We are a school built by gifted-trained teachers who specialize in building environments where curious children can flourish. The Head of School selects our teachers based on their ability to not only show mastery of gifted pedagogy but also genuinely care for their children’s educational/intellectual progress and growth. We have collaborated with many gifted teachers to build our concept. We will hire only the best teachers we can find.

We come from the school system and know what works, what does not work, and how learning should be. The system we are creating takes what we have learned but frees our educators from rigid systems and bureaucratic structures that many times take the enjoyment out of education (both for the teacher and the student).

Our goal is to find the best teachers and support them. Our teachers are professionals who know how to support gifted and curious learners. They have the experience and passion to make a difference in the lives of children, and we empower and support them to do what is best for our children. We hand select our staff because they are who we would want to educate our children.

Kim Miller

Kim Miller, M.Ed

Teacher, Gifted Microschool

Kim Miller began her journey in education as a volunteer mom and school PTO president when her gifted sons entered kindergarten. She served as the school’s PTO president and school PTO Secretary for many years. In 2009 Mrs. Miller became a “Drama Mama” when her oldest son began his high school theater journey. She remained in this capacity until her youngest son graduated in 2015. She was responsible for organizing events and meals for the actors and assisted with building the set and was the photographer for the club.

Through all of this, Mrs. Miller dreamed of being a teacher and specifically working with gifted students as she felt that these students’ needs were not easily being met. Mrs. Miller attended college and graduated with a BS in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology in 2012. She then continued classes to attain her Master’s degree in Elementary Education and then went on to earn a second Master’s degree, in Gifted education, in 2017.

Mrs. Miller began her teaching career as a gifted teacher in New Mexico in 2015, where she worked on the Navajo Reservation for two years. This was her dream job. She loved working on the reservation and learned so much about the Navajo culture. Moving to Arizona in 2017 to be with her family, Mrs. Miller taught middle school Science for a year and then as the gifted teacher for American Leadership Academy in Queen Creek for the past 6 years. There, Mrs. Miller coordinated the School Spelling Bee, Book Battles, and gifted identification testing. Her students have written and performed plays, and in 2024 her 6th grade students were recognized by the Rube Goldberg Association for their unique take on a Rube Goldberg Machine and introduction. She loves to bring out her students’ critical thinking, problem solving and creative skills through activities and lessons such as student written plays, STEAM projects, and project-based learning.

Credentials –

  • Full Gifted Endorsement
  • Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, Grand Canyon University
  • Master’s Degree in Gifted Education, Grand Canyon University
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Ashford University
    • Minor in Psychology
  • Arizona Teaching Certificate & Endorsements
    • Gifted PreK-12
    • Elementary Education

Adam C. Laningham, M.Ed

Head of School & Founder

Adam Laningham, author of Gifted Children & How Trauma Impacts Them, and the From Struggling to Thriving Series, has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Adam was recognized as the Arizona Gifted Teacher of the Year, he has taught at several schools in multiple grade levels, created and facilitated numerous gifted programs, and served as a district manager coordinating programs for over 6000 gifted students.

Adam is currently the President of SENG – Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted, serves on the Advisory Board for the Arizona Association for Gifted & Talented, is a founding member of Callisto (supporting gifted foster youth), and an advisor for CogAT Riverside Insights. As founder and owner of Bright Child AZ and The Gifted Collective, Adam is an international speaker, consultant, and gifted advocate.

Credentials –

  • Currently obtaining Twice Exceptional Education Program Certificate, Bridges Graduate School
  • Full Gifted Endorsement, Ottawa University
  • Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, Arizona State University
  • Arizona Teaching Certificate & Endorsements
    • Principal Certificate
    • Elementary and Secondary Education Certificates
    • Additional Endorsements in Gifted K-12 and Middle School Education
    • Highly Qualified in History, Social Studies, and Mathematics