At E.S.T.E.A.M Academy, our Mission is simple:
To help our Students discover the Hero within and to guide them along their journey to becoming Leaders with a Calling who are prepared to challenge, inspire and change the world.
"We Will Rise."
Our Story:
The Why Behind ESTEAM Academy
Every great journey begins with a question. For us, it was this:
What if education could do more than prepare children for the world—what if it could inspire them to change it?
We, Nicholle Walton-Durban and JoAnn Nolte, came from different backgrounds but were driven by the same belief: learning should be an adventure, not a checklist. We saw too many bright, curious children disengage from learning because traditional education focused on memorization over mastery, compliance over creativity, and structure over self-discovery.
As mothers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners, we knew there had to be a better way.
The Spark: A New Vision for Learning
Our journey began with our own children. Watching them navigate conventional schooling, we realized something was missing: the freedom to explore, the space to fail forward, and the opportunity to develop real-world skills in an environment that honors their unique strengths.
Nicholle, with a background in film, theater, and entrepreneurship, had spent years helping young creatives find their voice through storytelling and hands-on learning. JoAnn, an education innovator with experience in youth psychology and STEM programs, had seen firsthand the power of curiosity-driven, project-based learning.
Our paths crossed at the intersection of passion and purpose—and in that moment, ESTEAM Academy was born.
Building ESTEAM: A Place for Heroes to Rise
We didn’t set out to start a school. We set out to create a launchpad for young heroes—a place where students aren’t just taught but empowered to take ownership of their learning, think critically, and forge their own paths.
At ESTEAM Academy, we replaced lectures with Socratic discussions, rigid schedules with learner-driven exploration, and standardized tests with real-world challenges. We built a community where students are encouraged to ask bold questions, take risks, and see failure as a stepping stone, not a setback.
Why ESTEAM? Because the Future Belongs to the Bold.
We designed ESTEAM Academy around the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world—Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. But more than that, we designed it to help young people discover who they are, what they stand for, and how they can make an impact.
Because the world doesn’t need more rule-followers. It needs innovators, problem-solvers, creators, and courageous leaders who see challenges as opportunities and their education as a journey of discovery.
We invite you to join us—to be part of a movement that is redefining education, one hero at a time.
Welcome to ESTEAM Academy—where learning is an adventure, and every child is on a journey to greatness.
:: Studio Guides ::
ASHLEY
Ashley Roush
Bio
Born and raised in Austin, TX, Guide Ashley is excited about life and thankful to be living it with her husband, Joshua, and two dogs. She is thrilled to be the guide for the ESTEAM Academy Discovery Heroes and has a passion for assisting others in finding their own desires and love for life. Ashley looks forward to sharing this journey with our youngest heroes at ESTEAM!
Discovery Guide
AYME
Michelle Sosa
Bio
Michelle joined ESTEAM Academy to bring more meaning and purpose into her work while continuing to challenge herself. She is passionate about helping young minds live boldly on their authentic path by meeting each learner where they are and nurturing their natural gifts. Having lived all across the United States as a happy nomad, she chose to set roots in Texas in 2017. After dedicating the past six years to raising her two young children, she is excited to return to full-time work that aligns with her values. Her favorite quote, by Alan Watts, reflects her approach: “Life is not a problem to be solved, but an experience to be had.”
Explorers Guide
DANIEL
Daniel Davenport
Bio
Daniel Davenport is a dedicated guide at ESTEAM Academy, bringing with him a passion for learning and a love for guiding young minds. Originally from Southern California, he moved to Texas in 2016, to pursue a better life for his family. Daniel finds solace in the wisdom of stoicism, embracing a simple yet purposeful approach to life. An avid reader, he constantly seeks new knowledge and treasures the joy of learning.
Pathfinders Guide
:: Career Opportunities ::
Career opportunitiesIf you or someone you know is interested in joining our passionate innovative team of educators, please check out the our Career Opportunities.