What is a microschool?

A microschool is a non-traditional educational setting where students are learning side-by-side with learners of various ages and abilities. Think of it like a one room schoolhouse. In a mixed-age, project-based, child-led learning environment, learners thrive through collaboration, mentorship, and personalized exploration. Older students mentor younger ones, fostering empathy and leadership skills, while project-based learning encourages creativity and critical thinking, empowering learners to take ownership of their education. Microschools have become increasingly popular as homeschooling has become more prominent. The students enrolled at Hilton Horizons Academy are considered homeschooled students or are students who are enrolled in a virtual school program, which allows parents to have more involvement in their child's education. 

Why choose Hilton Horizons Academy?

Hilton Horizons Academy recognizes the need to learn core concepts but also encourages children to learn many things beyond the traditional educational experience. We offer small class sizes to promote individualized learning, advocate kindness in all we do, and experience life in a way that fosters the curiosity that occurs during childhood. We believe in holistic and experiential learning.

Will I choose my child's curriculum?

Students can either use our curriculum or choose the online learning or homeschool curriculum that works best for them. Our teachers provide individual attention, support, and personalized planning for each child and learning style.

How will children be graded?

We measure our student progress through portfolios, projects, surveys, reports, and other evidence of mastery. No more stressing about tests and grades because we move forward based on mastery, not age or grade level!
If your child is considered a homeschool student, you may opt to take a standardized test or to participate in an educational review to prove progress.

Is Hilton Horizons Academy a Full-Day Program?

Our programs run from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Academic time is in the morning, with afternoons reserved for open-ended play and enrichment activities such as STEM and Passion Projects. We have two-day, three-day, and five-day enrollment options. There are no attendance requirements or tardiness penalties. We will try to mirror the local school district calendar as much as possible. To view our schedule, click here.

Do you provide snacks or lunch? 

We do not provide food, but we do have emergency snacks for days someone may have forgotten to bring their own. Learners are encouraged to bring their own nutritious snacks, lunches, and a water bottle. We prioritize fostering healthy habits. Food sharing is not permitted in case of allergies.

What if I want to enroll my child back into public school in the future?

We offer an exceptional learning experience that will allow most children to excel beyond typical grade-level expectations. Enrolling your child back into public school is simple, and this experience will not negatively impact their ability to enroll in another educational setting in the future.