Skip to content

A Marked Minds Initiative

Focus + FLEX Academy

Small-group, project-based learning built to give every scholar individual attention, real academic rigor, and room to be a kid — for rising 2nd–7th graders across South Metro Atlanta.

Learn. Grow. Create. Thrive.

Join the Interest ListFund a Scholarship
The Focus + FLEX Academy community gathers for a group photo.

Session I Results

Session I proved the model works.

In June 2026, thirteen scholars from seven South DeKalb families joined our very first session. Every family who finished the program said they'd enroll again — and every one said they'd recommend Focus + FLEX to someone else. Session I proved the idea works. Session II is how we grow it, carefully.

13

Scholars Served

7

Families Served

100%

Would Enroll Again

100%

Would Recommend Us

How We Teach

A learning model built around real engagement.

Focus + FLEX Academy pairs two proven approaches so every student is known individually and challenged meaningfully.

Small-Group Learning

Low student-to-mentor ratios so every learner is seen, challenged, and supported individually.

Project-Based Learning

Students build real things — apps, stories, experiments — instead of memorizing for a test.

What Students Learn

Ten pillars, one integrated experience.

Every session weaves these disciplines together rather than teaching them in isolation.

AI Literacy

Students learn to use AI tools thoughtfully, critically, and creatively — not just consume them.

Coding

Hands-on programming that turns abstract logic into something students can build and show off.

Reading

Rich texts and guided discussion that build fluency, comprehension, and a love of story.

Writing

From journaling to persuasive essays, students develop a voice and the confidence to use it.

Mathematics

Number sense and problem solving taught in ways that connect to the real world.

Critical Thinking

Structured practice in asking better questions and evaluating evidence.

Creative Problem Solving

Design-thinking challenges that reward original ideas as much as correct answers.

Social Emotional Learning

Tools for self-awareness, regulation, and empathy woven into every session.

Movement

Purposeful physical activity that keeps growing bodies and minds engaged.

Family Partnership

Regular communication and events that keep families connected to what their student is learning.

The Experience

A first look at what a week looked like.

  • Writing and visual literacy with a guest educator
  • Math, chess, and strategy with our enrichment lead
  • A multi-day budget challenge that turned problem-solving into a team project
  • Hands-on art and creative expression
  • First coding profiles, with take-home practice to keep going
  • Student-led presentations scholars were genuinely proud to give
  • FLEX Friday — a full day of celebration and community that closed out the session

Session I

Moments from inside Focus + FLEX Academy.

Teamwork in action during a hands-on problem-solving activity.
Teamwork in action during a hands-on problem-solving activity.Session I
A scholar presents her project findings — Session I scholars practiced public speaking and built real confidence presenting their work.
A scholar presents her project findings — Session I scholars practiced public speaking and built real confidence presenting their work.Session I
Project-based learning through art and creative expression.
Project-based learning through art and creative expression.Session I
Scholars celebrate with shaved ice on FLEX Friday — the community day that closed out Session I.
Scholars celebrate with shaved ice on FLEX Friday — the community day that closed out Session I.Session I
Founder Dani Cummings and program intern Cameron — Session I doubled as a mentorship experience for the next generation of educators too.
Founder Dani Cummings and program intern Cameron — Session I doubled as a mentorship experience for the next generation of educators too.Session I
A scholar stays locked in during a writing activity — the kind of focus small-group learning makes possible.
A scholar stays locked in during a writing activity — the kind of focus small-group learning makes possible.Session I

“So much fun I'm not sure that they realized they were learning!”

— Focus + FLEX parent

Scholarships keep Focus + FLEX accessible.

No family should be turned away for financial reasons. In Session I, 19 individual donors and community partners helped cover tuition, materials, and meals — and 11 of our 13 scholars received scholarship support. That's the kind of community generosity that keeps Focus + FLEX accessible.

Fund a ScholarshipApply for a Scholarship

Sessions

Session I is complete. Session II has been postponed.

Completed

Session I

Our inaugural cohort, completed, focused on small-group academics, AI literacy, and creative problem solving.

Postponed

Session II

Thank you for the overwhelming support of Focus + FLEX Academy. We have made the decision to postpone our next session so we can continue delivering the high-quality experience our scholars deserve. Join our interest list to be the first to know when enrollment reopens.

Stay in the Loop

Join our interest list.

Thank you for the overwhelming support of Focus + FLEX Academy. We have made the decision to postpone our next session so we can continue delivering the high-quality experience our scholars deserve. Join our interest list to be the first to know when enrollment reopens.

Ready to learn more about Focus + FLEX Academy?

Reach out and our team will walk you through enrollment, scholarships, and what to expect from your student's first session.

Get In Touch