Peter Holmstrom '18 is at the forefront of a new style of education. Holmstrom, who serves as head of Summit School in Waco, Texas, leads a school that focuses on project-based learning, intentional play, and time outside. Students at Summit are learning responsibility and life skills alongside their curriculum. Coming from a family of educators and having a background in social work, Holmstrom oversees the entire school and continues to provide empowering education to a growing number of students, garnering attention from parents and educational innovators alike.
With a mission that focuses on empowering learners, Summit is leading the way for other independent schools in Texas and across the country. “We want to set up students to thrive, building an environment where they can find joy in the school setting,” said Holmstrom. “With project-based learning, students can do amazing things, like our third and fourth graders who wrote and performed a play this past semester.” Using the passion that kids naturally have and harnessing it to connect with their learning is part of what makes Summit stand out. In smaller class sizes and individualized lessons, students truly find joy in learning. As a smaller school, Summit focuses on ensuring each student receives the support and education they need. Guided by a grassroots mentality, families from all backgrounds send their children to a place that supports their holistic development. On a campus full of animals, plants, and open space, kids play and learn from the world around them.
Coming from a family of educators, Holmstrom knew that being in the classroom was
somewhere in his career path. “I pursued social work because of the broad ways I could apply it, and it ended up leading me to a career
in education in Texas,” said Holmstrom. His time at Azusa Pacific University prepared
him to be open to whatever God’s plan for his life was.
During his time at APU, Holmstrom experienced the depth of community that the campus offered. “I always felt known. Professors would invite us for lunch; students would always spend time together; and that community aspect was exactly what I needed,” said Holmstrom. Becoming a resident advisor, studying abroad in South Africa, and continually putting himself out there, Holmstrom grew in confidence and community. "My adventures in South Africa and Cape Town always stand out,” said Holmstrom. “We explored caves, went bungee-jumping, and went swimming with sharks. It was so much fun, and it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. APU gave me so many of those opportunities, where I was able to adventure and explore, not only abroad but on campus as well.”
Through that community, Holmstrom grew in his faith. “I became involved in the church
in my late teens, and came to APU without a strong foundation,” said Holmstrom.
Drawing upon the open approach he learned at APU, Holmstrom has replicated the best parts of it to help Summit School thrive. “We have almost tripled our enrollment, opening up to families of all backgrounds, and we were 1 of 23 schools chosen for the Yass Prize,” said Holmstrom. The Yass prize is awarded to schools that go above and beyond, providing quality education while doing sustainable, outstanding work. Summit School was a semi-finalist. Competing with schools all across America, this prize opens up doors for networking and connections that could take Summit to the next level.“This opens us up to a world of possibilities,” said Holmstrom. “We can apply for grants, grow our numbers, and enter those conversations of what education can look like. It has broadened our horizons, letting us set those goals of giving as many children as possible the kind of education that they need.”
Summit School, with its focus on empowering children, is rooted in a deep faith. “Our faith guides the institution, helping us form our principles and how we can support the students,” said Holmstrom. With an open policy for students of all faith backgrounds, Holmstrom invites conversation and curiosity. “Kids need to know how to engage with people who have unique ideas and opinions. We encourage them to have these kinds of meaningful conversations.” With Christian principles as the foundation of the institution, Summit strives to create an inclusive, loving space that allows students to ask those questions and deepen their own faith.
As head of Summit School, Holmstrom is proud of the continued success the school is having. “I love setting up students to succeed,” said Holmstrom. “We provide those kinds of environments for them.” With lessons in responsibility as students care for the chickens, goats, and other animals on the property, Summit students are learning how to play, explore, and grow. With a foundation in faith and curiosity formed during his time in APU, Holmstrom hopes to take Summit to the next level. As a semi-finalist for the Yass prize, and with continued support from families, Summit is starting to change what education can look like for students, providing joy, passion, and feeding curiosity. As Summit grows, Holmstrom is ready to continue to lead this amazing organization with strength and grace.