Summer 2026 is open. Classes cap at 8.
See Summer CampsEXPERT EDUCATORS
These aren’t traditional teachers. They’re mentors who understand how differently-wired minds work.
Our mentors are more than just educators—they are experts in connecting with and inspiring gifted and 2e minds.
Every mentor is carefully vetted, not just for expertise — but for empathy, creativity, and ability to connect.
Families consistently say our teachers are the biggest reason they continue with us.
Our mentors are specifically trained to work with advanced and neurodivergent learners.
Many of our teachers were gifted students themselves — they truly understand your child.
“Our mentors don’t just teach gifted and 2e kids — they were those kids.”
— Sarah L., Parent of an 11-year-old scholar
Learn from world-class experts dedicated to your growth and success.
PEER FAVORITE
26 Years Theatre & Performing Arts
Theatre educator with nearly 60
productions and 26 years of experience.
Strength-Based Learning Specialist
Connecting neurodivergent students to
meaningful curriculum in engaging ways.
PEER FAVORITE
Youth Mentor & Play-Based Educator
Helping students feel seen, heard,
and valued through play-based learning.
Professional Dungeon Master & Game Educator
Building D&D adventures tailored to
each student's unique individual needs.
STAR Teacher Award Recipient
20 years of education experience across
all ages, backgrounds, and subjects.
M.Ed, Educator, Author & Artist
Using story and games to spark
student curiosity and deep engagement.
Former Private School Teacher
Developing social skills through safe,
age-appropriate online gaming environments.
Science Educator & Neurodivergent Advocate
Championing growth mindset and the
brilliance of neurodivergent learners.
Film & Music Educator, Former 2e Student
Empowering each student's strengths through
adaptability, film, and music.
Teacher of the Year, BA Political Science
Creating inclusive, flexible environments
to develop life skills and executive function.
Retired Attorney, 30+ Years Legal Experience
Former attorney with 15+ years teaching
mock trial, debate, and government.
2e Educator & Chess Expert
Twice exceptional teacher who truly
understands the 2e student experience.
Geometry & Gaming Educator
Creating welcoming classrooms where students
learn Minecraft, Roblox, and geometry.
Geography & Creative Writing Educator
Exploring world wonders through geography,
D&D, and creative writing adventures.
MFA Humanities, Digital Media Expert
Academic coach and digital media educator
co-hosting a neurodiversity podcast.
Philosophy Degree, Neurodivergent Educator
Using video games and pop culture
to make critical thinking come alive.
The visionary leaders and dedicated coordinators working behind the scenes to ensure every child has an exceptional learning experience.
Community Director
Ann is a homeschooling mom who worked for 11 years as an Instructional Aide for the Resource Specialist Program at Evans Elementary School in Garden Grove, CA. Her diverse background in education, team management and outside of the box thinking make her an integral part of Team YSA.
Head of School
Mr. Sam, MEd, is a growth-minded, two-time Fulbright Scholar, TEDx speaker, and Director of Young Scholars Academy! Mr. Sam is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has committed his life to empower young people to learn to develop their superpowers and lead meaningful and fulfilling lives through strength-based education.
Discover why hundreds of families trust Young Scholars Academy to nurture and inspire their gifted and neurodivergent learners.
Christina
YSA Parent
YSA Mom
YSA Parent
YSA Dad
YSA Parent
Every child is unique. Let us help you find the mentor whose teaching style and personality perfectly match your child's interests and learning style.
Free personalized matching · Takes 2 minutes
COMMON QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about 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.
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.
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.
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.
Semester courses start at $624. Summer camps are $163–$185 per camp. Payment plans, sibling discounts, referral credits, and ESA/charter funding accepted. We're an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs.
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.
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.
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.
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