Innovate · Create · Pioneer
MARS is a university-model microschool for motivated high schoolers in Huntsville, Alabama. Small cohort. Dual enrollment. AI-forward. No busywork.
The problem we exist to fix
Every MARS course was built to solve a real pain — for the teen sitting in class, the parent writing the tuition check, and the teacher trying to keep up with the world their students are walking into.
For Parents
01"You're paying for a school that keeps telling you your teen is ‘fine’ — while you watch them coast."
The MARS Reframe
MARS replaces ‘fine’ with real coursework, real mentors, and college credits banked before graduation.
Fix: Dual enrollment · AI-forward curriculum · 20-student cohort
For Students
02"School feels like busywork. You want to build things, compete, and be around people who actually care."
The MARS Reframe
At MARS you build drones, harden real systems for Competitive Cybersecurity, ship code, and stand on stage at nationals.
Fix: Drones · Competitive Cybersecurity · Hackathons · Internships
For Teachers & Co-ops
03"You're stretched thin trying to give every teen rigor, community, and a clear next step after high school."
The MARS Reframe
MARS partners with families and microschools — share our courses, cohort, and college pipeline.
Fix: ChartKeepers Algebra · Ukulele Guild · Shared Competitive Cybersecurity squads
Built together
A cohort that shows up for each other.
What is MARS
MARS runs like a university — students choose their courses, earn dual enrollment credits at Calhoun Community College, and show up on campus once a week to work alongside a cohort of 20. The rest of the week is structured, self-directed, and built around real projects.
Hackathons, collaboration, and guest speakers at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Earn college credits while completing high school through Calhoun Community College.
Students build with AI tools across every subject. Not as an add-on. As infrastructure.
The pain we hear most
"My teen is bored, the school says they're fine, and I'm watching the most important years slip by."
— Every parent who books a discovery call
MARS Trailblazers · Rocket Drones Nationals winners, U.S. Space & Rocket Center
A Week at MARS
Imagine your teen's week — moving between a college campus, virtual seminars, and hands-on studio days. Every day has a purpose. Every day, they're building something real, while building friendships with other motivated high schoolers.
Monday & Wednesday
Dual Enrollment
Students arrive on a real college campus, take courses alongside their peers, and earn credit that travels with them. They study together in the student center outside of classes on these days.
Tuesday
Virtual Gathering
A morning of literature and ideas, an afternoon in the lab — connected live from home with their cohort and mentors.
Thursday
Campus Days
On campus at the Space Camp Operations Building for project work, AI labs, robotics, drones, hackathons, and Socratic seminars.
Friday
Cyber & Competition
Optional: Students are encouraged to join competitive cybersecurity practice and team competition — students harden real systems and compete as a team. Located at Gigaparts in Huntsville.
Plus electives, competitions, drones, hackathons, certifications, and internships throughout the year — designed to give every Trailblazer a portfolio of real, public work by graduation.
See if MARS is right for your student
Focused work
Real tools. Real stakes. Real practice.
Testimonials
Real feedback from MARS parents and students.
MARS is purposeful education, with not only the vision but the thoughtful structure necessary to bring each student's potential to fruition. We have joined many programs that had lofty visions but lacked the systems to make those goals reality. MARS has both!
Heather
MARS Parent
Instead of sitting at a desk for hours the students at MARS experience hands on, focused, real world learning. These teens are future ready.
Tiffany
MARS Parent
My son loves technology and dreams of being a game developer in the future. We are looking to expose him to everything we can involving tech so he can find what drives him.
Tanya
MARS Parent
What do you like most about MARS?
Science, because we get to fly drones, and most schools don't get to fly drones, and we get to learn the physics of it.
Trailblazer
MARS Student
What do you like most about MARS?
The books we read and the socratic discussions that follow.
Trailblazer
MARS Student
From the Founder
A blueprint for leaving behind outdated systems and building the future — one student, one spark at a time. Explore Jennifer Wolverton's full Amazon author page.
Browse Books on AmazonCampus
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL
In-person every Thursday. MARS is not affiliated with USSRC.
In 2026–27, our Lab School will operate from the Space Camp Operations Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
National stage
Trailblazers compete — and win — alongside the country's best.
Students graduate with industry credentials alongside their high school record.
Students master Python fundamentals — variables, data types, logic, loops, functions, and problem-solving. A globally recognized first credential in coding that signals readiness for advanced computer science pathways.
Students complete required safety and aeronautical training for recreational drone flying in the U.S. — covering airspace rules, responsible flight practices, and federal compliance. Required by law and a real-world credential, even at a young age.
Tuition & Funding
At $7,000 per year, MARS is accessible for many families. And if you qualify for the Alabama CHOOSE Act, the program could cover your entire tuition.
Tuition & Fees
$7,000
Annual tuition per student
We work with every family to explore all available funding options before you commit to anything.
$7,000/ per student
The Alabama CHOOSE Act provides qualifying families with an Education Savings Account (ESA) worth up to $7,000 per student — exactly MARS's annual tuition. If your family qualifies, your cost could be zero.
MARS is an approved Education Service Provider. We help families navigate the application process and make sure you don't leave funding on the table.
Build network-defense skills through team practice and competition — coached in Huntsville by cybersecurity industry professionals with competitive cybersecurity experience. Seats are open to any middle or high school teen, MARS student or not. No experience needed.
$250 per seat through September 1 · $300 after
Alabama's CHOOSE Act gives qualifying families up to $7,000 per student — exactly MARS's annual tuition. Pick from Competitive Cybersecurity, ChartKeepers Algebra, Ukulele Guild, or full MARS enrollment, and we'll generate your invoice in minutes.
Eligible offerings
Fully coverable by your CHOOSE Act award. Application and enrollment fees are paid by the family.
Founder
Founder & CEO
Alabama State Winner
Presidential AI Challenge · Educator Track
Jennifer is an engineer and mother who built MARS because traditional school wasn't built for students like hers. She's a published author, Alabama's Presidential AI Challenge Educator Winner, and an international speaker on AI in education. She started MARS to give motivated high schoolers the environment they deserve.
Partners & Supporters
Our donors and curricular partners are carefully sourced — high-achieving organizations advancing technology, entrepreneurship, and STEM education.
Let's Talk
Schedule a free 30-minute call. No pressure, no pitch — just a real conversation about whether MARS is the right fit.
We recommend both parents and the student join the call.
