828 Lakeview Boulevard, New Braunfels, Texas 78130, United States
Spyrja at at Glance
Our Mission Statement
We believe schools should serve the communities they are in, so we work as a school to better our world.
Our Motto
Spyrja's Motto is "Vist - Hreysti - Vegr": Truth, Courage, and Honor. These are the principles on which Spyrja stands.
We constantly seek the truth. Not subjective, malleable truth, but the clear, natural truths in both ourselves and the world.
We are courageous. We jump into conversations that may make us uncomfortable. We take risks and are rewarded greatly.
We honor ourselves, our families, and our communities. We acknowledge that everyone is on their own journeys and we can only be positive members of our communities if we are honest with ourselves and those around us.
Whom We Serve
Spyrja serves learners in the 9th through 12th grade in New Braunfels, TX and the surrounding areas. We aim to provide a unique micro-school educational experience for our high schoolers, giving them a mix of traditional academic and hands-on, problem-based instruction. Our students can look forward to master classes taught by area professionals, community betterment activities, sports and drama, and more!
FAQs
About Spyrja Academy of New Braunfels
Our Founder
Jourdan, born and bred Texan, is a lifelong educator, having been in the classroom since 2009, teaching everything from English and History to Algebra and Theatre. He obtained his Masters in Education in 2014 and has used that degree as a private, alternative high school administrator. His mission is to teach scholars how to think.
He and his wife and daughter, and two dogs, live in New Braunfels. You'll likely find Jourdan next to his smoker making some brisket or reading out on his back patio. He's a published poet, stage actor, and has played the same saxophone since 1995.
Our Research
Spyrja's principles are founded in Bloom's Two-Sigma Problem, wherein researcher Benjamin Bloom discovered that learners who receive direct individual or small group tutoring advance faster than their peers and retain more content.
We adhere to Tom Guskey's research on mastery learning and strive to ensure our kids move on to new content when they're able. Within this framework, we fully realize a constructivist theory in practice. All our learners do best when they are introduced to new knowledge in ways that seat that content within their constructed mental networks. We see better retention, greater neuroplasticity, and higher confidence levels when our kids learn in their own way, making connections that make sense to them.
Our History
Spyrja Academy of New Braunfels was founded in 2023 by Jourdan Simmang, who had always felt the world of education was in dire need of a stirring. Through his years of teaching, he's found monumental success in student achievement through blended learning that addresses the unique learner needs. He felt it was time to start a private, alternative high school that brings learners together through the pursuit of truth, courage, and honor.
In January of 2023, Spyrja Academy was selected as a Founding school member of the KaiPod Catalyst program. This has provided Spyrja the opportunity to move beyond a dream and become a reality. You can find KaiPod here.
AIAA - American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 2023-2024 Classroom Grant
Exciting news! Spyrja Academy has received a grant from the AIAA Foundation for the 2023-2024 AIAA Classroom Grant Program! We are so honored and excited to be partnering with this organization to expand our STEM program in Robotics. Can't wait to put this grant into action. Thank you https://www.aiaa.org
Mars Initiative STEM Microgrant
Big news! We are the Texas recipient for the 2023 STEM microgrant from Mars Initiative Their program is focused on funding projects that bring outer space into the classroom and inspire the next generation of explorers! We are looking forward to purchasing our first school reflecting telescope.
Vela Grant
In June, Spyrja Academy was selected as a Vela Fund Grant recipient. These funds have gone to procure essential needs for the campus and to help ensure Spyrja Academy has a space for the year. This endowment now affords Spyrja the chance to apply for larger grants in the future!
Community Partnership
Students of Spyrja Academy get the best physical fitness instruction twice a week from Coach Louis Jamison of Athlete's Journey.
New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce
Spyrja Academy is a proud member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.
Check Out Our Feature in Community Impact Newsletter
ENROLLING NOW!
We have only a few spots left for the 2024-25 school year! Come be a part of our school today!