About Philomath Microschool
By enrolling your child in our small community of learners, you’ll be giving your child a unique educational activity. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, researched backed learning opportunities designed around the specific needs and learning styles of our students.
We started this microschool according to a few fundamental values as teachers, and we strive to weave those ideals into every aspect of Philomath Microschool. Students learn best when they are given the time and resources to engage with complex problems and practice solving them in meaningful, real-world ways. Every person and culture is owed a fundamental degree of respect and human dignity, and sometimes that means learning about difficult or emotional subjects in a sensitive manner.
Underlying all of those values is one principle that guides our every move as teachers and informs every Philomath lesson: every student is capable of excellence.
Programs
Virtual School
Grade-level core classes (Math, English, Science, Social Studies) taught to small groups every weekday via Zoom.
There are 180 instructional days for the 2023–24 school year, with progress reports issued at the end of each academic quarter.
Student-centered, research-based instruction tailored to each student’s unique abilities and needs.
Blended-grade classes allow for greater peer-to-peer learning and enhanced self-determination in reaching academic goals.
One-on-One Tutoring
Dedicated academic tutoring by award-winning graduates of George Mason University’s Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Exceptional Learners graduate program.
All major academic subjects covered at the pace that’s just right for your child.
Extend learning past grade level or improve problem subjects. Explore areas of interest or discover new passions under careful guidance.
Flexible booking on afternoons and weekends to work around your family’s busy schedule.
Curriculum and Assessment
Philomath Microschool classes use standards-based grading based on Common Core, Next Gen Science Standards and the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies. The curriculum is tailored for individual student needs and interests, and prioritizes student-driven learning activities instead of the traditional banking model of schooling. The majority of classwork is completed in Google Classroom and Zoom, and other digital and physical resources are carefully selected to increase the depth of learning. Our blended-grade classes are designed for research-based collaborative learning activities, with assessments and learning outcomes designed for each student’s grade-level objectives.
Celebration of Diverse Learners
Sometimes education involves encountering questions that are difficult to answer or provoke reflection that may be uncomfortable. While many schools choose to remove all possible controversy from the classroom, research shows that students only stand to lose from such censorship of their education, especially students from traditionally underserved communities. As such, Philomath teachers are dedicated to exploring and celebrating the identities of diverse learners and individuals across our curriculum, including different races, cultures, religious practices, and gender and sexual identities. This not only enhances the dignity of all human beings, it prepares our students to better understand both themselves and the spectacular diversity of people in our communities, our nation, and our world.
Independent Study
Students pursuing an Independent Study in one or more core subject areas will follow along with our Virtual School curriculum. However, instead of attending class every day, students will complete the assignments or other related learning activities on their own, meeting with Philomath teachers once or twice a week for guidance and enrichment activities.
Independent Study students will receive a thorough progress report at the end of the quarter to help guide their future development.
This option is ideal for families seeking a rigorous grade-level curriculum with more flexibility than daily Virtual School meetings and assignments.
Meet the Philomath Teachers
Sylvie Althoff (MA, MEd) is a professionally certified teacher with endorsements in K–6 general education and ESOL. She has taught diverse and exceptional learners on four continents over the course of her career, and has built a reputation for creative lessons that emphasize real-world problem solving and student collaboration. She is a professional writer and editor, and enjoys sharing her love of writing with students of all levels.
Erin Smith (MEd) is a professionally licensed teacher with endorsements in K–6 general education and ESOL. She has spent the last decade focusing on designing and delivering curriculums that focus on inquiry based instruction in international schools. She encourages students to embrace failure as an opportunity to grow and believes in the power of feedback and reflection. When students are given ownership of their learning, they develop academic independence and are motivated to succeed.
