WASC Accredited
1,200+ Families Served
93% Re-Enroll
17 Countries · 47+ US States + D.C.

Somewhere Right Now, a Kid Just Like Yours Is Laughing in a Class They Chose, With Friends Who Finally Get Them.

That's not a fantasy. That's a Tuesday at Young Scholars Academy. 175 live online courses for gifted or 2e kids ages 5 to 18. Classes of 6 to 8. Mentors who were these kids. A virtual campus where they actually want to hang out.

Explore Summer Camps

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

As Featured On

Davidson Institute

For Talent Development

Bright & Quirky

Gifted Education Summit

WASC

Accredited School

TEDx

Featured Speaker

Uniquely Human

Podcast Guest

Tilt Parenting

2e Families

Does This Sound Like Your Kid?

They're the one who corrects the teacher…

and then eats lunch alone.

They can talk for two hours about black holes or medieval siege weapons or the lore behind their favorite game.

But they can't find a single person their age who cares.

What's true about them

They have extraordinary strengths.

What the school sends home

Notes about what's wrong — not what's remarkable.

Maybe you've pulled them out to homeschool. Maybe you're thinking about it. Maybe you just need something better alongside what they already have.

They've tried programs that promised to challenge them. Most were just more of the same. A few made things worse.

And you… you're tired. You've been advocating for this child their entire life. You know exactly how remarkable they are.

You just haven't found anywhere that sees it too.

We see it.

Find Your Fit

Is YSA right for your child?

We're not for everyone — and that's okay. Here's who thrives with us.

Great Fit If Your Child…

No diagnosis required

Is clever and quirky

Is both bored by school and overwhelmed with production demands

Feels isolated or "different" from peers — or has given up looking for friends who get them

Has intense curiosity about specific subjects they want to go deep on

Thrives with personalized attention, not a room of 30

Needs a safe space to take intellectual risks without being judged

Has been called "too much" or "not enough" by a system that doesn't see them

No diagnosis is required. If you recognize your child, they belong here.

May Not Be Ideal If…

Good to know upfront

You want a program that rewards compliance over curiosity

You're looking for passive video lessons your child watches alone

Your child thrives in large groups where they're one of 30

You believe the solution is to fix your child rather than change the environment

We'd rather you find the right fit — even if it's not us.

Not sure? Let your child try a class and decide for themselves.

Try a Class

Why Families Choose YSA

Here's How We're Different.

Young Scholars Academy is an accredited virtual learning community built specifically for kids whose brains work differently. Not built for everyone and then adapted. Built for them. Built by neurodivergent educators who are grown up versions of them. Every class, every mentor, every corner of our campus exists because a kid like yours needed it to.

Three things set us apart from anything else out there:

1. The Mentors.

If you ask any YSA family why they keep coming back here, 10/10 will tell you it's because we have the best darn teachers in the world!

Your child is the center of our mentors' universe! They meet daily to talk about how each student is doing, share strategies, and wins!

Most YSA mentors are neurodivergent themselves. Many are parents of gifted or 2e kids. Some even send their kiddos here! They don't read about these kids in textbooks. They were these kids.

They check in when someone's been quiet. They notice things most teachers miss... because they remember what it felt like to be missed.

Your child will know the difference in the first five minutes.

2. The Size.

6 to 8 students per class. Maximum. No exceptions.

Your child isn't performing for a room of 30. They're part of a conversation. They're called on by name and by interest. The mentor knows what they're working on, what lights them up, and what they're struggling with.

This is what "personalized education" actually looks like when someone means it.

Small cohorts create lasting friendships with true peers

3. The Campus.

Classes happen on Zoom. But that's not the whole story.

Between sessions, students log into a virtual campus. They walk between buildings as avatars. They sit with friends in common areas. They eat lunch together. They build a social life that extends beyond any single class.

Cameras are always optional. The campus opens daily.

For kids who've been burned by screen fatigue, this changes everything. It's a place they want to be... not a meeting they have to endure.

Open daily · cameras always optional

See It For Yourself

This Is What It Looks Like.

Real YSA students on the virtual campus — laughing, connecting, and just being kids.

Trusted by the Leading Voice in Gifted & 2e Education

Debbie Steinberg-Kuntz

Founder, Bright & Quirky

#1 voice in gifted & 2e education

Leading voice in gifted & 2e education

“The secret to putting the light in your child's eyes is: blowing on the embers of their strengths and interests.”

I have to admit, I have one lingering question about how I raised my bright and quirky kids. Don't get me wrong, they turned out GREAT (knock wood :), now at ages 22 and 19. But they both suffered through public school that at many times did not meet their needs, both for acceleration in their areas of strength and interest, and support in lagging areas.

Once I gained knowledge in how to best educate their unique minds, I supplemented their education with enrichment classes and we even did non-preferred subjects at online schools to boost their engagement.

I highly recommend this strategy for kids in public, private, and home school, especially if they're disengaged, bored or under-achieving.

That's why I want to introduce you to Sam Young and his program of enrichment and year-long classes at Young Scholars Academy. He's running a very unique program with intriguing classes for kids 5–18, like executive function, D&D, debate, AP classes, social club, and much more.

I feel confident in recommending Sam and team to enrich your child's education.

PS If you're looking for a unique way to develop your child's strengths and interests, and support their lagging skills, check out Young Scholars Academy.

How Families Use YSA

There's No Single Way In.

Young Scholars Academy is WASC accredited and offers comprehensive academic coverage across 175 courses. Some homeschool families use YSA as their child's primary learning community for 20+ hours per week. Some families use YSA for supplemental enrichment.

There's no single way in. Pick the path that matches where your family is right now.

Enrichment

Level up your child's day by adding several courses per week, alongside whatever school they already attend. Add fun, friends, 21st century skill development, depth and challenge. All built around the things they love.

Start from $500/semester

Browse Enrichment

WASC Accredited

Homeschool Community

WASC-accredited courses and transcripts that validate your homeschool journey and impress colleges. Your child gets to learn the content that they dream of in a community with like-minded peers who get them. And, you get documentation that improves that spotty transcript.

Transcripts & documentation included

Explore Homeschool

Free with 3+ courses

Social Connection

The place where your child stops feeling lonely and starts making real friends. Friendship clubs, social gaming groups, and community events. For the kid who just needs their people.

Included free with 3+ courses

See Social Programs

Primary community

Accredited Learning

Comprehensive academic coverage across 175 courses spanning STEM, arts, gaming, life skills, AP, and more. WASC accredited. Many families use YSA as their child's primary learning community.

Full academic coverage

Explore Accredited Programs

Young Scholars Academy is flexible and can be used to support your family, whatever your journey looks like.

What Families Say

Real YSA Parents.
Unedited. Unscripted.

Ben loves YSA because he and the other kids WANT TO BE THERE. The teaching style is Socratic and discussion-based. I didn't experience learning like that until law school.

“It has fundamentally changed the way we homeschool. Sophia's headphones didn't work on Monday and I had the privilege of hearing her teachers. I had no idea the teaching quality was that good, I just knew my kids were thriving. Now I see why!”

“They had acceleration, but not belonging. Young Scholars Academy changed that.”

“This is by far the best academic year my kid has experienced since kindergarten!”

“All the kids are just like him, so he doesn't feel as out of place.”

Your child's path starts here.

There's no placement test, no prerequisite, and no phone call. Here's how families find their fit at YSA.

Start with what lights them up.

Think about what your child already loves — not what they're behind on. The kid who can't stop talking about mythology, the one building worlds in Minecraft, the one who argues about everything. That passion is the entry point. At YSA, we build out from strengths, not deficits.

Strength-based · No prerequisites

Pick a class — or build a whole schedule.

Every course is 50 minutes, live on Zoom, with 6–8 kids and an expert mentor. Take one class a week or stack a full schedule. No minimum. No lock-in.

One class or full schedule · No minimum

They meet kids who finally get them.

Your child walks into a class about something they love — and discovers a room full of kids who love it too. Same cohort all week (camps) or all semester (courses). Friendships form fast when kids aren't performing for each other.

Same friends all week · Small cohorts of 6–8

Watch what happens.

Most families tell us the shift comes in the first few weeks. The kid who dreaded school starts asking to log on. They mention a teacher by name. 93% of families re-enroll — not because we ask them to, but because their kids won't let them stop.

93% re-enroll · Day 1 money-back promise

Start with what lights them up.

Strength-based · No prerequisites

Pick a class — or build a whole schedule.

Every course is 50 minutes, live on Zoom, with 6–8 kids and an expert mentor. Take one class a week or stack a full schedule. No minimum. No lock-in.

One class or full schedule · No minimum

They meet kids who finally get them.

Same friends all week · Small cohorts of 6–8

Watch what happens.

93% re-enroll · Day 1 money-back promise

No commitment required No phone call Start online in minutes Day 1 money-back promise

Year-Round Programs

YSA Runs Year-Round.

Every season brings a different way in. Most families stay for years.

Year-Long

Sep – May

36 Weeks

Year-Long students see the most growth! Fall is the only time when the most popular and impactful courses can be enrolled in. AP, Adulting, and more! Year-Long students benefit from deeper friendships, more stability, depth of learning, and mentor relationships.

Year-Long students see the most growth

Fall

Sep – Dec

16 Weeks

Enrichment courses meet once a week. Your child picks the subjects they love, goes deep, and builds friendships over the semester. This is where most families start.

Most families start here

Spring

Jan – May

20 Weeks

Enrichment courses meet once a week. Your child picks the subjects they love, goes deep, and builds friendships over the semester.

Longest & deepest semester

Summer

Jun – Aug

10 Weeks

Camps run 5 days straight, Monday through Friday, 50 minutes a day, one week at a time. Stack multiple camps and unlock the virtual campus between sessions.

Many families discover YSA here

Most families stay for years!

EXPERT EDUCATORS

Learn From the Best.

Real YSA mentors — neurodivergent educators, former 2e students, and specialists who were these kids.

Megan Hardy

Professional Dungeon Master & Game Educator

Building D&D adventures tailored to each student's unique individual needs.

Find Your Teacher
Ms. Jackson

26 Years Theatre & Performing Arts

Theatre educator with nearly 60 productions and 26 years of experience.

Find Your Teacher
Amy Bechtol

Strength-Based Learning Specialist

Connecting neurodivergent students to meaningful curriculum in engaging ways.

Find Your Teacher
Miss Anna

Youth Mentor & Play-Based Educator

Helping students feel seen, heard, and valued through play-based learning.

Find Your Teacher
Nelson Dean

STAR Teacher Award Recipient

20 years of education experience across all ages, backgrounds, and subjects.

Find Your Teacher
Malikai Bass

Profoundly Gifted/2e Educator

Explicitly 2e, with four years of virtual teaching and 1,000+ students taught.

Find Your Teacher
Katie Barnwell

Music Educator & Former 2e Student

A former 2e student herself, with 5+ years teaching music and a focus on adaptability.

Find Your Teacher
Jenny

Neurodivergent Educator · Philosophy

A neurodivergent educator who brings pop culture and games into class, with 5 years' experience.

Find Your Teacher
Mr. Jake

MFA Humanities · Academic Coach

10+ years with neurodivergent students; academic coach for gifted or ADHD learners and neurodiversity podcast co-host.

Find Your Teacher
Jennifer Hughes

Retired Attorney · History Dept. Chair

Retired attorney with 30+ years in criminal, international, and family court; History Department Chair.

Find Your Teacher
Hushbeck

Teacher of the Year · Phi Beta Kappa

Teacher of the Year and Chickasaw Nation citizen with dual BAs in Political Science and Journalism.

Find Your Teacher
Sean Troy

Geography & World Studies · D&D

Builds student confidence through geography, world studies, and Dungeons & Dragons.

Find Your Teacher
Nicole P

M.Ed · Educator, Artist & Author

Brings story and games into learning as an educator, entrepreneur, artist, and author.

Find Your Teacher
Ms. Wish

Homeschooling Mom & Lifelong Gamer

Runs social gaming clubs as a homeschooling mom and lifelong gamer.

Find Your Teacher
Mr. Tidman

Growth-Mindset Educator

Father of neurodivergent boys who teaches with a growth-mindset approach.

Find Your Teacher
Miss L

Low-Demand Learning Specialist

Patient and flexible, creating a safe, welcoming, low-demand space for every learner.

Find Your Teacher

Global Community

Our Kids Are All Around the World.

1,200+ families across 47+ US states and 17 countries have found their people at YSA.

1,200+

Families Served

Countries

47+

US States + D.C.

93%

Re-Enroll

Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom

17 Countries across 6 continents

United States

Canada

Ireland

United Kingdom

Germany

Switzerland

Norway

Italy

Korea

Singapore

Australia

New Zealand

Brazil

Chile

Peru

Uganda

Trinidad & Tobago

Photo coming soon

Mr. Sam, M.Ed.

M.Ed. · Fulbright Scholar · TEDx Speaker · 2e Advocate · Head of School

Two-time Fulbright Scholar TEDx Speaker Neurodivergent Educator ADHD Advocate

From the Founder

I built Young Scholars Academy because I was the kid who needed it.

I was "too much" and "not enough" in the same breath. Too intense. Too sensitive. Not focused enough. Not compliant enough. I know what it costs when no one in the room sees you clearly.

I also know what changes when someone finally does.

This isn't a business I started because I wanted to... It's a place I built because I had to. I couldn't find it anywhere, and I knew other families couldn't either.

Explore Programs

93% come back every semester. Not because we market to them. Because their kids won't let them leave.

1,200+

Families served

93%

Re-enroll

47+

US States

Countries

If it doesn't work, we make it right.

If your child doesn't connect with YSA in their first 30 days, we'll find a better-fit course, issue a full credit, or stop future payments. No questions asked.

This guarantee exists because we know what it's like to sign up for something and have it not work. Again. We're not asking you to commit. We're asking you to try.

Better-fit course offered

We find you a class that actually clicks
Full credit issued

Applied to any future enrollment
Payments stopped immediately

No hoops, no runaround

ESA & Charter
Funding Accepted

Your State May Already Cover This.

Many families use Education Savings Accounts or charter school funds to pay for YSA. Some pay zero out of pocket.

1 You enroll directly
2 We provide the invoice
3 Your ESA reimburses you

Check If Your State Qualifies

We walk you through every step.

Not Ready? That's Fine.

Grab the free parent guide.

"5 Signs Your Gifted or 2e Child Is Being Under-Served — And What Actually Works"

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Free forever.

What's inside

5 clear warning signs to watch for
Why typical solutions fail 2e kids
What actually works — and why
How to advocate effectively
Questions to ask any program

Their People Are Here.

Right now, a kid who thinks like yours is finding their people.

In a class they chose. With a mentor who was once just like them. Surrounded by friends who don't think they're weird — they think they're interesting.

Your child is one click from finding out what that feels like.

1,200+

Families

93%

Re-enroll

Countries

Explore Summer Camps 2026 RSVP for the once-a-year Back to School Open House event

No phone call required Start in minutes Day 1 money-back promise WASC Accredited

COMMON QUESTIONS

Questions Parents Ask.

Everything you need to know about Young Scholars Academy.

What is Young Scholars Academy?

YSA is a WASC-accredited virtual village for gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students ages 5–18. We offer 175 live online courses (from Minecraft Redstone Engineering to AP Psychology to Mock Trial) with a maximum of 6–8 students per course, taught by 22 hand-selected mentor teachers who are neurodivergent themselves. We serve 1,200+ families across 47+ states and 17 countries. This is not a marketplace. It's a school and a community.

How does it work?

During Fall and Spring semesters, courses meet once a week, live on Zoom, 50 minutes per session. During Summer, camps run Monday through Friday, one week at a time. When your child enrolls in 3 or more courses, they get free access to Homeroom Social Club — a weekly gathering with a consistent group of friends. Between courses, students hang out on our virtual campus where they walk as avatars, eat lunch together, and build real friendships with kids from around the world who finally get them.

Who is this for?

Gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students, including kids with ADHD, autism, giftedness, anxiety, dyslexia, and PDA. No diagnosis required. If your child is clever, quirky, and hasn't found their people yet, they belong here. About 65% of our families homeschool. The rest use us alongside traditional or charter schools.

Is this a low-demand environment?

Yes. No grades. No traditional homework. Cameras always optional. Challenge by choice. Students are never cold-called, never forced to participate, and never penalized for how they choose to engage. For students with PDA, demand avoidance, or anxiety, this is the difference between a program they resist and one they ask to log into.

How much does it cost?

Semester courses start around $500. Summer camps start around $160/week. Payment plans, sibling discounts, referral credits, and ESA/charter funding accepted. We're an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs.

Will my child actually make friends?

This is the part that surprises parents most. Your child joins a course about something they love and meets 6–8 kids who love it too. Same group all semester (or all week for camps). Parents tell us their children are more connected with this community than with anyone physically around them. 93% of families re-enroll because their kids won't let them stop.

What if it doesn't work?

100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Switch courses, receive a credit, or stop payments. No questions asked. We can offer this because we know what happens when these kids find their people.

What do parents get?

Virtual Coffee & Connect hours every couple of weeks. Regular Expert Talks with leaders like Seth Perler, Debbie Reber, and Dr. Temple Grandin. A Facebook group where families connect and support each other. Progress updates from mentors. And the ability to watch your child's courses anytime (just stay off camera). You're not just enrolling your child. You're joining a village.

Somewhere Right Now, a Kid Just Like Yours Is Laughing in a Class They Chose, With Friends Who Finally Get Them.

Does This Sound Like Your Kid?

Great Fit If Your Child…

May Not Be Ideal If…

1. The Mentors.

2. The Size.

3. The Campus.

This Is What It Looks Like.

Enrichment

Homeschool Community

Social Connection

Accredited Learning

The YSA Methodology

Depth Over Breadth

Neurodivergent-Affirming

Socratic Discussion

Expert Mentorship

Peer Community

Emotionally Safe

Start with what lights them up.

Pick a class — or build a whole schedule.

They meet kids who finally get them.

Watch what happens.

Start with what lights them up.

Pick a class — or build a whole schedule.

They meet kids who finally get them.

Watch what happens.

Year-Long

Fall

Spring

Summer

Megan Hardy

Ms. Jackson

Amy Bechtol

Miss Anna

Nelson Dean

Malikai Bass

Katie Barnwell

Jenny

Mr. Jake

Jennifer Hughes

Hushbeck

Sean Troy

Nicole P

Ms. Wish

Mr. Tidman

Miss L

Our Kids Are All Around the World.

I built Young Scholars Academy because I was the kid who needed it.

If it doesn't work, we make it right.

Your State May Already Cover This.

Grab the free parent guide.

Right now, a kid who thinks like yours is finding their people.

What is Young Scholars Academy?

How does it work?

Who is this for?

Is this a low-demand environment?

How much does it cost?

Will my child actually make friends?

What if it doesn't work?

What do parents get?