Welcome to Beacon Academy of Southern Utah!
Our Mission
Beacon Academy seeks to be a long-lasting community dedicated to nurturing the genius, passions, and potential in each child and parent through excellence in education, leadership, and individualized mentoring.
As a Commonwealth based on the principles of A Thomas Jefferson Education (also known as Leadership Education), we seek to support families as they build on their Core, Love of Learning, and Scholar phases in the home. Our primary focus is on enhancing the Scholar phase through leadership, classical literature, and studying the history of Western Civilization.
Registration is currently full for the coming year. To apply for next year, to register if you are a current member, or for more information, please email Ashley at beaconacademysu at gmail.com
We meet at Henry's Place located at 3542 Bumblebee Dr. in Cedar City, Utah on Wednesdays. Fall semester classes begin August 19 and go till December 9. Winter semester classes begin January 6 and end May 5. Tuition for each class is $300 per year.
Junior Classes
Nursery for ages 0-3 Liberty Girls for girls 8-11
Builders for ages 4-5 Sons of Liberty for boys 8-11
Explorers for ages 6-7
Junior school classes are focused on love of learning, adapting curriculum content to the age of the students in each class. This year junior school will focus on leadership, and developing moral character as we study the 50 states in the United States celebrating America's 250th year! In our classes we will use stories, poetry, art, science, music, and crafts to reiterate characteristics of leadership and confidence as we learn about our world.
Scholar Class Descriptions
MORNING CORE CLASSES
This practice scholar class is an opportunity for students to take charge of their own education. The course is centered on the timeless tales of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, focusing on building integrity and courage through studying the lives and times of Lewis and Tolkien. Throughout the year we will read and discuss Do Hard Things. Students will practice and develop skills in reading, discussing, writing, and presenting. They will also work on projects related to their readings and set goals with a mentor. This is such a fun launch into scholar classes!
Journey of a Hero Mentors: Taylia Bunker, Candice Tuttle, Jenna DeGraaf
"What is mine to do?" This question launches us into an inspiring class where we explore the globe, learning from different cultures and how challenges are faced by amazing people the world over. In Journey we use great books, writing, presentations, fun activities, food, and a fantastic game to dive into true principles of human nature, leadership, and heroic character. In Journey we carefully build on our scholar skills one step at a time and use individualized mentoring and projects to help each child answer the question, "What is mine to do?" in their own life.
Our Story: Founding and Framing Freedom Mentors: Jenny Barney, Rachelle Howard, Lacey Nakayama
In this class we study the American Revolution, its leadership, and America's founding. Get ready for a fantastic class with a flexible reading list, simulations, and lots of inspiring activities focused on our nation's founding and leadership. We will be discussing our readings in class, writing papers, memorizing and giving presentations.
Rendezvous with Greatness Mentors: Shannon Seright, Deidre Henkel, Keshia Phillipenas
Rendezvous with Greatness, meant to be taken after Our Story, delves into the history of the Civil War and World Wars I & II. We’ll be reading, discussing, writing papers, and presenting in this class. By completing course requirements you will earn a replica Civil War sword!!
Compass of Truth Mentors: BreeAnna Laub, Ashley Oborn, Melanie Petersen
In Compass of Truth we will dive deeply into historical issues and classical literature, looking for principles of truth that are in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ and will help students and mentors to confront the questions of the past and of our day in a manner befitting a disciple of Jesus Christ. We seek to be transformed by our studies into people who can make a difference in the world.
Quest 1 & 2 Mentors: Kira Johnson, Tia Fawson
Think you’re ready to level up? Quest 1 & 2 is not your average class—it’s a full-on experience designed to push you, shape you, and help you become the kind of leader who actually makes a difference. Through writing, speaking, document studies, discussions, simulations, games, etc. you will grow leaps and bounds. In this advanced, year-long course you will explore the lives of six influential leaders; people like Patrick Henry, Martin Luther, and Abigail Adams. Students will learn to read with purpose, speak with confidence, break down complex ideas, and write with power in a way that actually matters. You’ll develop the skills of a true Statesman—someone who knows how to lead with integrity, stand up for what’s right, and inspire others to do the same.
AFTERNOON SCHOLAR CLASSES
Adventures in Shakespeare Mentors: Tia Fawson, Tenya Hall, Olivia Burr
This is a leadership class we encourage every student to take! We take on the challenge of studying Shakespeare. In the first semester, we study 3 plays, memorize quotes, give presentations, and get out of our comfort zone playing theater games. The second semester is devoted to learning lines, rehearsing, and putting on a play. This experience is transformative! The play will be put on at the end of the school year (April or May) and involves a final tech week that will take over your life for a while! But it will be something your kids will talk about and remember for the rest of their lives!!
Dad School Organizer: Melanie Petersen Mentors: Various dads from Beacon families
This will be a variety of Commonwealth dads sharing their passions for learning and growth. This class may include lessons and experiences in the following topics and perhaps more: Preserving food, Butchering, Swing dancing, Leadership, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Starting Your Own Business, Family History Story-Booking, Architecture, Graphic Design, Web Development, Photography, Bitcoin, The Power of Positive Thinking, Woodworking, etc.
This will be a one semester class and will be taught in the fall.
Advanced Acting Mentors: Lou Anne Randall, Deidre Henkel, Whitney Laub
Let your inner thespian come forth! Join your fellow actors in this fall semester class in order to perform a play very early in 2027 (not Shakespeare!). It would begin with auditions, consist of rehearsals, and culminate in the play.
This will be a one-semester class and will be taught in the fall.
Home Economics Organizer: JoDee Martin Mentors: Various moms and dads from Beacon families
This class would be held for one semester and will likely be taught similarly to dad school; we will have multiple moms and dads come and teach skills on different weeks. We hope for this to be hands-on and lots of fun. Topics would vary based on what those that volunteer want to share with us, but could include things such as sewing, home repair, food prep, cooking, personal finance, interior design, etc.
Ages 12+
