The following are core traits of Micro schools (all of which Inspired Learning Academy has):

- Micro schools 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.

No, we are not aligned with any particular religion or belief system.

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".

Yes and no. 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. They complete comprehensive self-assessments while receiving helpful narrative feedback from facilitators and mentors. Students earn Digital Open Badges 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 self-assessed grades (with evidence and mentor 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 self-directed learning schools 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 first graduates in the class of 2022 who had no problem getting into college.

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.

The skills of successful self-direction (including self-motivation) are what your child will develop with the guidance of a patient and inspiring mentor and the support of a positive peer community. That said, students should care about learning and have an intention to improve.

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.