ABOUT

The Micro-School Alliance (MSA) is a collaborative group of idealistic independent school leaders who believe in educational transformation, and more importantly, the notion that each student’s needs can be better met in small, community oriented environments.

Each school is unique. Some work within a sectarian framework; some are underpinned by Montessori methodologies; some provide international curricula; and, some are classical in nature, whilst others may be progressive.

What MSA leaders recognize is the changing shift in the educational paradigm in that parents today are seeking greater choices for their child’s school experience, not just in terms of academics, but also their social and emotional experiences. MSA leaders understand that ‘fit’ is a crucial factor in a child’s opportunity for academic and developmental growth and success, and that is the basis of showcasing the variety of schools that make up MSA.

MSA member schools also join together to provide both collaborative and competitive opportunities for students between the schools in order to ensure that some ‘large’ school experiences are not missed.

So please explore our member schools and see if you can find the right environment you’ve been looking for, for your child.

BENEFITS OF A MICRO-SCHOOL

Although small, micro-schools have some big advantages, including:

  • Small class sizes to better serve the needs of the individual child providing for more personalized learning experiences.

  •  Enhanced innovative curriculum offerings that are more meaningful and provide for deeper learning, critical thinking, and creative explorations.

  • Lower organizational complexity and the fostering of teacher empowerment/autonomy. 

  • Positive strong teacher-student relationships due to the teaching model where teachers serve as facilitators, counselors, and co-creators with students. 

  • The ability to pivot and respond quickly to both internal and external forces meeting the needs of constituents in a timelier manner, or simply allowing for more efficient implementation of new ideas. 

  • Micro-schools tend to offer safer environments overall. Whilst not eradicated, bullying, cliques, drugs, and violence tend to be minimized in small schools. 

  • Any difficult issues tend to be identified and dealt with more efficiently, personally, and humanely. 

  • A culture of connectedness where there is a strong sense of community throughout the school, providing a sense of a communal mission that elicits a positive ethos, support, and collaboration for the betterment of both the child and the school. Micro-school parents are often encouraged to be part of the community and when children see the meaningful interactions amongst adults, their role models, it provides for feelings of safety and security, and a healthier development of both their social and emotional capacity and growth.

 

And if that’s not enough, there are many studies that also allude to the following outcomes:

  • Enhanced academic success.

  • Higher graduation levels.

  • Higher college attendance.

  • Higher salaries.

 

Micro-schools are ultimately designed to improve the student experience, enhancing the holistic development of each child, providing them with an opportunity to reach their full potential and develop the skills and knowledge to be successful in school, work and life. It’s just a matter of finding which school best meets the needs of your child.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb