Who taught you the language you speak? Who started the traditions you hold? Who is narrating the voice in your head?
Parents are the first and most important teachers. This bond of trust and guidance doesn’t disappear once children enter formal schooling—it only deepens. As a classroom teacher, I often saw a breakdown in communication between parents and school educators. In most traditional educational settings, we've forgotten that we are made for community and that the educators are part of the village it takes to raise children, not the all-knowing authority. Sure, we get our degrees, and we have teaching experience, but school should be a resource for families, a place where parents find community and support.
Unlike traditional schooling systems, where decisions are often made in isolation by administrators or school boards, we pride ourselves on working in close collaboration with parents. This partnership is what makes Lucas Literacy Lab so distinct and effective, as it allows for a more holistic, individualized approach to learning. Here’s how we incorporate parents into the educational journey and why this is such a critical element of a microschool education.
Parents as the First and Most Important Teachers
In our microschool, this natural role is celebrated and supported. We recognize that parents have a unique and invaluable perspective on their child’s strengths, interests, and learning styles. This knowledge is key to building a learning experience that’s personalized to the child’s individual needs.
The Bible also emphasizes the pivotal role of the family in education. In Proverbs 22:6, it says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse underscores the responsibility of parents to guide their children, not only in their spiritual and moral upbringing but also in their intellectual and personal development. The home is where the foundation of character, discipline, and curiosity is established. Parents, as the first educators, set the tone for how children will approach learning throughout their lives. In a microschool setting, this aligns beautifully with our approach—viewing education as a partnership where parents continue to play a foundational role in their child's academic journey.
Curriculum Choices: Working in Tandem with Parents
At a microschool, we see the selection of curriculum as a collaborative process between educators and parents. Instead of imposing a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum, we take into account each child’s developmental stage, learning preferences, and personal passions when determining what to teach and how to teach it. This customization doesn’t just happen in the classroom—it starts with conversations and consultations with parents.
When parents enroll their children in a microschool, they are encouraged to be actively involved in the curriculum selection. We discuss educational goals, both short-term and long-term, and work together to create an individualized learning path that excites and engages the child. Parents may share their child’s interests, provide feedback on subjects they want their child to explore, or discuss any challenges the child has faced in previous educational settings.
By incorporating parents into the curriculum design process, we ensure that the educational experience resonates with the child and promotes both academic and personal growth. Whether it’s a deep dive into STEM topics, an exploration of world languages, or a creative approach to arts and humanities, the curriculum is designed to cultivate curiosity and empower students to be lifelong learners.
Creating a Flexible Schedule That Works for Families
A hallmark of our microschool is flexibility. In traditional schools, schedules are often set in stone—students follow the same timetable each day, with limited opportunities for deviation. At Lucas Literacy Lab, we understand that every family has different needs, rhythms, and priorities.
Our flexible scheduling is designed with both the child’s optimal learning patterns and the family’s needs in mind. Whether it's adjusting class hours to accommodate extracurricular activities, offering family learning days, or scheduling one-on-one tutoring sessions, we work alongside parents to craft a schedule that supports both the child’s education and the family's lifestyle.
Parents are invited to provide input into how the school day is structured, ensuring that it complements family routines while also maximizing the child's ability to learn and grow. This flexibility extends beyond just daily schedules—it's also reflected in how we approach academic pacing. Some students may need more time with certain subjects, while others may be ready to move ahead. With small class sizes and personalized plans, we can offer the time and attention needed to meet each student where they are.
Enrichments: Expanding Learning Beyond the Classroom
One of the defining features of microschools is their emphasis on enrichment activities—those hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that extend beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. Whether it’s field trips, volunteer work, community projects, or creative arts, enrichments are where students get to see the real-world application of their classroom lessons and explore new interests.
At our microschool, we believe in the power of parent involvement in designing and choosing enrichment opportunities. Parents often have a wealth of knowledge about the local community, interests that align with their child’s passions, or ideas for ways to enrich the curriculum. Whether it’s organizing a visit to a local museum, hosting a cooking class, or arranging a community garden project, parents are integral to ensuring that the enrichment program is engaging, dynamic, and meaningful.
We collaborate closely with parents to ensure that enrichment activities complement the core curriculum while also giving students the chance to explore new passions and develop a variety of skills. These experiences not only broaden a child’s academic understanding but also deepen their connection to the community and the world around them.
The Microschool Advantage: A True Partnership
The relationship between parents and microschool educators is truly a partnership—one that values the wisdom and insights that parents bring to the table while also providing the expertise and resources that educators offer. Together, we create a learning environment that is personalized, flexible, and deeply connected to each child’s unique needs and aspirations.
By working side by side with parents, we ensure that students are not just academically prepared for the future—they are emotionally, socially, and creatively engaged, too. The result is a well-rounded, highly individualized educational experience that empowers children to thrive in a world that is increasingly diverse and interconnected.
If you’re looking for an educational environment where your voice matters, where your child’s interests and needs come first, and where education is a true partnership between school and family, a microschool may be the perfect fit for your family. Together, we can help your child flourish—academically and beyond.
As the Bible reminds us, the family unit is the cornerstone of both personal and educational development. By working together, parents and educators can raise children who are not only well-educated but also well-rounded, compassionate, and prepared for all that the world has to offer. With a partnership rooted in trust, respect, and shared responsibility, we believe that every child can reach their fullest potential.
Email amanda@lucasliteracylab.com to learn more about how our community can support your family.
留言