Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lacey Fickes and Taylor Munro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lacey and Taylor, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
PEAK Academy was born out of a shared vision between educators who saw a gap in the educational landscape—a place where bright, curious, and often neurodiverse learners weren’t just underserved, but misunderstood. We watched as children with extraordinary potential were held back by rigid systems that prioritized standardization over individual growth, creativity, and well-being. We knew there had to be a better way.
Our mission—to cultivate a learning environment where advanced, gifted, and twice-exceptional students thrive—grew from personal experiences with children who didn’t fit the mold, but who lit up when given the freedom to explore their interests deeply, ask bold questions, and learn at their own pace. We envisioned a school that didn’t just accommodate these learners but celebrated them.
Every aspect of PEAK—our intentionally small community, flexible curriculum, multi-age groupings, and emphasis on nature, project-based learning, and emotional intelligence—was designed with these students in mind. It’s meaningful because it’s personal. Behind our mission are real kids, real families, and a passionate team that has witnessed the transformational power of education when it’s built around the learner instead of forcing the learner to fit the system.
We’re not just teaching students—we’re nurturing confident, compassionate thinkers and creators who will go on to shape the world. That’s why our mission matters.
Lacey and Taylor, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
We’re Lacey Fickes and Taylor Munro—co-founders, educators, and passionate advocates for students who deserve more from school than what traditional models often provide. Our paths into education were shaped by both personal and professional experiences: as teachers, we’ve worked in various learning environments, and as parents, we’ve seen firsthand how one-size-fits-all education can fail to support bright, complex learners.
PEAK Academy was created from a deep desire to reimagine what school could look like for all students. We started small—with just one full-time student, two homeschool-hybrid students, and two very excited teachers on our first day. It quickly became clear, however, that we were meeting a real and urgent need. Families were seeking a space where their children could be known, challenged, supported, and celebrated. A place where intellect and individuality could flourish side by side.
Today, PEAK Academy is a thriving microschool that serves students in grades K-8 in a flexible, multi-age setting. We offer a personalized, project-based education that blends academic rigor with creative exploration, outdoor learning, and social-emotional growth. We solve a unique set of problems for families—especially those whose children are advanced learners, twice-exceptional, or simply don’t fit into traditional school systems. Parents often tell us that they came to PEAK because their child was bored, anxious, or misunderstood—and they stay because their child is finally thriving.
What sets us apart is the intentional design of everything we do. Our small class sizes, individualized instruction, emphasis on whole-child development, and warm, inclusive community create a learning experience that is both deeply personal and academically rich. We’re proud to say that at PEAK, students are not only seen—they’re inspired.
What we’re most proud of, though, is the transformation we get to witness every day. Students who once struggled to enjoy school are now leading group projects, writing novels, exploring the fine arts, mentoring younger peers, or finding joy in math for the first time. We’ve built more than a school—we’ve built a space where students feel safe to be themselves and bold enough to become their best selves.
If you’re looking for a school that honors your child’s gifts, supports their growth, and sees their potential even when others don’t quite understand them, we’d love to welcome you to PEAK.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
1. Filling a Clear and Underserved Need
PEAK stands out because of the students we serve, those who often don’t find the right fit in conventional settings. Our school isn’t just another private option; it’s the option for families seeking a more personalized, responsive, and respectful educational experience for their unique learners.
2. Word-of-Mouth from Grateful Families
Families who’ve seen their children go from anxious or disengaged to confident and thriving are our most powerful advocates. The parent-to-parent recommendation network is strong in private education, especially in niche sectors.
3. Authenticity and Relational Leadership
As founders who are also actively involved—both in the classroom and in daily school life—we’ve built authentic relationships with families. Our hands-on leadership and transparency earn trust and foster loyalty.
4. Consistency in Quality and Care
From personalized instruction and thoughtful programming to strong communication and a nurturing environment, PEAK delivers on what we promise. That consistency builds credibility over time.
5. A Unique Educational Model
Our multi-age groupings, flexible curriculum, integration of outdoor and project-based learning, and emphasis on emotional intelligence make PEAK Academy distinct. These elements set us apart and position us as thought leaders in innovative education.
6. Community Engagement and Visibility
Whether through events, partnerships (such as with the Mason Bradley Holmberg Foundation, PEAK Proud, and Steve and Kate’s Camp) we’ve increased visibility while reinforcing our school’s values. These efforts show that we’re invested in more than just our own students—we’re invested in the community.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A Story of Resilience: The Journey to Our Forever Home
Resilience isn’t just something we teach at PEAK Academy—it’s something we’ve lived, every step of the way. In just three years, our school has moved four times. Each move brought new challenges, but also reaffirmed our commitment to building a learning environment where students can thrive, no matter the obstacles.
We opened our doors in a sports facility tucked inside a strip mall, surrounded by concrete and astroturf. During the day, it was quiet and mostly empty, offering us the space to begin building our vision. But by afternoon, it came alive with the sounds of indoor soccer and batting cages. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start. Our students embraced the space, and creativity bloomed in even the most unconventional corners. We knew it was temporary, and we made it work.
Our second year brought a new setting: a charming but aging farmhouse with lush green space and visits from nearby horses and donkeys. The space doubled as a weekend event venue, which meant that every Friday we packed up every book, pencil, and project, and every Monday we rebuilt our classrooms from scratch. It was exhausting—and magical. Our students loved being outdoors under the trees, and we finally saw what it meant to connect learning to nature.
Then, in the middle of that school year, everything changed again. The property owners were found to be out of compliance with local permits, and we had just one week to find a new location. It was a moment that could have broken us—but instead, it brought out the best in our community. Parents showed up with trucks, trailers, and their time. We moved into The Lodge at a nearby community park, transforming it into a school overnight.
But The Lodge, too, was an event space on weekends, so our materials either lived in storage or were tucked into closets each Friday afternoon. And yet, our students continued to grow, explore, and thrive. We learned something powerful during that season: learning doesn’t require a perfect building—it just needs heart, intention, and the right people. Our students showed us that learning can happen anywhere.
And finally, we found our forever home—a two-story house on nearly three acres with mature trees, a pond, and the peaceful setting we had dreamed of. But we only had six weeks to renovate, clean, furnish, and fully prepare it for students. Once again, our community rallied. With paintbrushes in hand and determination in our hearts, we transformed the space into the vibrant, welcoming school it is today.
Through every move, every unknown, and every challenge, we’ve held tight to our mission and to each other. PEAK Academy isn’t just a school—it’s a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and a community that refuses to give up. That’s what resilience looks like.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peakacademytexas.com
- Instagram: @peakacademytexas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peakacademytexas
