Inspirations Academy

What is a microschool?

Microschools are small, multi-age learning environments that are designed and operated around the educational needs of the particular students they serve. Due to the rigor and flexibility of small group learning, students don't have to spend all five days in school. Instead, our students are homeschoolers so they have more freedom to "learn everywhere" and broaden their educational experiences beyond Inspirations Academy.

Is this a homeschool co-op?

No. A professional educator provides the curriculum for the on-campus classes, monitors the progress of each student, and adapts the instruction based on student academic, social and/or emotional needs. Classroom Coaches are trained in research-based instructional methods and classroom management techniques that focus on student growth and empowerment as a self-driven learner. 

How small is "micro"?

Our student to teacher ratio is typically 12:1, often times smaller than that. We currently max out at 36 total students per program, allowing for high-momentum and rapid growth.

Are there grade levels?

No. Traditional grade levels carry less significance in microschools while more emphasis is placed on mastery of content using performance-based assessments and project-based assessments. We believe grade level expectations limit possibilities for students.

How does Inspirations Academy measure impact?

A professional teacher creates the customized curriculum for the on-campus classes, monitors its impact on learning through project-based assessments, performance-based assessments, Socratic discussions, student notes, and higher-order thinking questions. Detailed rubrics are also used to evaluate their academic, social and emotional progress. Progress reports are provided each session, as well as high school transcripts with GPAs for the older learners. 

How does a young student learn alongside an older student?

In our 3-Day Program, students are grouped into three main categories: Early Learner, Developing Learner and Independent Learner. Although each group still contains a range of ages and abilities, the students mostly work alongside peers of similar ages for the majority of the day. Students are heterogeneously grouped for various activities that require all students to learn the content at the same time, typically when a new unit is being introduced. They are often mixed ages and abilities in the afternoon Immersion Learning Workshops allowing them to authentically practice interacting and learning with people of different ages and abilities without hindering their own learning, just like they will have to do in the real-world.

In our 1-Day Program, students are heterogeneously grouped since they rotate through four Immersion Learning Workshops throughout the day.

What is the parent's role?

We partner with parents to provide students a high-quality education that not only prepares them for "what's next," but also prepares them to be independent, self-driven human beings. To make this partnership effective, parents are provided 1-1 coaching to help them create a strong home education plan that balances with the expectations of Inspirations Academy's curriculum. Parents are also expected to hold their children accountable to the academic and behavioral expectations set forth at the Academy.

What if my child needs more help beyond the program hours?

Inspirations Academy offers tutoring for various subjects. If we are unable to provide the help that is needed, then we will direct you to the help.

Resource

State Policy Network. Microschools: Explained. https://spn.org/what-are-microschools/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16114211912