Today we’d like to introduce you to April Robert
Hi April, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From Calling to Reality: How Agape Adventure Academy Became a Christian Forest School in St. Louis
I never set out to start a school. If you had told me years ago that I’d be building a Christian nature-based academy in St. Louis, I would have laughed. But when God calls, you don’t argue—you step into the fire and trust Him to forge the path.
I grew up in Arizona and became a Christian in middle school through Awana at a Baptist church. My journey in faith deepened as I met my husband, Denny, at a Christian camp in Northern Arizona. Together, we poured ourselves into leadership with Campus Crusade for Christ (now called Cru), where we served on mission trips and Denny even went on staff for our first year of marriage. We were deeply rooted in a mission of discipleship, leadership, and walking boldly in faith.
God’s Unmistakable Call to Education
In January 2020, I felt a clear and direct calling from God—but it wasn’t something I had expected. It wasn’t another mission trip. It wasn’t a role in ministry. It was a school—a new model of education that would equip children not just academically, but physically, spiritually, and as leaders.
I launched what was then Little Leaders Academy, a nature-based forest school that focused on developing the whole child—mind, body, and soul. But at the time, I didn’t label it as “Christian.” Not because I wasn’t building it on Christian values—I absolutely was—but because I wanted the work to speak louder than the label.
Then, over the last year and a half, God made it unmistakably clear: “Proclaim it. Make it known. This is a Christian school.” It was no longer enough to lead quietly in faith—He was calling me to stand boldly in what He was doing through this academy.
And so, Little Leaders Academy became Agape Adventure Academy—a Christian St. Louis school dedicated to raising strong, faith-filled, adventurous learners who are equipped to lead, explore, and glorify God.
Faith, Leadership, and the Outdoors – The Future of Christian Education in St. Louis
Agape Adventure Academy is not your typical Christian school. We don’t put kids in rows of desks and make them memorize facts for a test. We don’t believe learning happens only in four walls.
Instead, we embrace the model of Jesus as the Ultimate Teacher—who taught through parables, real-world experience, and by walking alongside His disciples in the world around them.
Here, students:
✔ Learn through hands-on outdoor STEM projects in God’s creation.
✔ Develop resilience & leadership through fitness, self-defense, and teamwork.
✔ Grow spiritually through daily prayer, devotion, and Christ-centered learning.
✔ Master real-world skills—gardening, cultural exploration, problem-solving, and discipleship.
This is Christian education, reimagined—one where faith is not just taught but lived, experienced, and strengthened daily.
A Movement, Not Just a School
Agape Adventure Academy isn’t just a St. Louis Christian school or a St. Louis forest school—it’s a movement. We’re part of a larger shift in education, one where faith and experiential learning come together to raise up children who are bold in their beliefs, strong in their leadership, and deeply connected to God’s creation.
This is just the beginning.
🚀 Stay tuned—big things are happening.
📍 Learn more: https://agapeadventureacademy.com/
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Faith in the Fire: The Challenges & Breakthroughs of Building a Christian School
Smooth? Not even close. But when God calls you to something, He doesn’t promise ease—He promises transformation.
When I first launched this school in March 2020, I had no roadmap, no step-by-step guide. Just a deep, undeniable calling from God and the willingness to take the next step—even when I couldn’t see what was ahead.
From Home Renovation to Church Partnership: The Journey of Growth
To bring this vision to life, my husband and I took out a loan to renovate our home, turning it into a learning space where children could thrive in a whole-child education model. It was a leap of faith—investing everything into a vision that had no guarantee of success.
As we grew, we realized that God was stretching us even further. We needed more space, a stronger foundation, and a community that aligned with our mission. That led us to relocate the school to a church, stepping into a season of refinement and clarity—learning not just what we do, but why we do it.
Learning Along the Way: Whole-Child Education & Teaching to the Soul
Running this school has taught me more than I ever imagined—not just about education, but about faith, leadership, and what truly matters in raising up the next generation.
What I’ve learned is this: education is not complete if we only teach the mind. A child is more than just a student who needs academic knowledge—they are a soul that needs wisdom, a body that needs movement, and a spirit that needs to be grounded in truth.
This is why Agape Adventure Academy is different—we don’t just fill children’s minds with facts, we equip them with faith, resilience, and leadership that will guide them for life.
Was it smooth? No. Was it worth every challenge? Absolutely.
Because this isn’t just about building a school—it’s about building Kingdom leaders.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Raising Kingdom Leaders: The Heart Behind Agape Adventure Academy
At Agape Adventure Academy, we’re not just running a school—we’re raising the next generation of bold, faith-filled leaders. My passion has always been to create learning environments that develop the whole child—mind, body, and soul. This vision has been shaped by every step of my journey—from entrepreneurship, leadership training, and non-traditional education to a deep calling to disciple and equip children for life.
What We Do & What Sets Us Apart
Agape Adventure Academy is a Christian nature leadership school in St. Louis that blends:
✅ Faith-Based Learning – A Christ-centered approach that integrates daily leadership habits, prayer, and discipleship.
✅ Experiential, Outdoor Education – A hands-on model inspired by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Forest Schools that engages curiosity and real-world problem-solving.
✅ Entrepreneurial & Leadership Development – Teaching kids resilience, responsibility, and ownership over their growth—because I believe every child has the ability to lead and create.
We don’t just focus on academic excellence—we focus on building leaders who have the confidence, mindset, and faith to navigate life with courage and purpose.
The Journey That Led Me Here
This school isn’t just something I started—it’s the culmination of everything God has woven into my life.
📷 Entrepreneurship & Leadership – Before founding Agape, I built a successful wedding photography business prior to having my first child. That experience fueled my passion for teaching kids about entrepreneurship—how to think creatively, take initiative, and build something of their own.
👩🏫 Non-Traditional Education – I earned my degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, but I wasn’t in the standard 700+ student general ed program. I was part of a select cohort of 15 students, taught by four professors who exposed us to non-traditional methods like Reggio Emilia and Montessori. That was the moment I knew traditional education wasn’t the only way—there was a better way.
🔥 Warrior for Women Mastermind – Being part of a women’s leadership mastermind, Warrior for Women, transformed how I approach daily leadership habits and personal growth. It reinforced my belief that kids need leadership training from an early age, so at Agape, we focus on daily leadership skills and mindset development.
💛 The 10,000 Smiles Project – A huge part of my heart is The 10,000 Smiles Project (learn more at aprilmaura.com), a passion project rooted in bringing joy and impact to children. It reflects my mission—to help kids see their potential, experience joy in learning, and become change-makers in their own communities.
👥 CRU Leadership & Discipleship – I was on the leadership team with CRU in college and have always loved discipling and mentoring others. This has shaped how I lead Agape—our school is not just about academics but about guiding children spiritually, helping them strengthen their faith, and giving them the tools to lead others in Christ.
Why I Lead This School
Everything I’ve done—from business, education, leadership, and discipleship—has led me to this. This is my calling. My gifts, my journey, my faith—all of it has come together to create a school that raises up the next generation of leaders.
We are not just educating students—we are preparing world-changers.
🚀 This is just the beginning.
📍 Learn more: https://agapeadventureacademy.com/
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
At Agape Adventure Academy, we are excited to announce our 2025 Summer Camp, designed to immerse children in a transformative experience that blends faith, nature, and leadership development. Located near Grant’s Farm in South County, St. Louis, our camp offers a unique opportunity for children to grow spiritually, intellectually, and physically in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment.
Camp Highlights:
Nature Exploration: Campers will engage in hands-on adventures, exploring the wonders of creation through guided nature walks, wildlife observation, and environmental stewardship activities.
Leadership Development: Through team-building exercises, problem-solving challenges, and leadership workshops, children will develop essential skills to become confident and compassionate leaders.
Faith Integration: Daily devotionals, worship sessions, and Bible studies are woven into the camp experience, encouraging campers to deepen their relationship with God and apply biblical principles in their lives.
Creative Arts and STEM: Our program includes opportunities for creative expression through arts and crafts, as well as engaging STEM projects that foster curiosity and innovation.
We invite families in the St. Louis area to consider Agape Adventure Academy’s Summer Camp as a premier choice for their children’s summer activities. With many local camps reaching capacity quickly, securing a spot early ensures your child can participate in this enriching experience.
For more information and to register, please visit our website:
AGAPE ADVENTURE
Join us this summer to witness your child thrive in an environment that cultivates faith, adventure, and leadership.
Want to Learn More?
📲 Follow me on Instagram for insights on whole-child development, leadership training for kids, and how to cultivate faith-based learning at home:
👉 @aprilmaura
🌿 Get Your Free Guide: Nature’s Playground Course – A practical resource to help parents get their kids outside and thriving:
👉 Download Here https://littleleader.co/natures-playground/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agapeadventureacademy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilmaura/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeAdventureAcademy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-robert-a6bb8536/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0jceRnAR9XE4zs0HIvxA1w/videos?view_as=subscriber
- Other: https://aprilmaura.com/blog/
