Microschools are small, multiage private schools that can be funded through private or ESA funds set up through the state of Arizona.

Enrollment

If you believe your child is a good fit according to the student traits and our philosophy on our philosophy page. Please see the application process below.

Application Process

Step 1: Paper Screening

• Application – Complete the application linked below.
• If the applicant passes the paper screening, you will be invited to Step 2

Step 2: Parent/Guardian Interview & Application

• A link will be sent for the Playground registration system. Set up an account and pay the Application Fee ($50)
• A link will be sent to schedule an interview time
  • What to bring to the interview:
    • Portfolio of student work
      • It does not have to be extensive
      • Include examples of things your child does well and areas they may need more support in, report cards, etc.
    • Testing Documents:
      • Any gifted identification scores (Not required but recommended)
      • Any special education documentation (504s IEPs, etc.)
    • Anything else that helps us get to know your child
• If the applicant passes step 2, you will be invited to Step 3.

Step 3: Student Observation/Screening

• For the 2024-25 School Year – Student Interview
  • We will have an interview with your child. This will take place on the same day as the Parent/Guardian Interview & Application (Step 2). (We will have chat with them after the interview.)
• For the 2025-26 School Year – Student/Class Observation
  • A link will be sent to schedule a time
  • Students will tour the facility and then join the class. They will work through learning tasks with the teacher and other students (approximately 45-60 min).

Step 4: Application Status

• Upon review of application, including discussions with the Microschool Teacher, applicants will be notified of the enrollment decision

ESA Funding

ESA funds allow any parent or guardian to fund education alternatives for their school-age child. This includes helping with private school tuition.

• ESA Pays funds to parents each quarter (July, October, January, & April)

• ESA typically covers $6,800 per year, but that can vary based on age, and needs of the child served.
• If your child has diagnosed special needs, ESA may provide additional funding to pay for the support services they need.

For more information on the ESA program:

• Arizona Department of Education’s ESA Website
• American Federation of Children (School Choice Organization)

Payments/Fees

• Application Fee – $50 (Students do not have to reapply each year)
• Yearly Registration Fee – TBA
  • This covers many of the enrollment costs and initial classroom materials to start the school year
• Enrollment:

Per Year (August-May)	Per Month (Ten Months)
$10,000	$1,000
If using ESA	If using ESA
ESA typically pays out $6800 $3200 out of pocket	ESA typically pays out $680 $320 out of pocket

• We understand this is a significant financial commitment. However, we hope that with the ESA funding it is achievable for all of our families. 
• This funding amount is the minimum for us to be able to pay our staff, cover facilities, and run our unique program. Because we have such a small class size and want to do many unique things, we are going to look for other funding sources as well as donations to supplement tuition fees.
• We will also be asking for families to help us find donations and funding as well as occasionally purchase supplies and materials for some projects and activities. Those will be communicated in advance and we appreciate anything our families can do.