ASU Prep Tempe Levitt Lab FAQs

ASU Prep Tempe powered by The Levitt Lab is a tuition-free, hybrid high school that uses a mastery-based, student-centered learning model.

The program reimagines traditional education by prioritizing personalized learning, modern practices and student well-being. Students build knowledge through in-person Seminars, engaging Wonder Sessions and self-led projects. We use a flexible approach that blends online and in-person learning to help students think critically, reflect on their knowledge and creatively apply it in the real world.

Mastery-based learning means students demonstrate deep understanding and skill proficiency before moving forward, rather than simply passing tests.

Students showcase their learning through hands-on activities, presentations and problem-solving tasks that reflect real-world situations.

ASU Prep Tempe powered by The Levitt Lab offers a flexible, student-centered learning experience focused on mastery, real-world skills and personal growth.

Key differences include:

• Accelerated, personalized mastery:
Move at your own pace in a flexible, hybrid schedule, mastering subjects with interactive tools and support tailored to you.
• Supported by Guides, not graders:
Our educators mentor, coach and inspire, focusing on your growth, ideas and goals rather than scores and grades.
• Early college opportunities:
Earn college credits through ASU’s concurrent enrollment program, giving you a head start on higher education and career pathways.
• Seminars and Wonder Sessions:
Dive into thought-provoking discussions and hands-on explorations of the world’s toughest questions to build curiosity and critical thinking.
• Real-world readiness:
Learn skills that reflect modern life, from financial literacy to data analysis. We focus on real-world applications to prepare you for life, not just tests.
• Focus on fun and well-being:
Rediscover the joy of learning in an environment and structure designed to promote balance, engagement, resilience and connection.

ASU Prep Levitt Lab addresses systemic challenges in the current system with innovative strategies that inspire curiosity, self-motivation and resilience. For example:

• We don’t follow a one-size-fits-all pace.
• With personalized learning, students have time and freedom to explore their passions.
• Grades don’t overshadow the joy of learning.
• We help students develop skills to create a successful, happy, healthy life.

The curriculum combines personalized core learning, discussion-based experiences and student-led projects to build knowledge and real-world skills.

• The Core: Interactive, personalized learning to master essential principles and build self-discipline.
• Wonder Sessions: Collaborative experiences that ignite curiosity and reveal how things work.
• In-Depth Explorations (IDEs): Student-led projects that encourage creativity and deep understanding.
• Seminar: Socratic discussions that enhance critical thinking, confidence and compassion.

Self-paced learning allows students to progress at their own speed based on mastery, rather than a fixed schedule.

This approach allows students to:

• Move forward after mastering a concept
• Spend more time on challenging or interesting topics
• Take ownership of their learning with support from guides

Students are assessed using a mastery-based grading system focused on demonstrating skills and understanding.

Learning is evaluated through real-world tasks and projects that allow students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

Student progress is monitored through goal-setting, reflection and ongoing guidance rather than traditional grading alone.

Students start each school year by creating an academic plan with their guide and guardian. Every quarter, they set ambitious goals, work toward them with weekly guidance and reflect on their progress to plan the next steps. This iterative process builds courage, resilience and perseverance through challenges and failure.

Yes, students will create projects and work that can be included in their academic and professional portfolios. There may be opportunities to earn micro-credentials in educational pathways and college credit through concurrent enrollment at ASU.

Students build friendships through daily collaboration, discussions and shared learning experiences both in and outside the classroom.

At ASU Prep Tempe powered by The Levitt Lab, connection is part of the learning model. While students have flexibility in their schedules, they regularly engage with peers through:

• 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
  ASU Prep Levitt Lab students can use ASU’s libraries, study spaces and common areas, creating natural opportunities to meet other students.

At ASU Prep Levitt Lab, 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. ASU Prep Levitt Lab 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 ASU Prep Levitt Lab study room, a local cafe or at home. Students also have opportunities to pursue extracurricular activities, join clubs and get involved in the community.

Students collaborate regularly through discussions, group projects and shared learning experiences.

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.

ASU Prep Levitt Lab is designed to be a supportive, 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 discussion-based, hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking and explore big questions across subjects like science, technology and history.

Led by a Guide, students engage in interactive activities, research and collaborative discussions that deepen understanding and inspire new insights. Sample topics include:

• Why every map is wrong
• How to count like a computer
• Archimedes’ bathtub

These sessions give students the opportunity to connect with peers, collaborate on projects and apply learning to real-world challenges while developing curiosity, problem-solving skills and confidence.

Yes, students participate in small group sessions that provide personalized instruction and support.

These sessions are led by Guides and include interactive discussions to deepen understanding. Students also use online tools such as Khan Academy to support their learning.

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.

ASU Prep Levitt Lab has experienced Guides offering personalized support, each specializing in 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 occasionally include guest experts who provide 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 ASU Prep Levitt Lab 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. ASU Prep Levitt Lab students also have access to the full ASU Prep Digital course catalog.

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

While ASU Prep Levitt Lab and KWS share a mastery-based learning approach, this program 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 ASU Prep Levitt Lab have a flexible schedule and leverage Khan Academy’s digital tools as part of their personalized learning journey.

Students are on campus at ASU Prep Tempe powered by The Levitt Lab at least four days a week for a few hours each day.

Academic time is structured, while flex-time lets students explore the ASU Tempe campus independently. Students are welcome on campus beyond scheduled hours in a stimulating environment designed to engage and inspire. Learn more about the student experience at ASU Prep Tempe.

As an Arizona public charter school, ASU Prep Tempe powered by The Levitt Lab is tuition-free for full-time Arizona residents.

Payne Hall on the ASU Tempe campus

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

Located on the ASU Tempe campus, the school provides access to university resources, study spaces and campus life.

• 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 varied 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.

ASU Prep Levitt Lab 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 ASU Prep Levitt Lab will be a good fit for your student.

Students may enroll in two university courses (earning up to six ASU college credits) per semester through concurrent enrollment, at no cost to families.

ASU Prep offers a range of in-person, online and hybrid high school models. ASU Prep Tempe powered by The Levitt Lab stands out for its mastery-based, student-centered approach that blends in-person learning, flexible pacing and discussion-based experiences.

Here’s how it compares:

• Similar to ASU Prep Digital+: Students balance in-person learning with independent, self-paced work
• Similar to ASU Prep Polytechnic and Digital+: Students learn on an ASU campus with access to university resources
• Similar to Khan World School: Students engage in Socratic seminars and are supported by guides rather than traditional teachers

What makes it different:
Students experience a fully integrated model that combines self-paced mastery, in-person collaboration and real-world, project-based learning designed to prepare them for college and life.

Want help deciding if this model is right for your student? Watch a recorded information session to learn more.

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 ASU Prep 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 ASU Prep Levitt Lab application.

• 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 an ASU Prep Levitt Lab Guide
• Academic records will be reviewed

Recommended Requirements

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

Have questions about fit? Watch a recorded information session to learn more.

Enrolling in ASU Prep Tempe powered by The Levitt Lab is a simple, multi-step process:

• Start your application here:
  Create an ASU Prep Digital enrollment account and select ASU Prep Tempe powered by The Levitt Lab
• Complete enrollment forms:
  Submit student and parent information, along with required documents such as ID, immunization records and transcripts
• Application review:
  An Admissions Advisor will contact you with next steps and details about the program

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

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

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

ASU Prep 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 ASU Prep 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 ASU Prep Levitt Lab, 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: ASU Prep Levitt Lab fosters skills like self-awareness, resilience and healthy collaboration.
• ASU well-being resources: ASU Prep Levitt Lab students can access certain ASU support services.