learning values such as collaboration, creativity, and initiative.
Why project-based learning?
Studies show project- and location-based learning improve long-term retention, high-stakes test performance, problem-solving, collaboration skills, and student attitudes compared to traditional instruction—when implemented effectively.
What is blended learning?
Blended learning combines online learning with classroom experiences. Older students use digital media and technology alongside project and entrepreneurial work. This model offers students control over their pace, path, and timing, preparing them for a 21st-century economy.
What are the benefits of combining grades (1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8)?
Multi-age classrooms allow students to learn at their own pace, promote mentorship, and reduce bullying. The structure fosters a family-like environment that values self-correction, collaboration, and support.
How long does it take students from traditional schools to adjust to a Montessori and blended learning school?
Transitioning takes 3–6 weeks and involves daily routines, feedback, and guided practice. Teachers use explicit instruction and modeling to help students adjust. Montessori training is provided to staff to support students during this time.
How do you measure student progress?
Student progress is tracked using a Learning Management System (LMS) and teacher evaluations. If students fall behind, targeted instruction and supplemental activities are provided. Students take end-of-unit tests and summative assessments multiple times yearly. Additional formative assessments will track progress in areas like classroom participation, motor skills, communication, collaboration, and academic understanding.
What is expected of IEA students, and how is it measured?
Students create learning contracts to guide classroom behavior and goal setting. All students set SMART Goals daily and at the start of each term. These goals are tracked and reported with support from aides and volunteers. Teachers report goal completion rates to the Director to assess school-wide academic progress.
How does IEA prepare students for high school and “the real world”?
Students leave Ignite as academically strong, creative, confident problem-solvers. They are taught to apply their learning in real-life contexts and to tackle increasing challenges with resilience and initiative.
What is the mission of Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy?
To promote entrepreneurial success through academic rigor, project-based learning, and creating a culture of creativity, collaboration, adaptability, accountability, communication, and problem solving.
How is Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy’s mission achieved?
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.
What is Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy’s culture?
IEA mimics an entrepreneurial/start-up experience in a learning environment. The school fosters curiosity, ownership, responsibility, and teamwork in a culture that supports accelerated and meaningful learning.
How does Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy measure success?
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.
How are teachers graded and measured?
Teachers reflect daily for the first month of school to evaluate successes and challenges. Afterward, ongoing staff training, guest instruction, and weekly staff meetings support continuous improvement.
How can parents and students provide feedback?
Parents can share feedback at any time by contacting the front office or the Director, and through IEA's annual parent survey. Ongoing communication includes newsletters, emails, and online progress tracking.
What safety and security measures does IEA have in place?
Ignite trains staff annually in safety and emergency protocols. A Safe School Committee oversees planning, training, drills, and coordination with emergency officials. A Safe and Secure School Coordinator leads communication and procedures. All visitors check in through the main office, and building access is restricted.
What school supplies does my child need?
Supply lists for each grade are posted in the Parent Portal.
