The Levitt Lab FAQs

Learning at TLL isn’t just about academics—it’s about building connections, collaborating and learning together. While students have flexibility in their schedules, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and be part of a community.

Ways students connect at TLL:

• Daily seminars and group discussions
  Students engage in Socratic-style debates and collaborate on big ideas together.
• Project-based learning
  Whether it’s an In-Depth Exploration project or a Wonder Session, students work in teams and share their learning.
• Study groups and peer mentoring
  Students can study together, support each other and learn from one another.
• Clubs and extracurriculars
  We encourage students to form interest-based clubs, attend ASU events and get involved in the campus experience.
• ASU campus access
  TLL students can use ASU’s libraries, study spaces and common areas, creating natural opportunities to meet other students.

TLL is a hybrid school, meaning students learn in two ways:

• On-campus time: Students meet in person for seminars, projects and collaboration (at least four days per week for a few hours).
• Independent learning time: Students work at their own pace, either on campus, at home or anywhere they’re comfortable.
  The key difference? No rigid schedules—students control when and where they do their work while getting guidance from mentors. TLL combines tech-enabled mastery learning with in-person education, including discussion seminars and labs. Students learn together, collaborate and socialize through communal learning and group projects.With flexible options, they can focus on goals at their own pace wherever they’re comfortable— in a quiet TLL study room, a local cafe or at home. Students also have opportunities to pursue extracurricular activities, join clubs and get involved in the community.

Collaboration is a key value at ASU Prep Tempe Powered by the Levitt Lab. Students will be asked to collaborate on IDEs, Wonder Sessions and Seminars weekly.

TLL is designed to be an inclusive, welcoming environment where every student can find their place. Our guides help facilitate connections through structured discussions, group projects and mentorship. If a student needs extra support, we offer personalized check-ins to help them navigate social and academic challenges.

Wonder Sessions are interactive, hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and explore the mysteries of the world. These sessions encourage students to question, experiment and think critically about fascinating topics.

Led by a Guide, students participate in engaging lessons and activities that lead to thought-provoking discussions, research and new insights.

Wonder Sessions tackle big questions and intriguing concepts across science, technology, history and more. Sample topics include:

• Why Every Map is Wrong
• How to Count Like a Computer
• Archimedes’ Bathtub

Yes, students receive core content instruction in a small group setting led by a Guide. These sessions provide personalized support and interactive discussions to deepen understanding. Students also have access to online learning tools such as Khan Academy.

Guides aren’t just teachers—they’re mentors, discussion leaders and thought partners. Instead of giving lectures, guides counsel students as they progress through their individually set learning goals. They challenge students with big questions, help them refine ideas and offer support in mastering skills.

TLL has four experienced guides offering personalized support, each specializing in one of the four subject areas of The Core: Math, Science, Social Studies and English & Language Arts. Guides host optional office hours twice a week to help with problems, clarify concepts and give feedback. They are also available for one-on-one meetings and asynchronous support.

Each student works with a “home guide” who meets with them every two weeks to set and monitor progress on goals.

Seminars are a core component of ASU Prep Tempe Powered by the Levitt Lab, offering a collaborative, discussion-based learning experience. Students meet in person with their Learning Guide and peers several times each week to discuss, debate and analyze real-world topics.

Each seminar lasts 90 minutes and includes a small group of students, ensuring engaging, in-depth discussions.

Students prepare by completing assigned pre-readings and are expected to actively participate—sharing their insights, listening carefully and articulating their thoughts clearly. Students are assessed on critical thinking, communication skills and the ability to engage in thoughtful discourse.

Seminars are student-led with guidance from a Learning Guide and, at times, guest experts who bring additional perspectives.

Seminars tackle complex, real-world issues that challenge students to think critically. Sample topics include:

• Now that we have CRISPR, should we edit germ cells and alter the human gene pool?
  • Freedom of speech vs. freedom of reach
  • Ethical responsibilities of social media
  • The science, ethics and economics of life extension
  • What are the specific mechanics of this?

Yes, standardized test preparation is built into the program starting in 9th grade. Students take ACT Aspire in 9th grade. By junior year (at the latest), they will take the ACT, with ongoing support and resources to help them prepare.

Every ASU Prep student is able to take up to 6 credits per semester of ASU courses. These courses replace high school level courses and students receive concurrent credit for both high school and college.

These courses are scheduled flexibly around their TLL commitments, allowing students to balance high school and college coursework. Students can also enroll in online courses through ASU’s Universal Learner and ASU Prep Digital programs.

ASU Prep students can take any college course for which they meet the prerequisite requirements. TLL students also have access to the full ASU Prep Digital course catalog.

Yes, but The Levitt Lab is not part of Khan World School. TLL students use Khan Academy’s online tools as part of their coursework, but the school itself is a hybrid, in-person experience.

While TLL and KWS share a mastery-based learning approach, TLL is structured around on-campus collaboration, real-world projects and small-group Socratic discussions.

No, but it shares similar principles. Khan World School at ASU Prep is a distinct program that is entirely online, while students at The Levitt Lab have a hybrid schedule and leverage Khan Academy’s digital tools as part of their personalized learning journey.

Students will be required to physically be in school four days a week for a minimum of a few hours a day. They will gather at set times for academics, while flex-time lets them explore and use the ASU campus as they choose.

Students will be welcome in school anytime, and we hope to offer an environment so fun and stimulating that they want to be there nearly all the time.

As an Arizona public charter school, our program is tuition-free for full-time students who are Arizona residents.

Payne Hall on the ASU Tempe campus

Physical address:
Ira D. Payne Educational Hall
1000 S Forest Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Curious and Inquisitive: They love to learn, ask big questions and feel bored in traditional schools. They seek deeper intellectual engagement.
• Driven and Self-Motivated: They’re eager to take ownership of their learning, moving at their own pace to dive into topics that excite them.
• Collaborative and Open-Minded: They value diverse perspectives, embrace respectful discourse and see differing viewpoints as opportunities for growth and understanding.
• Creative and Bold: They think outside the box, connect ideas in innovative ways and are unafraid to explore the unknown.

Parents play a key role in their child’s success. While you’re not required to teach, we encourage active involvement in your student’s education. We’ll stay in regular contact and always welcome your feedback.

TLL will leverage the established virtual social and emotional services offered through ASU Prep Digital. We do not have any onsite Special Education services. We will work with the family to ensure TLL will be a good fit for your student.

Each student can enroll in two university courses (6 credits) per semester tuition-free.

ASU Prep offers a variety of in-person, online and hybrid school models in order to serve the needs of our families. TLL is one of several innovative ASU Prep models—but it’s unique in its blend of self-paced learning, discussion-based courses and real-world exploration.

• Similar to ASU Prep Digital +, students spend time learning together in person and some time learning on their own virtually.
• Similar to ASU Prep Polytechnic and Prep Digital +, students meet on an ASU campus.
• Similar to Khan World School, which is a fully online school, students learn through discussion-based Socratic seminars and teachers serve as guides more than direct instructors.

This is a true mastery-based system where students dive deep into subjects and find a variety of ways to prove what they know.

Students transferring in or out of ASU Prep Tempe powered by the Levitt Lab will go through a grades and transcript review. They will receive credit for completed courses.

As a college preparatory school, we are committed to ensuring all students have the ability to apply for college and earn credits that meet admissions requirements. Transcripts are allocated by ASU Preparatory Digital Academy.

The application process helps us determine whether The Levitt Lab is a good fit by understanding each student’s learning style, goals and alignment with our self-paced model and culture.

Students who meet the minimum requirements may complete the TLL Application.

• GPA 3.0 or higher
• Proficient standardized test scores or higher
• High School: must be on track to graduate; at least 6 credits per high school year completed
• 12th-grade students are admitted only after careful review of transcripts and family meeting with a TLL Guide

Recommended Requirements

• Honors/gifted level coursework recommended
  See the steps to apply.

Enrolling in The Levitt Lab (TLL) is a simple, multi-step process:

• Start Your Application – Begin by creating an ASU Prep Digital enrollment account and selecting ASU Prep Tempe powered by The Levitt Lab as your program.
• Complete Enrollment Forms – Provide parent and student information and upload required documents (ID, immunization records, transcripts, etc.).
• Application Review – Once your initial application is submitted, an Admissions Advisor will contact you with details about The Levitt Lab’s specific application process and next steps.

If you have questions or need assistance, our admissions team is here to help.

Current ASU Prep students should speak with The Levitt Lab lead admissions advisor, Ana Vidaca.

Email: avidaca@asu.edu
Phone: 844-692-3372

The Levitt Lab is a selective program with limited seats available. If you still need to work on a few things to prepare for this unique (and rigorous) learning experience, we will enroll you in ASU Prep Digital and help you put together a plan to reach your goals, including The Levitt Lab, college or beyond.

While all qualified students will be admitted into ASU Prep Digital, not all students will be admitted into ASU Prep Tempe powered by Levitt Lab. We will let you know your status as soon as possible.

We know self-paced learning is new for many students, and some may need time to adjust.

Support is available for students:

• Guides check in regularly to ensure students are on track.
• Small group tutorials provide extra academic support.
• Office hours and mentoring offer 1:1 guidance.

If a student is consistently struggling, we work with them and their family to identify solutions—whether it’s additional support, schedule adjustments or exploring alternative ASU Prep options.

Student success isn’t just about academics—it’s about overall well-being. At TLL, that looks like:

• Later start times and flexible scheduling: Supports healthy sleep and reduces stress.
• Balanced workload: No meaningless busywork, allowing students to focus on what matters.
• Guides as mentors: Guides check in regularly to ensure students are thriving.
• Social-emotional learning: TLL fosters skills like self-awareness, resilience and healthy collaboration.
• ASU well-being resources: TLL students can access certain ASU support services.