Now Enrolling Grades 1-6 for our new Encore Micro School, meeting at Eagle Encore, unit 150.
Pay the micro school deposit by July 15 and get a $50 credit toward your regular Encore classes!
This educational model encourages students to develop not only academic skills but also creativity, independence, and a love of learning.
Pay the micro school deposit by July 15 and get a $50 credit toward your regular Encore classes!
This educational model encourages students to develop not only academic skills but also creativity, independence, and a love of learning.
OUR VISION FOR THE COMMUNITY Through these practices, our holistic micro school becomes a cornerstone of a nourishing, vibrant community where children grow, families are empowered, and our collective well-being flourishes. We see education as the foundation upon which a healthy, sustainable, and connected future is built, and we are committed to shaping that future with care for every child and every family in our community. 
HEAD OF PROGRAM: Jen Graf
Meet Jen, the visionary behind Encore Micro School’s vibrant learning experience! With 25 years of working alongside youth, a degree in Sociology, and a background supporting troubled teens, Jen brings a powerful mix of heart, wisdom, and lived experience to her role. She’s a passionate advocate for kids and families, blending her holistic mindset with Montessori influences, forest therapy training, and a deep love for nature. Whether she’s guiding a forest walk, creating a hands-on lesson, or exploring healthy lifestyle choices with families, Jen shows up with creativity, purpose, and a playful spirit. Currently leading as a private micro school teacher, she’s ready to grow the Encore vision—one joyful, empowered learner at a time. 
We’re excited to announce that our micro school is now offering weekly science programming for grades 1–6! Each session is hands-on, curiosity-driven, and connected to the natural world.
Students will explore topics like plants, animals, weather, energy, space, and more—through experiments, creative projects, and outdoor observations. Rooted in wonder and discovery, our science program helps students think critically, ask questions, and fall in love with learning. |
A HOLISTIC MODEL
The holistic mission for a micro school focuses on cultivating an environment that nurtures the development of each child in a comprehensive and balanced way, taking into account their emotional, physical, psychological, and relational needs. This mission would aim to support children in becoming well-rounded individuals, with a strong foundation in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility. Therapeutic Practices: The school integrates therapeutic practices into daily routines, such as mindfulness, somatic awareness, and breathing exercises. These practices encourage students to understand and regulate their emotions, while also fostering resilience and emotional balance. Therapeutic practices are incorporated into the curriculum to help children build coping skills, manage stress, and process complex feelings in a safe space. Tools for Nervous System Regulation: Emphasis is placed on techniques that help students regulate their nervous systems, such as grounding exercises, sensory activities, yoga, and meditation. These tools allow students to remain present, calm, and focused in their learning, enabling them to respond effectively to challenges. Students are also taught to recognize and understand how their bodies react to stress and how to use regulation strategies to restore balance. Attending to the Whole-Child: The micro school views each student as a whole being, not just a learner of academic content. The approach addresses the emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs of the child, allowing them to flourish in all aspects of their development. Individual learning styles and needs are considered, and education is personalized to support the unique path of each child. Language Choice and Thought Patterning: The school encourages a positive and growth-oriented language environment. Students are taught how their words and thoughts shape their reality, and they are guided in developing a healthy inner dialogue. By focusing on reframing negative thoughts and fostering a mindset of possibility and resilience, children develop a sense of empowerment and self-worth. Character Development: Character building is a cornerstone of the school’s mission. The school instills values such as empathy, kindness, respect, responsibility, and integrity. Students are guided in developing a strong moral compass, building their sense of self, and learning how to engage in positive actions that benefit themselves and others. Nurturing Healthy Relationships: In the micro school, relationships are central to learning and development. Students are encouraged to develop healthy, respectful, and empathetic relationships with their peers, teachers, and the wider community. Social-emotional learning is prioritized, with activities that foster communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and team-building. Healthy relationships are seen as fundamental to emotional well-being and success in life. Benefits of Natural Health: The school emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle that supports both mental and physical well-being. Students are encouraged to eat nutrient-dense foods, engage in physical activity, and prioritize sleep. The school environment incorporates natural elements to promote overall health, such as organic gardens, clean air, and spaces for outdoor play and exploration. Profound Health Benefits of Time in Nature: Time spent in nature is considered a vital component of the holistic approach. Nature serves as both a classroom and a restorative space, allowing students to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. Activities like hiking, outdoor lessons, gardening, and quiet reflection in natural settings help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and encourage a deep sense of gratitude and environmental stewardship. Creative Expression: Creativity is woven into every aspect of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to express themselves through various forms of art, such as painting, music, dance, drama, and storytelling. Creative expression nurtures emotional health by providing students with outlets for their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It also enhances cognitive development and problem-solving skills, as students learn to think critically and innovate in both individual and collaborative projects. Physical, Emotional, Psychological, and Relational Health: The school places equal importance on the physical, emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of development. Regular physical activities, such as yoga, movement-based games, and outdoor play, promote bodily awareness and coordination. Emotional intelligence is cultivated through empathy-building exercises and mindfulness practices. Psychological well-being is supported by therapeutic approaches, and relational health is developed through intentional community-building and positive social engagement. Working Collectively: Collaboration and community are at the heart of the school's mission. Students, teachers, and parents work together to create a supportive and nurturing environment. The school fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, encouraging students to support one another and contribute to the greater good of the school community. Group projects, peer mentorship from trained teens, and cooperative learning activities teach children the value of working together to achieve collective goals. Each lead teacher will ensure that the curriculum is executed with expertise and tailored to each student's needs. In sum, the mission of this micro school is to provide a holistic education that supports the mind, body, and spirit of each child. By blending therapeutic practices, emotional intelligence, creative expression, and a strong sense of community, the school aims to prepare students not just for academic success, but for a healthy, fulfilling life. |
ACADEMIC GOALS
The micro school aims to create a nurturing, hands-on learning environment for students from 1st through 6th grade, focusing on core subjects like math, reading, spelling, writing/cursive, geography, and history. The curriculum will be personalized and age-appropriate, administered with support of a few parent volunteers and trained teens, guided by the deep expertise of two lead teachers. Curriculum will be chosen through the support of a homeschool curriculum consultant.
The micro school aims to create a nurturing, hands-on learning environment for students from 1st through 6th grade, focusing on core subjects like math, reading, spelling, writing/cursive, geography, and history. The curriculum will be personalized and age-appropriate, administered with support of a few parent volunteers and trained teens, guided by the deep expertise of two lead teachers. Curriculum will be chosen through the support of a homeschool curriculum consultant.
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1st-3rd Grade Pod
(6-12 students total in one room)
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4th-6th Grade Pod
(6-12 students total in one room)
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SCHEDULE
August 18 through May 29
Mondays through Thursdays, 8:30am - 12:30pm
Pickup 12:30
Or, if staying for Encore classes, lunch: 12:30-1:00pm
TUITION
MICRO SCHOOL TUITION: $675/month (August includes micro school registration and supply fees)
ENCORE CREATIVE CENTER ADD-ON CLASSES are available every day at 1:00-2:00pm and 2:00-3:30pm.
Stay after school to learn musical instruments, theatre, fine arts, and technical arts.
MICRO SCHOOL DISCOUNTS FOR 1:00-3:30pm classes:
Stay 1 afternoon and receive 20% off the added Encore group classes of your choice
Stay 2 afternoons and receive 35% off the added Encore group classes of your choice
Stay 3-4 afternoons and receive 50% off the added Encore group classes of your choice
We are also in collaboration with Everwild Forest School to provide a seamless transition into Tue/Thu afternoon forest school programs at Reid Merrill Park!
