About us
We Believe Every Student Deserves to Love Learning
Simple Focus Project Academy was built on a conviction: that when students are given real problems to solve, they rise to meet them every time.
Our story
Born from a Frustration, Built for a Generation
Simple Focus Project Academy was founded after years of watching talented, curious students disengage from traditional schooling — not because they lacked ability, but because the system wasn't designed for how they actually learn.
Our founders saw firsthand that students who were given ownership over their learning — who were asked to build, create, and present — didn't just perform better academically. They showed up differently. They were engaged, confident, and motivated in ways that no standardized test could measure.
So we built the academy we wished existed: one where project-based learning isn't a supplement to the curriculum — it is the curriculum.
Our mission
Transforming Education, One Project at a Time
Our mission is to transform K–12 education by making project-based learning accessible, rigorous, and joyful — for every student, in every classroom, regardless of zip code.
Student Agency
We design every program so students have voice, choice, and ownership in their learning journey.
Community Roots
Our projects connect to real community needs — making learning relevant and impact-driven from day one.
Rigorous Standards
Project-based doesn't mean less rigorous. Every program is mapped to state and national academic standards.
Equity First
We partner with districts serving underrepresented students, ensuring access to innovative education is not a privilege.
Our team
Educators, Innovators, and Advocates
Our team brings together decades of classroom experience, curriculum design expertise, and a shared passion for reimagining what school can be.
Dr. Aisha Monroe
Founder & Executive Director
Former St. Louis Public Schools administrator with 18 years in education. Dr. Monroe founded Simple Focus after leading a district-wide PBL pilot that transformed student outcomes.
Marcus Tate
Director of Curriculum
Curriculum designer and former high school teacher. Marcus has developed project-based units used by over 200 educators across Missouri and Illinois.
Priya Nair
Director of District Partnerships
With a background in education policy and nonprofit leadership, Priya builds and sustains the district relationships that bring our programs to scale.
SLPS relationship
In Relationship with St. Louis Public Schools
Simple Focus Project Academy has entered into a Letter of Intent with St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) — one of Missouri's largest urban school districts. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to exploring and expanding access to high-quality, project-based learning for students across the city.
- Letter of Intent signed with SLPS leadership
- Collaborative exploration of curriculum integration in SLPS schools
- Shared commitment to educator professional development
- Pathway toward district-wide program expansion
"The Letter of Intent represents a formal agreement between Simple Focus Project Academy and St. Louis Public Schools to explore and expand project-based learning opportunities for SLPS students."
Join the Movement
Whether you're a district leader, educator, or family — there's a place for you in the Simple Focus community.