About Us 

 IGNITE Leadership Academy is an organization of mentor-led classes, bringing families together to hold weekly educational experiences in Monett, Missouri. Our organization is built on principles of eternal truth, leadership education, and family stewardship of education. IGNITE Leadership Academy is led by a rotating Board of Directors who approve the classes, create the schedule, govern the organization, and foster our community!

IGNITE Leadership Academy meets every Tuesday from 8:45 AM to 1:00 PM at Connection Point Church (700 Sycamore St, Monett MO 65708) for two semesters. Fall semester is typically 14 weeks and generally begins in August and ends in November. Spring semester is typically 14 weeks and begins January and ends in April/May. 

Before you join IGNITE Leadership Academy, it is important to understand our Vision and Mission along with the basics of Leadership Education. We believe our members are most satisfied with our commonwealth when their educational philosophy aligns well with these principles, and we recognize our model of education is not the right fit for every family's approach to education.

We welcome all families who share our vision and commitment to character-based education, regardless of specific denominational background, while maintaining our foundational principles.

Leadership Education is an educational philosophy that builds leaders and emphasizes character formation alongside academic excellence. First of all, Leadership Education is not really a method in and of itself. One can use almost any method and still apply Leadership Education principles, which are grounded in natural learning patterns and the development phases of learning.  For example, hands-on learning, nature study, and creative play are wonderful for children in Core Phase. Literature and project-based learning, unit studies, family adventures, and many others are a tremendous guide for children in the Love of Learning Phase. A child is ready for a Scholar Phase when they willingly embrace challenging study and have a sense of purpose that drives them to immerse themselves in the study of subjects of their choosing for several hours each day. At this point, many methods and curricula can be used to supplement a personalized education plan.

Core Phase (ages birth – 8 years): Foundation building through play, family culture, and basic skills Love of Learning Phase (ages 8 – 12 years): Inspiring wonder and curiosity across many subjects 

Scholar Phase (ages 12 – 16 years): Deep, focused study in areas of interest with demanding mentorship 

Depth Phase (College or equivalent): Specialized preparation for mission 

Mission Phase (Adult years): Using education to serve and lead in the world Note: Ages are approximations and may vary individually by several years.

Because all of our classes are taught, created, and led by inspired parent mentors, they vary greatly from semester to semester and cover a variety of subjects and learning phases —all approached through the lens of character development and love of learning!

A mentor-led class is a group activity or educational experience created by a passionate mentor as they assess the needs of their children, family, and community. It is often said they create something they love and invite others to join with them. Classes are optimally run when someone is passionate, inspired, and dedicated to the growth of each of their participants.

The classes at IGNITE Leadership Academy are created and led by approved Mentors who seek to fulfill the Vision and Mission of our co-op. Mentor-led classes are a foundation of IGNITE Leadership Academy. Potential Mentors are assisted in submitting Class Proposals to the board, then classes are  implemented based on scheduling, interest, and community needs.

• Pay membership fees and all class fees for classes your family is enrolled in 

• Participate in our designated communication platform for important announcements 

• Attend member meetings to the best of your ability 

• Complete the foundational orientation class during your first semester 

• Fulfill cleaning and service responsibilities each semester 

• Remain on campus for the duration of your children's class schedule 

• Commit to participating for the full semester—our mentors purchase supplies and plan activities based on enrollment numbers at the beginning of each semester, so maintaining your commitment helps ensure a quality experience for all participants 

• Respond to all communication respectfully and in a timely fashion 

• Abide by our Standards of Moral Conduct 

• Follow facility use guidelines for Connection Point Church

We understand that extenuating circumstances may occasionally arise that affect your ability to fulfill these responsibilities. If you find yourself in such a situation, please communicate with the Board of Directors as soon as possible so we can work together to find the best solution.

No. We all have different family situations and various abilities. Mentoring a class may not be right for you at this time. We welcome all levels of participation and service to our organization. However, we do encourage members to consider mentoring as their families grow and their capacity allows, as it's a wonderful way to contribute to our community.

While not everyone mentors a class, we will ask all members to help serve throughout the day in various capacities such as hall monitoring, assisting in the nursery, or serving as co-mentors alongside lead mentors. There are many ways we can find for everyone to serve that work with their individual circumstances and abilities. All members will have opportunities to serve in different ways throughout different seasons of their involvement with our co-op.

IGNITE Leadership Academy is designed to bring families together for shared educational experiences. We operate as a parent-partnership model as a family learning environment. For our group, we value and want to serve and foster the growth of the parents in our community as well as the youth! Parents are expected to be on-site during their children's class times. 

The registration fee is a per semester fee for each family that covers membership fees which are used to pay rent on the facilities we use for classes and member meetings, insurance, and other miscellaneous costs that come with running a non-profit organization.  

We are currently predicting the fee to be around 40.00 per semester/family. That comes out to about 2.00-3.00 per week/family.

In addition, different classes may have class-specific fees that will go toward paying for supplies, and resources our volunteer mentors need. There may be additional books or supplies each participant will need for certain classes.

We understand budget restraints for most of us, and strive to keep our costs as low as possible while remaining fiscally responsible.