Tinkuy is not a school, it’s a community of lifelong learners on a shared journey of growth.

As a truly innovative model in Peru, we are an independent learning program. We offer formal certification, valid both in Peru and internationally, through partnerships with accredited institutions.

By choosing Tinkuy, families formally withdraw from the traditional school system. They do so because they care more about the depth, joy, and meaning of their child’s learning than about conforming to a system that wasn’t built for today’s world… much less for the future.

At Tinkuy Marka, we believe the most valuable part of your Puma’s education is not a piece of paper and a series of bureaucratic hurdles that do not truly reflect who your child is or will become. What matters most is the experiences they live during the 11+ years of their formative journey. It is a wonderful time of self-discovery, purpose, curiosity, and growth.

We also understand that you need clarity and peace of mind about certification. That’s why Tinkuy offers several flexible certification options tailored to each family's needs:

1. International Transcripts and Certificates (Free):
As an accredited member of the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools (IALDS), Tinkuy provides official transcripts and certificates by grade and school year, in either U.S. or Peruvian format. This service is free and primarily supports students transitioning to another school.

2. Official Peruvian Certification via Minedu (Optional, Low Cost):
Through a partnership with PEAD Unidos, we offer registration in the national SIAGIE system starting from 6th grade. Students can receive official Ministry of Education (Minedu) certificates. This optional service has an additional cost lower than one monthly Tinkuy tuition payment—ideal for those planning to apply to Peruvian universities.

3. U.S. High School Diploma and International University Access (Optional, great perks!):
Through our partnership with Forward International Academy (FIA) and the US University Pathways program, students may opt for an accredited K-12 diploma from the U.S., along with direct admission letters to select colleges and institutions, and even financial aids. This voluntary program, which includes access to an exclusive platform for online courses, is available starting in 6th grade, with an annual cost from $1,200.

At Tinkuy, Pumas take charge of their learning:

• We have Guides, not teachers — because we believe in asking great questions, not giving the answers.

• We work in multi-age Studios, not traditional classrooms: because real life isn’t divided by age.

• We show what we’ve learned through portfolios and public exhibitions, not grades or tests.

• We follow contracts and promises, not rulebooks: because integrity matters more than control.

• We grow through Socratic discussions, not lectures: because every voice matters and curiosity leads the way.

• We aim for purpose and excellence, not just compliance with standards.

• We move at our own pace, because everyone’s journey is different.

• We dive into quests, challenges, and apprenticeships, not worksheets and homework.

Because we’re not preparing for school, we’re preparing for life.

No, you don’t have to “teach” them at home.

At Tinkuy, your child follows a full daily schedule, working with autonomy and purpose in a rich learning environment designed to meet their needs. Outside of Tinkuy, they’re free to explore personal interests.

You don’t need to sit down and study with them. What is important is that you stay involved:

• Ask about what they’re learning and how they’re feeling.

• Talk about their goals, challenges, discoveries and passions.

• Help them reflect and plan, so they consider both their own ambitions and your hopes for them.

They are responsible for their learning journey.

You are responsible for choosing the best learning environment and supporting it with interest, care, and communication.

Although we don’t follow traditional grade levels, we currently serve children between the ages of 1 and 12, grouped into four multi-age studios:

• Explorer (ages 1–3)

• Spark (ages 3–6)

• Discovery (ages 6–11)

• Ascend (ages 11–14)

Each studio is intentionally designed to honor the developmental rhythms, needs, and potential of that stage in a young hero’s journey.

As our community continues to grow, we plan to open Launchpad (ages 14–17), completing the full arc from early childhood through adolescence.

We deeply respect and incorporate many elements of María Montessori’s philosophy, but Tinkuy is not a traditional Montessori program.

We apply what we believe is most powerful from the Montessori approach: multi-age studios, freedom within limits, long uninterrupted blocks for self-directed work, hands-on discovery, and freedom of movement.

These principles live at the heart of our learning environment, adapted to serve the Hero’s Journey of each Puma.

No. We do not promote any specific religion. At Tinkuy, we foster respect for religious freedom and diverse forms of spirituality.

We believe each person should be free to explore their own path without imposing their beliefs on others.

Because real life isn’t divided by age, and learning shouldn’t be either.

At Tinkuy, we believe children learn best in diverse communities where younger and older learners work together. Multi-age groups foster collaboration, empathy, leadership, and mentorship. Pumas benefit from both individualized learning plans and shared projects that challenge them to grow alongside others at different stages of the journey.

At the heart of Tinkuy is our commitment to serving our Pumas with excellence and staying open to honest, transparent feedback. That’s why we ask every family and Puma to complete a satisfaction and feedback surveys regularly, rating how well we’re delivering on our promises and giving us feedback on our Guides’ performance.

We share the results with our community because we believe trust is built through accountability. These surveys are one of our most important measures of success: they help us listen, learn, and grow together.

At Tinkuy, we are deeply committed to creating a peaceful and safe environment that supports the growth of every Puma.

A Puma who repeatedly chooses to harm others or misuse their power is choosing to step outside our community values. We honor that choice immediately, even mid-year. However, a Puma who takes responsibility, seeks forgiveness, and changes their behavior is welcome back into the community.

We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse or violence against children, regardless of the adult’s role. We actively work with families to eliminate parenting practices that are disrespectful—such as yelling, insults, hitting, or sarcasm—as these go against our values.

Our staff is held to high standards and receives constant guidance on how to treat children with respect, including:

• Clear, kind, and sarcasm-free language

• Supportive and respectful physical interactions

• Firm but thoughtful boundaries in moments of risk or conflict

Our Policy Against Sexual Violence outlines 12 institutional commitments to prevent and address sexual violence. These commitments ensure that all members of our community understand the boundaries, expectations, procedures, and actions we take to protect our learners.

At the foundation of all contracts is the Honor Code: a set of clear, non-negotiable boundaries that must not be crossed. These “hard limits,” typically three to five, define what is unacceptable within our community. They are designed to protect the safety, trust, and integrity of the group.

Our Accountability Policy explains the consequences of crossing these lines and outlines a path for repair, when possible.

Examples of Honor Code limits include:

• I will not intentionally inflict physical or emotional harm on another person.

• I will not bully, harass, or invade the privacy of others.

• I will not lie, steal, or cheat.

For Spark, these boundaries take a simpler form through our Guardrails: “I take care of myself, I take care of others, I take care of Tinkuy.” They also follow a Hero Code that highlights specific behaviors such as physical aggression (punching, kicking, biting), which are addressed with particular attention alongside families.

Pumas set daily and weekly SMART goals for their Core Skills in coordination with their Guides. These goals help them stay focused and track their progress toward medium- and long-term milestones. SMART means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Tough.

When setting goals, Pumas evaluate whether they meet these five criteria and adjust accordingly.

They also set SMART goals for personal growth, often based on feedback from their peers.
For example: “My peers said I talk and distract others during Core Skills. Next week, my goal is not to interrupt anyone during that time.”

With the rise of user-friendly and engaging online tools, Pumas can now learn core skills like math, reading, writing, and English at their own pace.

In the Discovery Studio, Pumas spend around two hours a day using adaptive apps to build these Core Skills. The rest of their day is dedicated to hands-on projects, Socratic discussions, and elective courses that make learning meaningful and fun.

Each Puma is loaned a Chromebook and works independently. In the Spark Studio, Pumas share one Chromebook and use age-appropriate apps for math and English when they are preparing to transition into Discovery.

In the Ascend Studio, each Puma brings their own laptop. They spend about half of their time at Tinkuy engaging in independent work (writing, reading, watching instructional videos, and completing online challenges) and reviewing each other's work. The other half is dedicated to collaborative learning through Socratic discussions, hands-on challenges, feedback, games, and peer interaction, ensuring a balanced and dynamic learning experience.

The year is divided into seven sessions of 4 to 6 weeks each, separated by a week's break between sessions, fifteen days on Fiestas Patrias, and a long break between December and January.

It is well known that the brain unlearns if it does not use what it has learned. That's why when students in traditional schools return to class after a vacation of several months, they don't remember much of what they learned the previous year and it's hard for them to get back into flow (just like when you stop going to the gym for a long time). In addition, it is a problem for many parents when their children have long vacations they cannot enjoy together. 

Our day is divided into Core Skills work, Quest work, Writer's or Genre workshops, Socratic discussions, and art, music and sports workshops distributed evenly throughout the week. Schedules vary by Studio, coming in between 8 and 10 am, and leaving between 12:30 and 5 pm. or staying for enrichment activities they want or need (for an affordable additional cost).

At Explorer, the children start the day playing freely for three hours, arrive and join a quiet individual playtime in the studio, in which each child works autonomously, in silence, with concrete materials to develop literacy, graphomotor and math skills. When they want, they go out to play freely in the garden. After a community snack, workshops follow (art, music and Taekwondo), and on Tuesdays and Thursdays it's time for Nano Quest, which is an adaptation of Discovery's Quests, prioritizing imaginative play, creativity and sensory exploration. They end the day by tidying up and cleaning their studio, and telling a story in the goodbye circle.

At Spark they gather in the welcome circle to greet each other, tell each other how they are doing, and see what they will be doing for the day. Then they begin their individual quiet play visiting the different "islands" of their journey (math, reading, writing, English, art, practical life), also for about three hours. After an hour of free play and snack, workshops follow (music and Taekwondo) or Mini Quest, which is also an age-appropriate version of the challenges and themes worked on in Discovery Quests. At Spark the Pumas have imaginative playtime (make believe playtime), focused on developing self-regulation and imagination through role-playing. They close the day cleaning their studio, and talking about their day.

In Discovery, Ascend and Launchpad the day begins with a Socratic provocation and discussion relevant to the session we are on. Then the Pumas work independently and at their own pace on the Core Skills of reading, writing, math and English. In Ascend and Launchpad they do Genre (writing in different literary genres). Then they participate in music and Taekwondo, or in Civilization discussions. After some free time for lunch and play, they start the Quest, working in teams, competing and collaborating. They close the day cleaning their studio, and talking about their day.

In Launchpad the Pumas will spend part of their time outside of Tinkuy in apprenticeships, volunteering, starting their own businesses and pursuing their dreams. 

Independent work time is focused on mastering the Core Skills: math, reading, English, and writing. These are the essential tools that every young hero needs for lifelong learning and meaningful contribution.

• Math Skills: Pumas can explore math through adaptive platforms like Khan Academy, Prodigy, IXL, and others. While they may choose the tool that fits them best for learning, all math progress must be demonstrated in Khan Academy, which serves as our common language for proof of mastery and progress.

• The Joy of Reading: Our goal is simple: that Pumas love to read. We don’t assign books. Instead, we let them start with stories and topics they truly enjoy. Over time, they naturally challenge themselves with more complex texts as their curiosity grows. Pumas log their reading and are recognized when they successfully recommend books to others, spreading the joy of a good story.

• Becoming effective Communicators: While writing is our main focus, Pumas experiment with many forms of communication: presentations, infographics, video, photography, speeches, and more. In our Comms and Genre Badges, Pumas explore different genres of writing and media, learning to express themselves clearly and creatively. They grow their voice and develop confidence as thoughtful communicators and storytellers.

Young learners collaborate, and sometimes compete, in hands-on projects designed as immersive games.

Each Quest lasts five to six weeks and includes a series of group challenges connected by a central narrative. Quests are active, social, and purposeful: they build 21st-century skills while leading to a final public exhibition of learning.

Throughout each Quest, Pumas apply knowledge and skills across subjects (science, art, reading, writing, math, and English) to solve real problems or create something meaningful for themselves, their community, or the world.

In Ascend and Launchpad, Quests are paired with a Genre, a daily writing challenge that deepens understanding. For example, during the Medical Biology Quest, the related Genre might be writing a formal research project proposal. This integration strengthens communication, critical thinking, and creativity.

Through focused sessions and Socratic Discussions, Pumas explore history, geography, social studies, and economics, guided by the question: “How can lessons from the past help us make better decisions for the future?”

They study why civilizations rise and fall and the choices that shaped history, locally and globally, as they step into the shoes of historical figures, heroes as well as ordinary people from distant times or lands.

Apprenticeships are real-World Learning opportunities with Mentors Who Inspire.

Pumas explore their talents and discover their calling by working alongside entrepreneurs, scientists, and community leaders.

Launchpad Pumas spend part of their time off-campus, participating in volunteer programs, labs, universities, or companies aligned with their interests.

We help each Puma select mentors and opportunities to gain rich, meaningful experience and build real-world skills. These mentors are leaders who are passionate about their work and eager to inspire the next generation.

Both Tinkuy and Peru’s National Curriculum for Basic Education (CNEB) follow a competency-based approach.

We believe our methodology not only ensures that Pumas master the competencies of the CNEB, but also go beyond them.

Instead of grade-level standards, we use a Badge System to certify progress in four key areas: Learning to Learn, Learning to Do, Learning to Be, and Learning to Care, aligned with each stage of the Puma’s Hero’s Journey.

We have a full English immersion program. In addition, Pumas learn English through age-appropriate adaptive software. As they advance, Pumas work with grammar software such as Grammaropolis and NoRedInk.

Yes! Children have a variety of opportunities to work with art materials and participate in music education. We believe that involvement in the arts positively impacts learning in math, science, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking and verbal skills. Exposure to art and music can improve motivation, concentration, confidence and teamwork.

We incorporate the arts into each Quest as well (e.g., designing art for a game or web page, dramatizing a situation) and also schedule separate time for exploration of music, visual arts and theater.

Developing a lifelong love of health and sports is important to our program. We offer Taekwondo, a discipline that stimulates concentration, rigor and balance between thought, emotions and body. In addition, Pumas can lead their own physical activation and development activities, to start off the day fresh and alert.

At Tinkuy, our goal is for every Puma to take full responsibility for their learning and growth.

We invite families to stay connected by asking thoughtful questions about their child’s goals and projects, this shared reflection deepens learning.

To support this, we offer real-time updates through our exclusive online platform, created especially for the Tinkuy community.

From Discovery and up, Pumas use a daily tracker to monitor progress. In addition, at the end of the week, Pumas share their progress with their parents and guide, as well as weekly reflections about their journey, struggles and achievements.

At the end of each session, Pumas take home a portfolio showcasing their writing, projects, and accomplishments.

Families have full access to the learning tools their child uses and can follow their development in real time. Every Session ends with a public Exhibition where Pumas proudly share what they’ve learned.

At Tinkuy, each Puma is responsible for their own progress. Both Guides and families have full visibility into what each Puma is working on, allowing them to track growth and identify challenges early.

When a Puma is struggling, Guides offer support, encouragement, and choices to help them move forward. Pumas also learn from each other through collaboration, whether in editor communities, Civilization discussions, or math tutoring. These interactions create a powerful mentoring culture that goes far beyond a traditional classroom.

Ultimately, every Puma chooses: to focus or be distracted, to persevere or give up, to take ownership or stay in a victim mindset.

This level of responsibility isn’t for everyone. In some cases, the data reveals a need for more personalized support. When that happens, Guides work closely with families to recommend the next steps.

A lot. Much, much more than in a class that is in lockstep. At Acton Academy, on average, your Pumas are 3 to 5 grades ahead of what would be appropriate for their age. There is no upper limit, as there is in a traditional school, where the units for each grade are counted. But there are minimum requirements.

Our promise is that the your child will be well prepared for any selective university in Peru and the world.

Although many universities still put too much weight on standardized tests, these are easy to master once you learn the tricks. And when your child gets proficient at test-taking, their portfolio and critical thinking skills will be an important complement to their application, especially abroad.

Most importantly, they will be prepared to shine in the real world, regardless of whether they choose to go to college full time, part time or another route. 

We believe that all children have the capacity to lead their own learning, specially if they developed autonomy and self-regulation in their early childhood. Thus, children who join in Explorer have greater chances of success later on, because the foundations for independent learning are laid out early on. 

Pumas who come to Tinkuy from traditional schools first need to adapt to the new freedoms Tinkuy grants them. Not every child is equipped to manage their learning responsibly.

The Pumas who thrive are the ones who have the unconditional support of their families and who are allowed to fail early, cheaply and often enough to learn from their mistakes and take responsibility for their decisions. Their families have clear, fair boundaries that are upheld consistently, respectfully and firmly.

At Tinkuy Marka Academy we only accept families who are fully committed to the independent learning of their children, who trust them and are excited about the idea that their children's learning is geared towards the pursuit of their calling. Families that model for their children the value of effort and hard work, the importance of honesty and respect. Families that honor their commitments and are engaged in their children's lives. Families who are proud of who they are and who value being part of a diverse community. Families that teach their children to accept and respect everyone, whatever their gender, social status, ethnic origin, abilities, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.

We believe in inclusive education and are preparing to serve children with disabilities. We believe that their integration into our learning community it benefits everyone. We are a program designed to cater to diversity, and we believe that we provide a nurturing environment for children with some disabilities to reach their full potential. We carefully balance the needs in each studio to ensure that these benefits are achieved, and we are always transparent about our capacity to serve them well.

We work hand in hand with their families to ensure that these children have the support they need, both inside and outside Tinkuy, to make the most of their learning. Unfortunately, we are not equipped to serve children who require very specialized or personalized care. 

If your child has a disability and you would like more information to help you decide, you can review this document.

We are here, at 1510 Reducto Avenue, Miraflores, two blocks from Melitón Porras Park. 

We plan to grow gradually until we reach the end of high school. When we have a well established campus, we will open more in Lima and other regions. Each campus will house a maximum of 120-150 Pumas, depending on capacity. In the long term, we hope to open as many campuses as needed based on demand.

Our goal in the long-run is to offer learning spaces close to your home, so that your children do not spend hours in traffic, and thus contribute to the reduction of commute and traffic in Lima.

We have established a careful growth plan to ensure that the educational experience is true to our mission, and that our promises are kept.

Our admission process is through our website. Click the button below to start your application.