What exactly is Innovation Learn Lab?
Innovation Learning Lab is a self-directed, community-rooted homeschool center that nurtures the whole child.
We center emotional intelligence, creativity, and liberation in learning—prioritizing relationships, student voice, and flexible structures that adapt to each learner’s needs. At Innovation, we believe education should inspire curiosity, liberate potential, connect community, and innovate possibilities. Through elective-based classes (see: offerings), movement, reflection, and real-world projects, learners of all ages—whom we call Innovators—are encouraged to take ownership of their growth in a space that uplifts identity, agency, and belonging.
Beyond the classroom, Innovation hosts a variety of off-campus experiences that extend learning and connection. These include field trip meetups that tie into class themes or student interests, family night events that bring our community together for fun and reflection, and special "Kid Night In" gatherings where Innovators can build friendships through play and projects while caregivers enjoy an evening out. We also offer dedicated meetups for learners ages 18+ who are in a gap year, finishing high school, or taking college/trade courses—helping them stay connected, build skills, and explore their path with support. For boys ages 10–13, we host a community group designed to foster friendships, emotional growth, and city-wide adventures throughout Austin.
What ages are Innovators (students)?
Learners age 5-18 are welcome. Ages 5-7 must be 5 by September of the school year and join with an older sibling.
When is Innovation open?
Tuesdays: 10:00-2:00pm
Wednesdays: 10:00-2:00pm
Fridays from 10-2 with an option to extend the day from 2-4
Does Innovation test?
No. We gauge an Innovators knowledge of concepts while in class, never in a formal testing format.
How does Innovation measure students(Innovators) growth?
We begin each semester at our Community Party where we celebrate the new semester and community. Guides and Innovators set intentions and SMART goals. Throughout the semester, in each class, the Innovator will check on progress of their Intentions and SMART Goals, allowing Innovators to own each step of the way by checking off what they have accomplished and striving toward what to accomplish next. At the end of each semester we will celebrate accomplished Intentions and SMART Goals at a Community Party and Innovator Led Check In with Guides and Parents.
What educational philosophies does Innovation follow?
Innovation is a self-directed, agile learning center where education is co-created with the learner.
We believe that young people are naturally curious, capable, and motivated when given freedom, trust, and supportive guidance. Our approach is rooted in the principles of self-directed education, where learners have voice and choice in what, how, and why they learn. This means Innovators set personal goals, pursue interests, and engage in work that feels relevant and meaningful to them.
We are also deeply inspired by Agile Learning Center models, which prioritize adaptability, learner agency, and intentional culture-building. Instead of rigid curricula or one-size-fits-all instruction, we use tools like daily intention-setting, community agreements, reflection practices, and flexible schedules to create a learning environment that evolves with the needs of the group. Classes are elective-based and co-designed with Guides who act as mentors, not gatekeepers.
At Innovation, we trust learners to take ownership of their education—and we build the systems, relationships, and opportunities that allow them to thrive.
How does Innovation support students with food allergies?
We are a nut free space during our hours, but we rent, so there are other groups we share the space with and therefor we cannot predict exposure to nuts in the space. Learners with food allergies will receive a personalized plan to support their health, but each learner is different, so please reach out to us to see how we can support your learner.
How does Innovation handle bullying?
At Innovation, we approach bullying with proactive community-building and restorative practices, rather than punitive discipline. We believe that strong relationships, clear expectations, and emotional intelligence are key to preventing harm in the first place. Our community agreements—rooted in respect, empathy, and accountability—are co-created with learners, and we foster a culture where every Innovator is seen, heard, and valued.
When harmful behavior does occur we look at the impact, the unmet needs, and the opportunity for growth. We use restorative conversations, conflict resolution, and guided reflection to support all parties in understanding what happened, taking responsibility, and repairing relationships. Parents are brought in as partners, and follow-up support is offered to ensure behavior changes and healing occur.
Innovation is a space committed to emotional safety and belonging. We don’t tolerate repeated harm—and we do the work to ensure learners develop the tools to care for themselves and their community.
How do you support Neurodivergent and Learning Different Innovators?
Innovation is equipped with a variety of physical tools, including a designated calm space we call “the Nest,” visual reminders of emotional regulation strategies, and other supportive resources. We also welcome "go-bags" or personalized items from home for learners who may benefit from additional comfort or sensory tools. Guides participate in ongoing training focused on neurodivergence and inclusive support strategies, and we are always eager to integrate new techniques and tools—your contributions are deeply valued.
In some cases, an Innovator may need additional one-on-one support from a dedicated adult to fully access and enjoy the Innovation experience. When this need arises, we will communicate directly with the family to discuss next steps, which may include the family providing a support person for their child, either temporarily or long term.
Please note:
At Innovation we prioritize mental health and relationships over rigor. We understand the significance of creating a nurturing space that values kindness and empathy for others. Consequently, we are committed to pausing any activity when necessary to realign the community with these core values. While this may occasionally mean not completing a full class or achieving a specific goal, it ensures that our learners feel truly seen, heard, and secure within the Innovation environment. This, in turn, cultivates an atmosphere conducive to accelerated and meaningful learning experiences.