Frequently Asked Questions
What is a microschool?
A microschool is a small, independent school typically designed to serve a specific group of students in a personalized and community-oriented learning environment. Microschools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and tailored instruction. They can be based on various educational philosophies and may offer a unique curriculum or approach to learning. Microschools may be established by educators, parents, or community organizations and are known for their flexibility and ability to adapt to the needs of their students.
What is a guide and how is that different than a teacher?
At AHA, we have guides instead of teachers. A “guide” refers to an educator who facilitates learning in a personalized and collaborative environment. Unlike traditional schooling which primarily delivers content through lectures or direct instruction, guides at Awaken Hearts Academy take on a more facilitative role. They provide support, guidance, and resources to help students explore and discover knowledge independently. Guides focus on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning rather than just delivering information. They work closely with students and parents to co-create Individualized Learning Paths and tailor instruction to meet each student’s unique needs and learning style. Ultimately, guides empower students to take ownership of their education and become active participants in their learning journey.
How can one guide facilitate multiple grade levels and curriculums at the same time?
This is one of the main reasons we keep our class sizes small. Our guides are skilled at facilitating multiple grade levels and curriculums through personalized instruction and small group settings. Each guide spends considerable time familiarizing themselves with various curriculums to ensure they are comfortable using and recommending them. When it comes to handling different grade levels, our guides approach each student as an individual learner, regardless of their grade level. This personalized approach allows them to meet each student at their unique level of development and understanding. In a small group setting, guides can effectively tailor instruction to address the diverse needs and learning styles of each student. This ensures that every student receives the support and guidance they need to thrive academically and reach their full potential.
Is AHA the right fit for my family?
Awaken Hearts Academy offers a Christian faith-based education that prioritizes spiritual growth, character development, and academic excellence. Our curriculum is tailored to meet your child’s individual needs, and our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support. We believe in fostering a true partnership for your child’s education, rather than simply sending them off and hoping for the best. If this resonates with your family, scheduling a call to explore our curriculum and educational approach further can help determine if AHA is the right fit for you
Why does AHA require an Audition?
We view the Audition process as a vital step in fostering strong connections and partnerships with our students and their families. Through this process, we delve into each child’s unique needs, interests, and aspirations, enabling us to tailor our educational approach to suit their individual journey. It’s imperative for parents to grasp our methodology and practices to ascertain whether we are the ideal fit for their child as well. By utilizing the Audition process, we ensure that our learning environment aligns seamlessly with their educational path, facilitating academic, social, and spiritual growth. This understanding ensures that together, we can create an environment where students flourish, driven by a shared vision and dedication to educational excellence.
What is an Individualized Learning Path?
An Individualized Learning Path (ILP) is a personalized roadmap for each student, tailored to their unique strengths, needs, learning style, and interests. These plans are collaboratively developed with input from the parent, guide, and student, because we know parents have valuable insights into their child’s character and abilities. The ILP includes customized curriculum options for math and language arts that cater to the student’s learning style and specific needs. By designing a plan that best serves their unique requirements, we can support their academic pursuits and personal growth. An ILP is a powerful tool that can be transformative for a student’s academic and personal success.
What curriculums does AHA utilize?
We take a personalized approach to education, crafting Individualized Learning Paths (ILP) for each student. For the Math Block and Literacy Block, our curriculum selection process is guided by the ILP (see the above question for more information), ensuring that they receive instruction tailored to their specific requirements. This flexible approach allows us to cater to each student’s academic journey. For the Discovery Block, we engage in whole-group collaborative time where we study history, science, have debates, Socratic discussions, and other interactive activities aimed at fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. We utilize a variety of resources within the Discovery Block. Feel free to reach out if you’d like a list of current curriculum options.
Will my child have homework?
Homework is not typically assigned unless it’s requested by the parent or student, or if it’s related to a significant project or preparation for a student expo, which occurs 1-2 times a year. As each student has unique needs and learning styles, we believe that homework effectiveness varies from individual to individual. While some students may benefit from additional practice, others may require the evening to unwind and allow their learning to solidify. Therefore, homework policies are flexible and tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of our students.
Does AHA have any extracurriculars?
We actively collaborate with parents and external vendors to add extracurriculars into our program. In the past, we’ve offered ASL classes taught by a deaf parent and art classes, and we’re always open to partnering with parents and outside experts to enrich our students’ experiences. While formal extracurriculars can vary, we integrate art, music, and other creative activities into our daily routine. Additionally, students have dedicated time each day called WIN (What I Need) to pursue extracurricular interests or receive additional academic support. This flexible approach allows us to cater to each student’s unique preferences and learning goals, and we’re open to adding independent foreign language or similar activities during WIN time based on student and parent preferences.
How does AHA handle grades?
We take a personalized approach to grading that focuses on each student’s individual progress and growth. Rather than traditional letter grades, we provide weekly updates and quarterly progress reports to keep parents informed about their child’s academic development. These updates include detailed insights into their child’s strengths, areas for improvement, and milestones achieved. By offering regular feedback and assessments, we ensure that parents have a clear understanding of their child’s academic journey and can support their learning effectively. Our goal is to foster a collaborative partnership between parents, students, and guides to promote continuous growth and success.
Our decision not to adhere to standard grading systems is rooted in our belief that learning goes beyond numbers and letters. We focus on mastery and growth, valuing the progress and individual journey of each student. This approach allows for a more holistic assessment, recognizing effort, improvement, and the development of essential skills. We are happy to assist with the creation of official transcripts in the event that they are needed.