Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Pevehouse.
Hi Sarah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My path into education was anything but traditional, which is likely why I ended up building something nontraditional.
I’ve worked in education for over eighteen years as a teacher, program director, enrollment director, administrator, and over volunteering parent, across Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio-inspired environments, and alternative learning communities like co-ops and charter schools. Over time, I kept noticing the same disconnect. Systems were asking young people to comply and perform, while giving them very little ownership over who they were becoming or how they would function in real life.
When my own children reached high school age, that gap became impossible to ignore. I wanted an environment where teens were treated like capable humans, where character mattered as much as academics, and where learning was grounded in responsibility, meaningful work, and real relationships with adults in our local community.
That realization, paired with my professional experience, led me to launch Apogee Dripping Springs Micro High School.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but meaningful work rarely is.
One of the biggest challenges has been building something new in a space that is still unfamiliar to many families. A micro high school asks parents to rethink what education can look like, especially at the high school level, where expectations around grades, credits, and college pathways often feel rigid. Earning trust while doing things differently has required a great deal of clarity, communication, and patience.
Perhaps the most challenging part has been holding the line on our values. Not every family, student, or partnership is the right fit, and learning when to say no has been essential. Staying focused on what truly serves students long term, rather than reacting to pressure or comparison, has been a constant practice.
Our first year was incredibly fun. We opened in August 2024 with three students, grew to five within six weeks, welcomed a sixth in March 2025, and then opened this year with thirteen students, including both full-time and part-time learners. We also launched a public speaking class for homeschoolers, which brought in nine additional students on Mondays. That pace of growth came with real social and behavioral challenges that we have been navigating ever since. Through it all, I have remained committed to protecting a values-driven environment.
There have been many sleepless nights and many lessons learned, but we are moving forward with intention and a lot of prayer.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Apogee Dripping Springs is a micro high school for motivated, curious teens who want a more intentional and real-world approach to learning. We serve students who thrive with responsibility, autonomy, and meaningful work, and who want to be known as individuals rather than managed as a group.
What sets us apart is our focus on life skills and character development alongside academics. We emphasize time management, project management with deliverables, professional communication, financial literacy, physical training, and culinary skills. Students participate in project-based learning, work closely with local mentors, and build practical skills they can immediately apply beyond the classroom.
We are also known for using the community as our classroom. Students learn directly from local professionals, small business owners, and tradespeople, and those relationships often evolve into mentorships and internships. Learning is active, relational, and grounded in real expectations. Because of our commitment to utilize hyper-local resources, we were nominated as the “Up and Coming Business of the Year” by the local Chamber of Commerce for their annual Star Awards.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the culture we’ve built and of becoming fully accredited in our second academic year. Our environment is values-driven, respectful, and high-trust. Students are expected to show up with integrity, effort, and responsibility, and they are supported by adults who hold clear standards and model those same values. We are intentionally small, highly relational, and deeply human.
I want readers to know that Apogee Dripping Springs is not about opting out of education, but about doing it with more purpose. We exist for families who believe that how a student grows as a person matters just as much as what they achieve on paper, and who want a high school experience that prepares teens not for college, but for life.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
What has worked well for me is showing up consistently in the community, doing good work, and building trust over time. When people see your integrity, effort, and follow-through, mentorship often develops naturally.
Years ago, I read ‘Never Eat Alone’, and that idea has stayed with me. I’ve always made an effort to prioritize connection, whether that’s inviting someone to coffee, sharing a meal, or simply taking time to have a meaningful conversation. Relationships compound when they’re tended to consistently.
I also believe it’s important to be clear about what you’re building and why it matters. When you can articulate your values and your vision without overselling, the right people tend to lean in. Many of our mentors became involved simply because they believed in the mission and wanted to contribute in a meaningful way.
Practically speaking, I’ve had the most success by starting small. A conversation, a single question, or an invitation to share experience with students. Respect people’s time, be prepared, and always follow up with gratitude. I have all of my students handwrite thank you notes that we snail mail. Last year, we mailed out over 35 unique thank yous. Mentorship is built on mutual respect, not extraction.
Most importantly, I approach networking with humility and service. Instead of asking, “What can I get from this person?” I ask, “How can they feel valued while contributing?” That mindset has led to relationships that are long-term, generous, and deeply impactful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.apogeedrippingsprings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apogee_dripping_springs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ApogeeDrippingSprings
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-pevehouse/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChnrgVIoXUj5gL777n8deFg
- Other: https://youtu.be/2mgsbsfTWNY?si=YRpNUAMTkLh4SDep
Image Credits
Abby Thomsen took the photos inside the classroom and of me with my van. Abigail Thomsen abigailphotog@gmail.com or cell is 682-304-7444
