Frequently Asked Questions

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A micro school is a mixed-age group of students in various grades,  learning together in the same space. Nature's Gate Learning Center (NGLC) is committed to class sizes of 12 or fewer students. This allows us to individualize instruction and accelerate growth.

Your child's skill set is unique to them.  They have some academic strengths, and some limitations. Sitting in a classroom where they are getting the same lesson everyone else is getting, for the same amount of time, may or may not serve them well. Some students may be disinterested in certain topics or content areas, or may feel the pace is too slow, or may have skill gaps that continue to persist and widen without targeted intervention. 

Students in an individualized classroom experience learning in ways that are chosen for their learning style, with content that is selected to inspire them based on their interests and learning goals. In a small classroom, we have the advantage of choosing how long to practice a skill before moving on to the next topic, building mastery into our practices. The student's progress and accomplishments are recorded  and celebrated, so that the scope and sequence of a well-balanced mainstream classroom aren't left by the wayside. 

Your child or children will have a schedule, but we will create it together, and review the schedule throughout the year, to ensure rigorous academic growth. Because of this, there isn't a rigid schedule that every student is expected to follow.  But, take a deep breath and read more about why this model works.  This unexpected solution to a common scheduling challenge in a busy family life is a central design element for Nature's Gate Learning Center. 

Individualized learning includes a school schedule that meets your family's needs without compromising learning outcomes. Whether your family travels a lot for work or exploring this amazing world, or your child  pursues a serious interest that conflicts with a typical school schedule, Nature's Gate Learning Center offers flexibility in scheduling school.  One of the greatest benefits to being in a school environment that is committed to an individualized approach is that children will develop a strong academic foundation while they explore their interests, spend time with family, or care for their health, in the case of a student or family experiencing chronic health challenges.  Your student's individualized schedule includes the first day of school, the last day of school and vacation days, and even how many days per week your child attends classes.  Although there may be a few constraints if you are using an Empowerment Scholarship, we still have a lot of flexibility. 

This isn't an experiment.  I honed my teaching practices and watched my students flourish during the pandemic, while so many children "fell behind". We were not in school full time, but each of them grew at accelerated rates because I was able to target lessons to their developmental needs, in alignment to the state standards, and provide stimulating practice and projects that ultimately put them ahead of the curve. Each student went on to be an honor roll student at the next school they attended.

Yes! Our school generates formal, norm-referenced reports at regular intervals that demonstrate your student’s progress and learning targets.

As a teacher, I believe it's important to maintain a balance between the skills a student currently has, and the skills that will be important for future learning. The benefit of individualized education becomes most evident when students take their new skills into future mainstream learning or work environments. We educators must never close doors for students. We must always prepare a student for the future. Keeping an eye on the scope and sequence of state learning outcomes ensures the best foundation for learning.

NGLC is a private school but you may qualify for an Empowerment Scholarship from the AZ Dept of Education. Learn more here https://www.azed.gov/esa

Yes! I look forward to hearing from you to schedule a meeting and trial day. Contact me today.