A Colorado homeschool program’s Aviation Pathway has been recognized by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which has partnered with the program.
The two are working together to promote aviation and offer flight training to homeschooled high school students.
The program, run by Summit Homeschool Academy, is the first homeschool program to partner with Embry-Riddle, although the university has partnered with many high schools. After successfully completing classes under Embry-Riddle’s oversight, students receive a $2,400 flight credit. Most students have been flying with Aspen Flying Club at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Colorado.
“This is such an honor. I can’t believe people are interested in our little program,” said founder Richelle McKim.
She organized Summit Homeschool Academy during the 2020 pandemic to help her son, Bryson.
“I never thought I’d homeschool — why would anyone do that?” she said. “But I had to. I don’t think my son would have thrived going online and off line.”
In fact, her efforts during the pandemic helped her then seventh-grade son go from behind the curve to coming back ahead of the curriculum.
It was Bryson’s love of all things aviation that spurred the development of the Aviation Pathway.
His mom went to work, calling Embry-Riddle, where she connected with Dave Moorefield, director of flight operations and an assistant professor. They approved the program in March 2024 and it began in June with 14 students.
During a visit, Moorefield told McKim theirs was their first approved homeschool program.
Aviation Pathway got another a big boost with the participation of Captain Kevin Weber, a retired Marine pilot and instructor, who has flown Dreamliners for United Airlines. Weber oversees the aviation education aspects of the program.
The program has a year-long ground school class that includes preparation for the FAA knowledge exam. In the second semester, students take a fully accredited Embry-Riddle class, and they will add a class preparing students for the IFR and Commercial written exams.
For 2025, the program received a grant from the Vela Education Fund to purchase several flight simulators, which McKim says will add substantial capability to the program.
“There’s already a lot of interest now that word has gotten out that we’re here,” Richelle says. “I anticipate Aviation 1 to fill up with 24 students and Aviation 2 almost filling up with about 20 students.”
One of those students, of course, is her son Bryson, who has a dream of flying for United Airlines “as soon as possible.”
He’s on his way. Bryson has already soloed and hopes to earn his private pilot certificate in the spring of 2025.
Next up: He hopes to earn his instrument and commercial ratings by next summer.
Bryson says the class “has really helped support me in pursing a real career as a pilot.”
“It’s one thing to have my parents believe in me — but they always believe in me,” he says. “This program has shown me that very successful pilots also believe in me and they mentor me to become the best student and pilot.”
“They teach me that character and good judgment as a pilot now will protect real people when I become a pilot whose lives will depend on me,” he continues. “My instructors have accomplished a lot, and it inspires me to push through the challenges, because I see that it’s worth it. It helps to have other kids my age in a program where we’re all going through it together. We can keep each other accountable for the work it takes to get to the next level.”
What does the program cost?
According to Richelle, there’s an annual materials fee of $495, which includes the cost of the dual enrollment course, all of the ground school classes, test prep classes, and sim time. Once students successfully pass the written test, they receive a $2,400 flight credit for lessons at Aspen Flying Club.
While she is proud of the program and hopes it will inspire others, she acknowledges there are some limitations.
“We are only available in Colorado and courses are held in person,” she explains. “Attendance is required because it is an Embry-Riddle college course.”
The two courses offered now, which meet on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., are Principles of Aeronautical Science and Survey of Meteorology. Each course earns three college credits.
In Colorado, students can only choose one publicly funded program so if they are attending a public high school, they are not eligible. Private high school students are eligible, but must attend the program in person.
For more information: SummitHA.com, ERAU.edu
