How Does Inspired Work?
ILA’s Hybrid Model
Inspired Learning Academy follows a 3–2 hybrid model: students attend in-person classes three days a week and work independently from home the other two. This structure gives teens the flexibility to take ownership of their learning — while still receiving ongoing mentorship, collaboration, and accountability
A Day in the Life of an Inspired Student
On-campus days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9:00 am
Arrive and connect with peers
CoGo: Set intentions and build community
9:15 am
Classes and independent work
11:15 am
Snack and brain break
11:45 am
Classes and independent work
12:45 pm
Lunch and social break
1:30 pm
Classes and independent work
3:30 pm
CoGo close: Reflect on the day and give shout-outs
3:45 pm
End of day pick-up
Remote days: Monday, Friday
9:15 am - 3:45 pm
Independent study with ongoing virtual check-ins
Who Guides the Students?
Our educators serve as learning facilitators and academic life coaches, guiding students through purposeful learning and personal growth.
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They lead classes, support goal-setting, and help students stay motivated and accountable — all without the rigidity of traditional teaching models.
While our facilitators are not trained in special education, our flexible, small-group model works well for many neurodivergent learners. However, we may not be the best fit for students who need frequent one-on-one support or intensive academic or behavioral intervention. We’re happy to talk with you about whether Inspired could be a good fit for your child.
How Do We Track Progress?
What About Grades?
For middle school, instead of traditional grades, students receive narrative feedback focused on growth, effort and learning habits.
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For high school, students also receive narrative feedback but also work with class facilitators to co-assess their performance and propose grades based on evidence and reflection -- a process that builds ownership and real-world self-evaluation skills.
Rest assured, all graduates will have a transcript with a traditional GPA for college admissions purposes.
Path to Graduation and Beyond
Students carefully consider careers options aligned with their passions and if college is part of their chosen path, they progress each year to full preparation.
Explore Possibilities
9th Grade
Explore interests through self-directed learning projects and courses.
Explore career possibilities.
Earn badges for college admissions portfolio.
Demonstrate Passion
10th Grade
Complete an impressive Passion Project.
Intern or apprentice with a business aligned with career interests.
Research education needed for possible careers.
Generate a list of possible colleges.
Build Qualifications
11th Grade
Take dual credit classes.
Prep for and take the SAT/ACT.
Refine research on colleges and majors.
Launch & Lead
12th Grade
Take SAT/ACT a 2nd time.
Apply to colleges.
Apply for financial aid and scholarships.
Decide on a college or your chosen path!
The Inspired Difference
While our model may look different from traditional schools, it’s rooted in what helps teens grow: real connection, meaningful goals, and the freedom to learn in a way that makes sense for them.
Student Agency
Students have choice at Inspired. They opt-in to every class and have the opportunity to suggest group classes and engage in independent study. They also have a voice in student governance with our weekly Culture Creation meetings.
Personal Connection
From weekly 1-on-1 meetings with a designated mentor, to a small, close-knit group of peers, to personal choice (and thus connection to) their curriculum, students thrive on personal connection.
Real-World Learning
Moving away from the traditional Lecture-Study-Test cycle to our signature Inspired Learning Cycle of Inspire-Intend-Plan-Execute-Assess-Reflect, we model real-world learning so students can be prepared for life-long, self-directed learning.