Microschools FAQ

What is a Microschool? 

Microschooling at Emerald Heights Academy teaches students in multi-age classrooms where teachers focus on the individual student, rather than the class. Emerald Heights offers a small-scale learning community that integrates high-quality academics with doctrinal rigor and liturgical formation — one where students are genuinely known and cared for.

What are the key benefits of Microschools?

• Personalized Learning – Microschools offer individualized instruction & flexible pacing, allowing educators to tailor learning to each student's needs. [Defining Microschools]

• Strong Relationships – Small class sizes foster close connections and reduce social pressures among students, teachers, and families. [Georgia Public Policy Foundation] 

• Innovation-Friendly – Microschools can experiment with new teaching methods and learning models more easily than large institutions. 

  
  

The National Microschooling Center reports that there were 800 registered microschools as of 2025. [The Rise of Catholic Microschools]

Will students have enough peer interaction? 

Our multi-age groups, community partnerships, and extracurricular activities create rich social environments where students build real friendships. [Georgia Public Policy Foundation]

What curriculum is typically used? 

We use a Classical Liberal Arts framework to foster critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning.

What about sports? 

Catholic students can participate in CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) sports through their parish.

What about the arts? 

We offer music, art, and drama classes, reflecting our belief that a truly excellent education nourishes the whole person.

How do these schools handle technology? 

We prioritize "real books" and Socratic discussion over screens; however, we use computers for a small subset of activities including keyboarding, research, Excel, and Google Docs.

Do Microschools offer extracurriculars? 

We have offered chess, LEGO, and robotics clubs, though offerings vary each year.

Closing Note: Microschools offer families a refreshing, human-centered alternative to traditional education — one that blends the warmth of a close-knit community with the creativity and flexibility of modern learning. For many students, they provide a place to be seen, supported, and inspired. If you're exploring options that prioritize meaningful learning and whole-child development, Emerald Heights can be an empowering and exciting path forward.