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Frequently asked questions
The following are core traits of Microschools (all of which Inspired Learning Academy has):
- Microschools have no more than 150 students total, but are often smaller—from around 10 to a few dozen students;
- Classes have no more than 15 students;
- Multiple ages learn together in a single classroom;
- Teachers act more as guides than lecturers;
- There's a heavy emphasis on digital and project-based learning; and
- Education is highly personalized.
Inspired Learning Academy is a homeschool alternative that serves as an umbrella school, an independent school that oversees students' education while offering enrolled families a way to comply with state laws.
Students follow their personalized schedule of activities including group classes/projects, individual study, group discussions and mentor meetings. See How It Works.(https://office14758.wixsite.com/ila-2/how-it-works)
We are not aligned with any particular religion or belief system. The church graciously rents space to us.
We offer both traditional classes (i.e. Pre-Algebra, Biology) and non-traditional classes (i.e. Anthropology through Film and Food, Shark Month, World Creation Class, Ornithology). We bring in guest facilitators to share their passions that really inspire and engage the students. We also recommend online resources or bring in facilitators to fulfill students' specific requests. Many students have a mix of independent and small group classes.
Students in 7th-12th grade opt-in to classes to create a personalized schedule with the guidance of a mentor. Students have buy-in when they are given choice and voice (student agency) in their learning.
Absolutely! While we encourage students to attend the full day on in-person days, we are flexible. If there's a homeschool class that you child wants to attend Wednesday afternoon, for example, it is perfectly fine to do so. We do not take attendance and there is no penalty for absences - excused or "unexcused".
Grading students in the traditional manner creates a negative environment that causes great anxiety and stress. Our students retain more of what they learn because the learning is authentic. Students receive helpful narrative feedback from facilitators and mentors on individual assignments (some of which are scored numerically) and at semester end. Students earn Digital Open Badges (https://office14758.wixsite.com/ila-2/faq) that demonstrate mastery, create portfolios of their work and participate in our Presentation Nights, where they have the opportunity to present their accomplishments while practicing public presentation skills.
College-bound high schoolers establish a GPA through courses that provide grades (dual credit courses, online courses) and co-assessed grades (students provide evidence, class facilitator or mentor provides final grade approval to ensure integrity) for independent and Inspired courses.
As legal homeschoolers, students are free from the anxiety of the STAAR testing and the associated "teaching to the test" form of education.
We act as a homeschool umbrella school. Our students are under the same classification as homeschoolers. Accreditation does not apply to the personalized nature of homeschooling.
Yes! Students who have attended microschools similar to ours or who have been homeschooled have attended every kind of university, including top Ivy league schools, where admission officers actually seek out these non-traditional applicants. We had our own graduates since 2022 go on to various universities including University of Arkansas, Texas A&M, University of Texas at Dallas, Collin College, and Temple University - Japan.
Yes. Your family has the option to provide a homeschool diploma or receive a diploma from Inspired Learning Academy, provided they meet our graduation requirements. We offer two diploma/graduation paths: Traditional University Path, and a Flex Path. Your child's diploma will be accompanied by a transcript and a unique ePortfolio that will impress colleges, vocational schools, and/or business investors.
Yes. We provide impressive transcripts that highlight the unique strengths of your student in a more personable, yet professional, format than run-of-the-mill, traditional transcripts.
Ready for Next Step?
1
Schedule a Fit-Check Tour
Visit campus, see classes in action, and talk through your child’s situation with us, with or without your child attending. We will be honest about whether Inspired is likely to be a good fit and what next steps could look like.
2
Book a Call
Prefer to start with a quick call? In 15 minutes, we can:
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Hear what is happening for your middle or high schooler now
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Answer your biggest questions about Inspired's model
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Help you decide whether a visit makes sense
Low-pressure, information-only call.
Just bring your questions.
Still have questions?
(214) 509-8449
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