FKA: We have consciously created our space for less than 75 children to attend. Due to our unique model, we may have more students, but less than 75 will be on campus at any given time.

Other: Schools in our area vary, but the closest public K-8 school has over 1,400 students.

Children need strong connections in their lives. Our enrollment is purposely smaller to encourage strong bonds within the classroom. We want children to form friendships that will last a lifetime instead of being shuffled around each year, hoping to be in a class with someone they know.

FKA: We will have up to four mixed-age classrooms for our K-8 students. Two or three grades will be together.

Other: Children are placed in the same age groups.

We believe life is best when it is more authentic. It’s natural to socialize with children of different ages. Younger children benefit from observing older children who serve as role models, while older children can develop confidence and compassion. Age segregation began in 1848, after the Prussian school model. Before then, children of various ages always learned together.

FKA: Education should be customized for each individual child. By lowering class sizes and engaging mentors, volunteers, and assistant teachers, our students get personalized attention.

Other: Most classrooms have one teacher in charge of instruction.

The age of a student doesn’t always equate to ability. Flexible groups work together based on the teachers’ ongoing assessments and curricular goals.

FKA: Themes are introduced in an organic manner, where content is interdisciplinary and explored in depth.

Other: Content is taught in segregated blocks of equal time. The depth of discovery is predetermined by the grade level expectations, and the focus is on covering a wide range of knowledge and memorizing facts.

Learning is more meaningful when it is holistic, and connections are made. Students experience a deeper innerstanding of knowledge while retention of skills and information increases.

FKA: We are focused on individual progress, not perfection. We assess student growth through evidence-based portfolios and class performance. Rankings or scores to label or compare are not necessary.  

Other: Children are graded according to grade-level performance, comparing them to peers their age. Instruction is based on grade-level standards.

We see assessment as an ongoing, organic part of instruction. When a child struggles to understand something, we respond by changing our instructional techniques or going back to teach previous concepts if needed. If the child continues to lack understanding, we can wait until he or she is developmentally ready, or let it go. All children should feel successful.

FKA: We encourage your children’s free time at home to be spent with family.

Other: Children are expected to complete more work at home after a long day at school.

We respect home time for our students. It is a sacred time to relax, play, and learn life skills such as helping around the house and cooking. It’s a time to develop hobbies, exercise the body, and bond with family. When children are naturally motivated, they will most likely extend learning into their homes by reading books, experiments, art projects, and more. We want our students to be challenged by choice.

FKA: Our day is just under six hours.

Other: A traditional school day is between seven to eight hours.

We focus on quality, purpose-driven instruction and believe our goals can be accomplished in this time. We want our students to be enthusiastic and well-rested.

FKA: Our extended day is a 1.5-hour program from 2:30- 4 p.m.

Other: A conventional school usually ends aftercare around 6 p.m.

We want our students to have enough downtime at home with family. We also choose for our leaders to be well-rested and have quality time with their families.

FKA: Parents can choose a part-time schedule if they are homeschoolers or PEP students. We can help you with this process if you need to transition from a public or private school.

Other: Students must attend full time.

We respect the continuum of homeschooling styles. Families can choose what they will do on their off days, from a structured curriculum to unschooling.

FKA: We teach spirituality. We define this as a journey of self-discovery where we remember our divine connections, our ability as creators, our limitless potential, and pursuit of our soul purpose. It is rooted in love, oneness, awareness, and freedom.  

Other: Public schools leave out any mention or instruction of God or a higher power, and it is not encouraged to be discussed. Private schools with a religious affiliation typically teach one perspective based on the system of beliefs of that religion.

We embrace unity with all and encourage free will by teaching children to question and research. We focus on love: love of oneself, other humans, and the Earth, including its animals and plants.

Free Kids Academy is committed to ensuring the security and safety of its building and playground facilities through a comprehensive approach that includes the following measures: (take out numbers) 

• Surveillance Cameras

The academy has installed high-quality surveillance cameras throughout the premises. These cameras monitor key areas, providing real-time footage that can be reviewed to enhance safety and security.

• Key Fob Access 

To restrict entry to authorized personnel only, Free Kids Academy employs a key fob system for all doors. This ensures that only staff and approved visitors can access the building, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.

• Secure Gates and Fences

The playground and outdoor areas are surrounded by secure gates and fences. These physical barriers not only protect children from external threats but also provide a controlled environment for play and learning.

• Regular Safety Drills

The academy conducts regular safety drills to prepare staff and students for various emergency situations. This proactive approach helps everyone know how to respond quickly and effectively if a situation arises.

• Trained Staff

All staff members receive training in safety protocols and emergency response. This ensures that they are equipped to manage any security concerns and can act swiftly to ensure the safety of all children.

• Collaboration with Local Authorities

Free Kids Academy maintains a strong relationship with local law enforcement and emergency services. This collaboration enhances the security measures in place and provides additional resources in case of an emergency.

By implementing these strategies, Free Kids Academy creates a secure and nurturing environment where children can learn and play safely.

It would be ideal to offer 9th-12th grade educational programming so students can continue on their beautiful educational journey. We hope someday that dream comes to be! In the meantime, when your child transitions to high school, he or she will be well-prepared for both public and private schools due to the comprehensive and conscious educational approach we provide. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring that students not only grasp foundational concepts but also develop the ability to apply their knowledge in various contexts.

Our core components cultivate skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, empowering students to tackle advanced courses and complex projects with confidence. Additionally, our emphasis on individualized learning allows each student to progress at their own pace, ensuring they are equipped to meet the diverse challenges of high school, whether in a public or private setting.

By fostering a growth mindset and encouraging exploration, we prepare our students to thrive academically and socially, making them not just ready for high school but also for future educational opportunities.

If your child attends part-time, they will have the freedom to explore a variety of enriching activities on their days off. This flexibility allows them to pursue interests that resonate with them, whether that involves unschooling, engaging in another curriculum, or building upon the themes and skills we are focusing on during their days at Free Kids Academy.

For those interested in unschooling, this approach encourages self-directed learning, where your child can follow their passions and curiosity, making learning an organic and enjoyable process. Alternatively, if they choose to engage with another curriculum, they can supplement their education with resources that align with their personal interests or academic goals.

Additionally, students can piggyback off the themes and skills we are exploring in our program, allowing them to deepen their understanding and apply what they’ve learned in creative and practical ways. This blend of structured learning and personal exploration ensures that each child has a rich and fulfilling educational experience tailored to their unique needs and interests.

At Free Kids Academy, both part-time and full-time students benefit from our engaging and individualized approach to learning. However, there are some differences in their experiences based on the amount of time they spend with us.

Full-time students enjoy a more immersive experience, participating in a broader range of activities and content. They will benefit from our small group settings, where they can collaborate closely with peers and receive more comprehensive instruction on various subjects. This allows for deeper exploration of themes and skills, fostering a rich learning environment.

Part-time students, while still receiving high-quality education tailored to their needs, will have a different experience. They will engage with the same fundamental components and small group interactions, but the amount of content and activities may be more limited compared to the full-time students. This structure ensures that part-time students still receive personalized attention and access to individual materials, allowing them to thrive within their available schedule.

Ultimately, both part-time and full-time students will develop essential skills and knowledge, but full-time students will have the opportunity to dive deeper and participate in a wider variety of learning experiences throughout their day.