Stories from the founding pod

What happens when childhood becomes an adventure again?

These are true moments from our first pod—real challenges, imperfect builds, new skills, deeper friendships, and the kind of learning children carry home with them.

This is what Skip School looks like in real life. Not polished demonstrations with predetermined outcomes, but children building, testing, struggling, adapting, laughing, and discovering what they can do—alongside families who keep showing up for one another.

The mission map and telescope used in the treasure hunt.
Mission 36

The Treasure of Emma Prusch Farm

Build a telescope, decode clues, and assemble a treasure map.

Children rolled, aligned, taped, and tested simple Galilean telescopes, with extra hands helping through the delicate parts of the build. Then they used their tools to look for hidden symbols along an orchard fence.

Read the full mission story →
A paper rocket ready for the map challenge.
Mission 35

The Great Snack Stronauts

Build a paper rocket and use its flight to explore a map.

Parents worked together to draw a large chalk map of the United States. The children built paper rockets, found California, and used the cardinal directions to orient themselves.

Read the full mission story →
A completed lever launcher ready for testing.
Mission 41

The Fulcrum Flip

Build a lever launcher and discover how a fulcrum changes the work.

A heavy bucket of bricks concealed a message from the story. Instead of relying only on strength, the children explored how a lever could help move the load.

Read the full mission story →
A completed trebuchet with its throwing arm and counterweight.
Mission 44

The Siege of Tangle’s Fortress

Build a trebuchet for the final challenge against Tangle.

Rain changed the setting but did not cancel the mission. Families gathered under shelter to build trebuchets and test them against a fortress target.

Read the full mission story →
A defensive tree built to protect a forest dove.
Mission 27

The Enchanted Forest Fighter Tree

Create a tree with movable branches to protect a forest dove.

Children used their growing understanding of bones and joints to design a defensive tree. Its flexible branches needed to protect a dove and nest from Slogmire the Slippery Slug.

Read the full mission story →
Testing a miniature house for a little pig.
Mission 50

Huff and Puff Engineering

Build three little houses and see how their materials behave.

The children brought The Three Little Pigs into the physical world with small houses made from straw, sticks, and bricks. They bundled, stacked, and glued materials that did not always behave as expected.

Read the full mission story →

Help bring a pod to life.

Extraordinary learning and lifelong memories begin with local families willing to build the community they want for their children.

Join the Waitlist →