What are microschools? How can they serve gifted students?

What is a microschool? 

A microschool is a small, independent, and often unconventional school that typically serves a small group of students, usually no more than 10 to 15 students. These schools are designed to provide personalized and flexible education that meets the needs and interests of each individual student.

Microschools can take many forms, but they typically share some common features. For example, they may be organized around a specific educational philosophy or teaching approach, such as Montessori or project-based learning. They may also be led by a single teacher or a small team of educators who have expertise in a particular subject area or field.

Microschools may be located in a variety of settings, such as homes, community centers, or shared office spaces. They may also leverage technology to provide remote learning opportunities and connect students with resources beyond their local community.  

The HEROES Academy Microschool for Gifted and Talented Students is a fully in-person microschool for gifted and talented students located in Monroe Twp, NJ.  Our school has two large classrooms, a waiting area, and a teacher prep room.  While we hope to expand our facilities one day to facilitate more specialized activities, we are committed to keeping our school “micro-sized” forever. 

What benefits does a microschool offer my child?

The concept of microschools has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional public and private schools. Microschools offer a more personalized and student-centered approach to education, with more individual attention, greater flexibility, and a greater focus on hands-on, experiential learning. Attending the HEROES Academy Microschool provides your child with: 

1. Personalized attention: Our microschool is only accepting 8 students for the 2023 – 2024 Academic Year.  This allows us to provide each student with a personalized education experience that meets the unique needs and interests of each student.
2. Flexibility: We have more flexibility in our curriculum and scheduling, allowing for more customization and individualized learning paths.  As a NJ Non-Public School, we’re not required to administer any standardized tests, to teach specific curriculum, or to utilize certain textbooks. We can adapt more quickly to changing student needs or interests.  
3. Focus on experiential learning: We emphasize hands-on, project-based learning that allows students to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world settings. This can lead to deeper engagement and a more practical understanding of concepts.
4. Community building: We strive to create a strong sense of community and a supportive culture that allows students to feel more connected to their peers and teachers.  The day-to-day provides many opportunities for collaborative learning and social interaction, and the small size of our school ensures we have a strong relationship with each of our students and their families.  
5. Innovative approaches: We designed and refined our own curriculum for gifted and talented students over the last thirteen years.  We’ve focused on creating and implementing innovative lessons and activities that foster creativity, logic, and critical thinking while providing students with an age-appropriate and engaging learning environment.  

Attending a microschool may not be the right fit for every student. However, for gifted students who are looking for a more personalized and flexible educational experience, the HEROES Microschool may be worth exploring.

How do I enroll my child in the HEROES Academy Microschool for Gifted and Talented Students?

The HEROES Academy Microschool is a selective school program; we’re only accepting a total of eight students for the 2023 – 2024 Academic Year.  Students interested in applying to the HEROES Academy Microschool should: 

1. Visit www.NJgifted.org/microschool to learn more about our microschool program and/or schedule a call with Miss Danielle Voit here.
2. Submit the full application including supporting documents such as WISC-IV, Stanford-Binet, Weschler, CogAT, neuropsychological evaluations, etc.
3. Register for an Academic Evaluation by visiting here.