Every parent knows the struggle with schools. Schools can teach facts, but where do kids learn real-world skills?
How do you prepare them for a world that’s changing faster than textbooks can keep up?
This is the problem most parents face when they think of their child’s future. This is what keeps them up at night. They aren’t just looking for grades on a report card – they want their kids to gain skills that no traditional classroom offers.
That’s when they turn to the Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) program. It’s a place that promises hands-on problem-solving, thinking big,and preparing for real life.
Note: Apollo is now Prequel Launchpad. They rebranded recently and shared the update with me. Nothing changes except the brand name.
I spoke with 8 parents to get their views on how Apollo School (Prequel Launchpad) is changing the game for their pre-teen kids (10-13), and how it’s literally teaching them how to earn before they get into high school.
I know! Sounds too good to be true…
Here’s a detailed analysis based on my conversations. I did it because I’m an education enthusiast and I love learning about programs that I wish I had.
For skimmers, here is a quick list of pros and cons of the Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) School program, as discussed with many parents:
Pros:
- Teachers genuinely care for the kids
- Because of remote work, virtually classes get the best minds to teach kids from all over the world. Some of their teachers are from Portugal & Spain and they have passion to teach kids.
- Kids get to connect with students from different countries and cultures
- High stake challenges that pushes them out of their comfort zone
- Each session is packed with incentives and actions. (Kids surprise themselves (and their parents) by earning real money with their businesses.)
- At Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) each session is 90min long and every second is accounted for. Students forget that they are in a virtual setting. It’s dynamic and highly engaging.
- In general, most people either learn to build or sell. Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) kids learn both
- Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) prepares kids with futuristic skills that they will need for life
- Parents get post-session updates which helps them follow along in their kid’s journey
Cons:
- Just for the 10-13 age group, so not all kids can join in
- Heavy focus on the US + Canada, but there are folks from other countries
- Apollo should add some sessions just for parents – so they can get some advice specific to hands on education
First Impressions
Most parents I spoke to stumbled upon Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) because they were seeking a learning opportunity that promised more than the conventional classroom could offer. They felt like it was a goldmine for their kids to learn way beyond the usual school stuff.
Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) IS different. The big idea is to teach kids the kinds of skills needed to get them started building a business in something they are interested in. This program sets them up to become world changing entrepreneurs.
It is about teaching young people how to think big, lead, and solve problems — the stuff you can’t always find in academics or textbooks.
It’s like a playground for the mind, where kids get to roll up their sleeves and dive into everything from tech to business soft skills, kinda like mini-CEOs.
Why Is Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) School Unique?
Apollo’s approach is unique… They emphasize interactive sessions and real world challenges, and nurturing a community of like-minded children.
Apollo’s (Prequel Launchpad) got this setup where kids aren’t just stuck with their noses in books. They’re actually out there, building, selling, doing things that matter. The program is not about memorizing facts —it’s about learning to think and act like leaders.
It offers an interactive, problem-solving based curriculum that engages young minds with new topics or themes every 12 minutes, ensuring they never hit the boredom button.
Arman’s mother Nina Chandarana shared that, “It was a unique program. There was no other program that offered this kind of programming…This felt like they are really elevating these kids and they are really exposing them and challenging them in a way that is going to elevate many of their skills. It didn’t feel kid-like.”
They’re not just sitting there listening to someone talk. They’re in the thick of it, building their websites, their products, and their businesses.
One of the parents I spoke to, Sachin nearly fell off his chair when his son Manan started throwing around terms like ‘business model‘ and ‘net sales,’ like he’s a real CEO. That’s the kind of thing they pick up at Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) — they talk tech, they strategize, they learn the ropes of the business world, all while they’re still kids.
The virtual nature of Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) is another blessing, allowing students from all corners of the globe to participate. It breaks down geographical barriers, creating a rich, diverse community where ideas flourish.
These Guys Aren’t Teachers They’re The Older Friends Every Child Needs
Apollo’s educators are more than teachers — they are friends and mentors who genuinely care for each child’s growth. Their approach is comforting and encouraging.
One of the parents, Tess, said, “Zain is really an engaging teacher.” Another parent, Fiona, said, “When my daughter was scared, they talked to her. And it was just amazing.”
They really understand kids so well, that kids just love learning from them; Aruna shares her thoughts about them saying, “He made her feel comfortable. That’s very good. Because it’s very important that kids feel excited about what they’re going to do.”
How Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) Works: The Curriculum
The Curriculum is not about teaching rather than doing. Kids go outside in the real world to build projects. They learn practical lessons and that’s very exciting for kids. I wish I had this when I was kid. It is interactive, game-like, and not boring. Imagine… They’re just 10-13 years old and making money!
Apollo’s curriculum is a well-orchestrated adventure spread over four months. It’s designed to charge kids with life skills through practical missions, building a foundation in business and tech.
Aruna said, “They’re giving an exposure for the kids, which is almost close to a grown up world… She’s learning a lot of AI tools.”
It is a different vibe altogether.
Let’s talk about their mission…
Mission 1 – Build: Launch a business with 50 customers
Kids start an entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to acquiring real customers. They pitch, sell, market, and ultimately bring a small business to life, practicing on their feet and making strategic decisions.
Mission 2 – Leadership: Outshine Harvard MBAs
Apollo’s (Prequel Launchpad) program teaches children to take command, helping them build skills in strategic planning, teamwork, and decision-making. They learn to navigate conflicts, manage resources, and align personal goals with team success, setting them up to be tomorrow’s leaders.
Some highlights from the curriculum
Business and Marketing
From CEO-like scenarios to marketing mastery, students learn the nuts and bolts of running a business and the art of selling.
Tech Design and Development
They learn user experience and technology creation, even developing apps without writing code.
Leadership and Strategy
Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) sharpens young minds in high-pressure decision-making, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking — essential skills for any path they choose.
So yeah, It’s about giving these kids a toolbox full of skills they can use in the real world, not just acing the next test. That’s what makes Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) more than just a program; it’s a head start in life.
One of the parents, Tess O’Mara said, “Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) teaches invaluable soft skills such as collaboration, group work, communication, perseverance, dealing with failure, receiving and using criticism, and even tasks like presenting and reaching out to others for information. These skills are crucial. It’s a great fit for my kids because they’re interested in technology.”
“I’m impressed with Apollo’s focus on solving the world’s biggest problems. It encourages kids to consider global challenges and explore how technology or their own skills could be applied to address these issues. While it’s unlikely these kids will solve massive problems like climate change or hunger immediately, instilling this way of thinking is vital. That’s what draws me to this program—it teaches them to think broadly and consider their impact on the world.”
Real-World Skills and Making Money
One of the most exciting aspects of Apollo is its focus on entrepreneurship. Children learn to build businesses from scratch, dabbling in real-world economics, and yes, even making their own money. “She’s making bracelets to sell to make the $100 when she launched,” Aruna shared, talking about the practical business skills her daughter learned.
The Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) Community
Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) also helps kids connect with like-minded students. A community where students form lasting bonds. This network extends beyond the program; they collaborate on external projects, and support each other’s growth. They continue to seek and conquer new challenges together.
Parents mentioned that their kids are working on projects outside of the program, they’ve found a community of friends who are growing with them.
Origin Story
Nadim, the founder of Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) has worked with some of the largest education brands in the US & CA.
He felt that there wasn’t a program addressing pre-teen kids in the 10-13 age group. He wanted them to build real-world skills, learn how to lead and maybe even start their own businesses. So, he teamed up with Zain, and together they kicked off Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) in Canada.
They’re both super passionate about teaching and wanted to give kids something they never had themselves — a chance to learn real-world skills early on.
As word got out and more people started loving what they were doing, Nadeem and Zain thought, “Why stop here? Why keep it limited to Canada?” So, they decided to open up Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) to kids from all over the globe.
They put together a program that’s all about getting real results, teaching kids stuff they can actually use. And that’s how Apollo started reaching young minds.
Final Thoughts
Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) really is something special. It’s not just the usual school stuff — it’s about getting kids ready for what’s ahead.
They learn to be curious, to lead, make money, and to tackle big problems head-on. For parents who want more than just grades for their kids, Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) is a perfect fit. It’s all about growing kids into smart, confident people who are ready for anything.
In their own words, parents like Sachin, Aruna, Tess, Hila, Fiona, Nina, and Emma have witnessed the impact Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) has on their children’s growth. It’s pretty obvious that Apollo (Prequel Launchpad) does a lot more than normal teaching. It’s a place where future entrepreneurs and leaders get their start, armed with everything they need to stand out.