Tag Archives: ilead antelope valley

Igniting Curiosity: Explore the World of Science at iLEAD AV Exploration

At iLEAD AV Exploration, science is a way of thinking, exploring, and understanding the world. Our approach to science goes far beyond memorization. Our goal is to unlock kids’ curiosity, inquiry, and a deep appreciation for the scientific method. We emphasize hands-on activities and experimentation to solidify conceptual understanding and develop scientific fluency. At our TK-8 free public school independent study program in Lancaster, CA, our educational facilitators guide learners on an exciting exploration into the fascinating world of science.

A Progressive Scientific Journey Through the Grades

At iLEAD AV Exploration, science education is a continuous and carefully structured journey, progressively building knowledge and skills from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 8th grade. Our curriculum is designed to introduce fundamental scientific concepts at an age-appropriate level, expanding in complexity each year. Learners explore a wide array of disciplines, including physical sciences (like forces, energy, matter, and waves), life sciences (such as ecosystems, organisms, and genetics), Earth and space sciences (covering weather, Earth’s systems, and the solar system), and consistently integrate engineering design principles across all grade levels. This comprehensive and sequential approach ensures a deep and evolving understanding of the natural world and how to interact with it through scientific inquiry and innovation.

Project-Based Learning: Where Science Comes Alive

A cornerstone of our science education is Project-Based Learning (PBL). We believe that true understanding comes from applying knowledge from all subjects to real-world problems. As the California Science Standards Framework highlights, reading, writing, mathematics, and speaking are all essential for doing science effectively.

PBL at iLEAD AV Exploration equips learners with critical thinking and collaboration skills to solve real-world problems. Our projects are designed to be authentic and engaging, mirroring challenges faced by professionals outside of school. For example, learners might analyze local water quality through scientific reports or engineer more efficient wind turbine blades. These projects incorporate real-world steps and procedures, balanced with academic rigor, seamlessly integrating ELA, math, science, and even art.

TK-8 Engineering Design Process POL in Acton 03.28.25 1

Beyond the Classroom Walls: Connecting to the Real World

We foster ingenuity and authenticity in our projects by making genuine connections to the world around us. This could involve responding to local environmental concerns or addressing current global problems. Most importantly, we encourage learners to find personal meaning in their projects, drawing on their unique values, cultures, traditions, and interests.

Measuring Success: A Holistic Approach

We are dedicated to ensuring our learners achieve proficiency in science. We meet all statewide standards and participate in required assessments, including the California Science Test (CAST). However, our assessment goes beyond standardized tests. We use a range of authentic classroom assessments, including teacher (educational facilitator) observations, portfolios, and project-based evaluations, to provide a comprehensive picture of each learner’s progress and mastery of scientific concepts and skills.

At iLEAD AV Exploration, science is an adventure, a journey of discovery, and a vital tool for navigating our world.

 

About iLEAD AV Exploration:

iLEAD AV Exploration is a free public TK-8 school independent study program in Lancaster, CA, where flexibility meets robust support. Our credentialed educators empower each family’s journey with personalized guidance, award-winning curriculum, technology, vendor funds, engaging field trips, and the convenience of free drop-off workshops. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and find us at ileadav.org/av-exploration.

Join our caring school community today!

Meet the iLEAD AV Exploration Team

We’re thrilled to introduce you to the newest members of our iLEAD AV Exploration family and welcome back our familiar faces! Get ready for a fantastic school year with our dedicated team, all committed to supporting your learner’s success.

Meet Our New Staff!

Mrs. Yockey

Mrs Yockey

We’re excited to welcome Mrs. Yockey back to the iLEAD family, joining us here at iLEAD AV Exploration! Mrs. Yockey brings years of experience from the charter school world, having served as an experienced homeschool Educational Facilitator (EF). She’s worked with elementary, middle, and high school learners, and even taught ballroom dance to middle schoolers in a valley-wide competition! Married with three children, Mrs. Yockey will be supporting our 2nd & 3rd grade learners.

Mr. Carle

Joining us as our new Educational Specialist, Mr. Carle comes to us with teaching experience from Oxnard and LAUSD. Married with two children, Mr. Carle is eager to connect with and get to know his learners. We know the kids will truly enjoy working with him!

Welcoming Back Our Returning Team!

Mrs. AdrieAnna Rodgers and Mrs. Talena Booker

Our Office Staff

Our wonderful office staff is here to help!

  • Mrs. AdrieAnna Rodgers (Office Manager)
  • Mrs. Talena Booker (Family Liaison, Curriculum, and Care Team)

Our EF and Admin Team

iLEAD AV Exploration Staff Meet the Team 7.24.2025

We’re delighted to have our fantastic Educational Facilitator (EF) and Admin Team returning!

  • Ms. Budke (Director)
  • Mrs. Ward (K)
  • Ms. Toval (1st)
  • Mrs. Schoelen (1st)
  • Mrs. Hernandez (3rd, 4th)
  • Ms. Taranto (4th, 5th)
  • Mrs. Doyle (5th, 6th, 7th)
  • Mrs. Delgado (7th, 8th)
  • Ms. Woodman (TK, K)

Mrs. Cynthia Haven

Special Education Staff

And supporting our learners in Special Education:

  • Mrs. Cynthia Haven (Educational Specialist)

 

 

We can’t wait for a fantastic year with this incredible team!

iLEAD AV Exploration Spirit Wear for Sale at Popsicles in the Park

Get ready to show your school spirit! We’ll be selling our iLEAD AV Exploration School Spirit Wear shirts and sweatshirts at Meet the Facilitator/Popsicles in the Park on August 8.

Why grab some spirit wear? Our families love wearing these on meetups and field trips—they help us easily spot each other in a crowd! Just look for our shirts!

Pricing:

  • Shirts: $10 each
  • Sweatshirts: $15 each

We’ll have both adult and youth sizes available. Only cash payments will be accepted.

See you there!

iSUPPORT Meeting and Get the Tea with Tina and Terri: September 2

We love our Parent Support Group: iSUPPORT! iSUPPORT is a group of parents/guardians who help plan and organize events. It’s a great way to get involved and meet other parents.

Interested in joining? Our first meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, September 2, at 3:00-3:30 PM. The Zoom link will be sent via ParentSquare.

Immediately following the iSUPPORT meeting, we hold “Get the Tea with Tina and Terri.” This is a time you can ask our director and lead facilitator any question you may have. We also welcome feedback, requests, and new ideas. There is no set agenda for this. It’s just a time to chat with the admin and ask questions. We will conclude no later than 4:00.

Get Ready for School with a Free Backpack from the City of Lancaster

The new school year is almost here, and the City of Lancaster is here to help! For the fourth year, they’re giving away 9,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Where to Get Yours:

You can register to pick up a backpack on Saturday, August 2, at one of these four spots:

  • Lancaster Municipal Stadium: 45116 Valley Central Way
  • Park View Educational Complex: 44327 Fig Ave
  • Eastside High School: 3200 E Avenue J8
  • Joe Walker Middle School: 5632 W Avenue L8 (No health services at this spot)

More Than Just Backpacks!

It’s not just about school supplies! Bring the whole family for fun activities. Plus, you can get free immunizations and other health services at most locations.

We are so thankful to the City of Lancaster for helping our learners start the year strong. If you need one, be sure to register for a free backpack and get ready for a great school year!

Upcoming Events

iLEAD AV Studio

  • Mon., 6/9 – Mon., 8/11: Summer Break
  • Tue., 8/12: First Day of 2025-26 School Year
  • Mon., 9/1: Labor Day – No School
  • Thur., 9/4: Minimum Day – All Grades
  • Thur., 9/4: Back to School Night
  • Thur., 9/11: Minimum Day – All Grades
  • Thur.-Fri., 9/25-26: Individualized Learning Plans

Click here for the school year calendar.

iLEAD AV Exploration (Home Study)

  • Mon., 6/9 – Mon., 8/11: Summer Break
  • Mon.-Wed., 7/28-8/1: Returning Family Early Curriculum Pickup
  • Wed.-Thur., 8/6-7: New Family Curriculum Pickup
  • Fri., 8/8: Popsicles in the Park – Meet Your Facilitator, Rawley Duntley Park, 10:00 AM to noon
  • Mon., 8/11: Parent Back to School Event on Zoom, 12:00-2:00 PM
  • Tue., 8/12: First Day of 2025-26 School Year
  • Tue., 8/26: School Pictures
  • Mon., 9/1: Labor Day – No School

Click here for the school year calendar.

Building Confident Communicators at iLEAD AV Exploration

At iLEAD AV Exploration, we believe that education is about more than just memorizing facts. It’s about igniting a lifelong love for learning, fostering critical thinking, and equipping kids with the skills they’ll need to succeed in our rapidly changing world. Our academic programs are thoughtfully designed to achieve just that, blending rigorous standards with innovative, engaging educational methods across all core subjects.

When it comes to English Language Arts (ELA), iLEAD AV Exploration learners are immersed in a dynamic environment from their very first day in our program. We go beyond traditional reading and writing, focusing on developing well-rounded communicators.

We emphasize collaboration and peer review throughout the learning process, understanding that constructive feedback is crucial for continuous improvement. These principles culminate in regular presentations of learning, where learners of all ages gain comfort speaking to adults and the wider community, proudly sharing their work and insights.

Foundational Excellence (TK-2): Building Literacy from the Ground Up

For our youngest learners, we build literacy skills from the ground up. We use a well-rounded program that includes a strong focus on basic reading skills. This means we specifically guide kids to do the following:

  • Recognize sounds in words (phonological awareness, like rhyming).
  • Connect letters to sounds (phonics).
  • Read smoothly and easily (fluency).
  • Learn new words (vocabulary).
  • Truly understand what they read (comprehension).

We check their progress regularly, use special books that are easy to sound out, help them master common words, and teach clear grammar rules. All of this gives your child the essential tools to read, understand, and express themselves well in a fun and supportive environment.

iLEAD AV Exploration learners reading 11.7.2024

Building on Baselines (3-5): Deepening Understanding and Expression

As our learners grow, our program builds on those strong foundations, using tools to deepen their reading comprehension, make their reading even smoother, and expand their vocabulary. Learners also develop important writing skills through our writing program, focusing on the following:

  • Correct grammar.
  • Spelling.
  • How words are built (like prefixes and suffixes).
  • How to organize their thoughts into clear essays and stories.

We use various assessments, including state tests, to track their progress. Plus, we weave in social-emotional learning (SEL) to help our learners manage feelings and work with others, recognizing that strong communication is linked to emotional intelligence. Regular opportunities for peer review and collaborative projects are integrated into their coursework, fostering a culture of mutual support and continuous improvement.

Advanced Mastery (6-8): Preparing for High School and Beyond

In middle school, our literacy program guides learners to tackle advanced reading, become highly fluent, and develop a sophisticated vocabulary. This prepares them for college and beyond. They’ll refine their writing, focusing on the following:

  • Complex grammar.
  • Precise word choice.
  • Understanding word origins.
  • Structuring their writing for different purposes.

State tests and other assessments help us ensure our learners stay on track. We use a variety of educational methods, like graphic organizers to help learners structure ideas, along with continued social-emotional learning, to encourage critical thinking, strong analysis, and effective communication across all subjects.

A cornerstone of this advanced mastery is our emphasis on public speaking through regular presentations of learning. These opportunities are designed to build confidence, allowing learners to articulate their ideas clearly, respond to questions, and engage effectively with their peers, facilitators, families, and community members.

At iLEAD AV Exploration, academic rigor in English Language Arts is intertwined with innovation, collaboration, and a deep sense of purpose. We’re not just preparing learners for tests — we’re preparing them to be confident, capable, and compassionate communicators ready to make their mark.

 

About iLEAD AV Exploration:

iLEAD AV Exploration is a free public TK-8 school independent study program in Lancaster, CA, where flexibility meets robust support. Our credentialed educators empower each family’s journey with personalized guidance, award-winning curriculum, technology, vendor funds, engaging field trips, and the convenience of free drop-off workshops. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and find us at ileadav.org/av-exploration.

Join our caring school community today!

Building Confident Communicators at iLEAD AV Studio

At iLEAD AV Studio, we believe that education is about more than just memorizing facts. It’s about igniting a lifelong love for learning, fostering critical thinking, and equipping kids with the skills they’ll need to succeed in our rapidly changing world. Our academic programs are thoughtfully designed to achieve just that, blending rigorous standards with innovative, engaging educational methods across all core subjects.

When it comes to English Language Arts (ELA), iLEAD AV Studio learners are immersed in a dynamic environment from their very first steps into our classrooms. We go beyond traditional reading and writing, focusing on developing well-rounded communicators.

We emphasize collaboration and peer review throughout the learning process, understanding that constructive feedback is crucial for continuous improvement. These principles culminate in regular presentations of learning, where learners of all ages gain comfort speaking to adults and the wider community, proudly sharing their work and insights.

Foundational Excellence (TK-2): Building Literacy from the Ground Up

For our youngest learners, we build literacy skills from the ground up. We use a well-rounded program that includes a strong focus on basic reading skills. This means we specifically guide kids to do the following:

  • Recognize sounds in words (phonological awareness, like rhyming).
  • Connect letters to sounds (phonics).
  • Read smoothly and easily (fluency).
  • Learn new words (vocabulary).
  • Truly understand what they read (comprehension).

We check their progress regularly, use special books that are easy to sound out, help them master common words, and teach clear grammar rules. All of this gives your child the essential tools to read, understand, and express themselves well in a fun and supportive classroom.

learners book

Building on Baselines (3-5): Deepening Understanding and Expression

As our learners grow, our program builds on those strong foundations, using tools to deepen their reading comprehension, make their reading even smoother, and expand their vocabulary. Learners also develop important writing skills through our writing program, focusing on the following:

  • Correct grammar.
  • Spelling.
  • How words are built (like prefixes and suffixes).
  • How to organize their thoughts into clear essays and stories.

We use various assessments, including state tests, to track their progress. Plus, we weave in social-emotional learning (SEL) to help our learners manage feelings and work with others, recognizing that strong communication is linked to emotional intelligence. Regular opportunities for peer review and collaborative projects are integrated into their coursework, fostering a culture of mutual support and continuous improvement.

Advanced Mastery (6-8): Preparing for High School and Beyond

In middle school, our literacy program guides learners to tackle advanced reading, become highly fluent, and develop a sophisticated vocabulary. This prepares them for college and beyond. They’ll refine their writing, focusing on the following:

  • Complex grammar.
  • Precise word choice.
  • Understanding word origins.
  • Structuring their writing for different purposes.

State tests and other assessments help us ensure our learners stay on track. We use a variety of educational methods, like graphic organizers to help learners structure ideas, along with continued social-emotional learning, to encourage critical thinking, strong analysis, and effective communication across all subjects.

A cornerstone of this advanced mastery is our emphasis on public speaking through regular presentations of learning. These opportunities are designed to build confidence, allowing learners to articulate their ideas clearly, respond to questions, and engage effectively with their peers, facilitators, families, and community members.

At iLEAD AV Studio, academic rigor in English Language Arts is intertwined with innovation, collaboration, and a deep sense of purpose. We’re not just preparing learners for tests — we’re preparing them to be confident, capable, and compassionate communicators ready to make their mark.

 

About iLEAD AV Studio:

iLEAD AV Studio is a free public TK-8 school in Lancaster, CA, that fosters personalized education through project-based learning, social-emotional development, independent critical thinking. Our approach integrates technology and the arts, encourages entrepreneurship and collaboration, and values family participation. Our unique hands-on projects, including aerospace and glider-flight opportunities, prepare learners for success in high-demand careers. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadav.org.

Join our exciting school today!

Get Ready for School with a Free Backpack from the City of Lancaster

The new school year is almost here, and the City of Lancaster is here to help! For the fourth year, they’re giving away 9,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Where to Get Yours:

You can register to pick up a backpack on Saturday, August 2, at one of these four spots:

  • Lancaster Municipal Stadium: 45116 Valley Central Way
  • Park View Educational Complex: 44327 Fig Ave
  • Eastside High School: 3200 E Avenue J8
  • Joe Walker Middle School: 5632 W Avenue L8 (No health services at this spot)

More Than Just Backpacks!

It’s not just about school supplies! Bring the whole family for fun activities. Plus, you can get free immunizations and other health services at most locations.

We are so thankful to the City of Lancaster for helping our learners start the year strong. If you need one, be sure to register for a free backpack and get ready for a great school year!

Upcoming Events

iLEAD AV Studio

  • Mon., 6/9 – Mon., 8/11: Summer Break
  • Tue., 8/12: First Day of 2025-26 School Year
  • Mon., 9/1: Labor Day – No School
  • Thur., 9/4: Minimum Day – All Grades
  • Thur., 9/4: Back to School Night
  • Thur., 9/11: Minimum Day – All Grades
  • Thur.-Fri., 9/25-26: Individualized Learning Plans

Click here for the school year calendar.

iLEAD AV Exploration (Home Study)

  • Mon., 6/9 – Mon., 8/11: Summer Break
  • Mon.-Wed., 7/28-8/1: Returning Family Early Curriculum Pickup
  • Wed.-Thur., 8/6-7: New Family Curriculum Pickup
  • Fri., 8/8: Popsicles in the Park – Meet Your Facilitator, Rawley Duntley Park, 10:00 AM to noon
  • Mon., 8/11: Parent Back to School Event on Zoom, 12:00-2:00 PM
  • Tue., 8/12: First Day of 2025-26 School Year
  • Tue., 8/26: School Pictures
  • Mon., 9/1: Labor Day – No School

Click here for the school year calendar.