Embark provides an opportunity for young adults to create their own, self-directed, path in a safe space with the support of qualified, engaged, mentors. Embark is what Loudoun needs to round out it's offerings of public, private and religiously affiliated school options. Coming of age looks different for everyone, Embark embraces that diversity.
Before finding Embark, I had given up hope that there would be a place for my daughter to be able to feel safe and secure so she could continue her education. I had given up hope that we would find anything that would work to bring that spark back instead of dread each day. Now she loves going in each day--looks forward to it and should she have to miss a class, she is disappointed because she has missed school! What a change a year can make! We are so lucky to have found Embark and wish we had sooner and cannot say enough about Andrea and Catina and the wonderful place they have made for the members. It is truly wonderful
A place that creates an environment that allows members to define their own success and develop larger visions of themselves. A place that values dimensional thinking over conventional thinking, problem solving as an active community to find solutions with depth and substance within an ever-present framework of curiosity. The voyage of self-discovery can be lonely and challenging, and Embark has found a unique way to fill that journey with the support, trust, and community that inspires members to forge paths for themselves using their intuition, imagination, and creativity. A rare self-directed learning center unparalleled in the DC metro and surrounding areas. Highly recommend.
I’m both a volunteer and a parent of a self guided learner with Embark. This place and the people who run it have been amazing. We saw a light turn on in our child that we hadn’t seen until we found Embark. I had the honor of working as a volunteer facilitator with them and it was amazing to see the engagement and be a part of these learners paths. They are doing amazing work at creating empowered young adults.
Our daughter was lonely and unmotivated, and Embark has absolutely turned her life around. The way they approach self-directed learning is unmatched by any other center we’ve interacted with or heard about. They are so needed for kids who don’t fit into the usual schooling systems.
A caring staff that accommodates so many personalities of students to provide a comfortable and welcoming learning environment that allowed our son to flourish. Embark sets the right priorities for each student individually and as a group and lives by them every day!
Our son struggled in the traditional school environment of public school. His shortcomings were met with discipline, threats and punishments which led to school refusal. His confidence was damaged and his mental health was in decline. A friend recommended Embark and he started there mid year. The difference in him is amazing! I never thought I had the option for him to be home schooled since I work. Andrea and Catina have created an environment at Embark where nontraditional learners can thrive with self directed education with peers like them. They are great mentors and have become a support system for him which he needed and did not have in school. I highly recommend Embark for kids who are not well suited for public school or want a different, personalized approach to learning.
Embark is a gem! The center offers a vibrant and engaging community, with loads of opportunities for youth to pursue an education that is right for them. The Embark community of youth and facilitators is founded on the principles of agency, choice, equity, collaboration, and play. and supports each person to be their authentic selves.
As our children got older (currently 12 and 16), we wanted a place, outside of home and traditional school settings, for them to learn, grow, and explore. A place where they could feel confident in their maturing sense of self and place in the wider world. Embark enables them to truly be themselves, to pursue and be supported in their interests, and be a part of a meaningful community. Beyond all that, Embark engages their members in tools that will serve them for a lifetime, including conflict resolution, working together with peers of different ages and interests. The path through adolescence, let alone life, isn't the same for everyone, and we're so grateful that Embark exists.
My son started at Embark in the middle of 7th grade. He was losing his love of learning in public school and just didn't fit into the "box" of public-school learning. He was becoming increasingly depressed. When I learned about Embark from a counselor I immediately called and set up a time to visit. My son decided not to come with me on the first visit as letting go of what he knew in public school was hard. When I came home and told him about what I learned and saw at Embark he decided a few days later he would like to spend a day at Embark. He never went back to public school. As a parent I was worried that we would derail his future by turning to self-directed education, but we really had no choice as I was worried the depression was getting so bad if we didn't do something he wouldn't have a future. We never looked back and the change in him is astounding. He is outgoing, his vibrant personality has returned, he is driven to accomplish goals he has set for himself, he has made wonderful friends, and is a part of a community that he contributes to and gains so much from. He hopes to start dual enrollment in community college while he finishes what are technically his high school years. The individual mentorship that he gets is above and beyond anything public school can provide. Embark is a gem that has changed our lives. To know you drop your child off to school that they love 4 days a week to adults who love him and build him up as a human driving his confidence in himself is simply a gift no parent can ever put a value on.
I can't say enough good things about Embark and the people who are part of this welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment. Andrea, Catina, and the many volunteers create an atmosphere that allows our kids to show up wholeheartedly as themselves, providing the space to develop authentic relationships with the staff and each other. My child has been at Embark for almost 6 years and has been engaged in every aspect of Embark. She's excited to go every day, invested in her own education, values the many relationships she's made, and sees a bright future for herself because of this very special place. We feel incredibly grateful for Embark, and would highly recommend it without hesitation!
Embark Center has created an amazing community of individuals of all different backgrounds finding their way together! Andrea has been a mentor of mine for awhile now, and I am beyond grateful for all she has done. I will keep fond memories of Embark close to me. Being able to learn anything your heart desires. Such as building our own garden from the ground up, diving into different cults, cooking classes and so much more!
My youngest son was struggling to find his place in traditional educational environments. Lots of feedback on how he wasn’t measuring up only served to make him feel bad about himself and to act up.
Then we found Embark. From day 1 he loved it. Nearly 4 years later he’s still pushing me out the door in the morning (vs the other way around with “regular” school), and can’t wait to go back after breaks.
At Embark he is truly seen for who he is and the value and contribution that he brings not only to the community there but to the world as a whole. Parent conferences are now a joy to attend as the entire purpose is to celebrate him and to talk about his wins and how his contributions matter.
Not just a game changer. Embark is a life changer, and our family will be forever grateful.
embarkcenter 10/18/2023
Thank you so much! We so enjoy having your son with us and feel honored to be part of his journey!