A microschool is a small, community-based learning environment designed to offer more individualized, flexible, and student-centered education. Unlike large schools with rigid structures, microschools focus on deep relationships, personalized instruction, and space for students to grow at their own pace. At Bodymind Microschools, we limit enrollment to a maximum of 18 students per grade. Students are part of small, intentional “houses” with a target student–teacher ratio of 6:1, allowing for close mentorship and daily connection. This structure ensures that each student is truly known and supported—academically, emotionally, and personally.

Each day includes a balance of academic learning, embodied practices, personal reflection, and community connections. Students might begin with breathwork or journaling, then move into core academic work designed specifically for their learning needs and goals. Flexibility is built into the day, allowing for independent work, small group instruction, one-on-one support, and socialization. As students move from the Foundation Years (5th/6th) to the Stewardship Years (7th/8th), they gradually take more ownership of their learning. Younger students receive more active teacher guidance, while older students experience their teachers more as mentors and coaches, supporting increased independence in a developmentally appropriate way.

Absolutely. We provide a full academic program, including math, English language arts, science, and social studies, customized to each student’s strengths, needs, and developmental level. Instruction is based on student readiness and skills, allowing learners to receive both support and challenge exactly where they need it. Faculty are trained in special education, literacy, and differentiated instruction, so students receive the level of support they need to thrive, whether they’re remediating skills, pursuing advanced material, or somewhere in between. We also focus on metacognition and executive functioning, helping students understand how they learn, set goals, reflect on their progress, and grow into confident, self-directed learners.

At Bodymind Microschools, we honor spirituality as an essential part of whole-person development, but we are not affiliated with any religion or denomination. Our approach is non-sectarian and rooted in universal wisdom traditions that help students cultivate inner awareness, stillness, and meaning. Practices like meditation, breathwork, and movement are offered in accessible, developmentally appropriate ways, always with respect for the diverse beliefs students may bring from home. We welcome families of all religious, spiritual, or secular backgrounds. While we encourage open-hearted sharing, we also hold clear boundaries around spiritual inclusion: this is not a space for persuading others toward a particular belief system or elevating one tradition over another. Our aim is to support each student in discovering their own inner light and sense of connection, in a community grounded in respect, curiosity, and care.

Yes. Our program is designed to help each student build strong academic foundations along with the executive functioning and self-advocacy skills that support long-term success. Because instruction is fully individualized, students are challenged at the right level and supported in meeting, and often exceeding, grade-level expectations. We place a strong emphasis on metacognition, helping students become active participants in their own learning. By the time they graduate, our students understand how they learn best and are confident advocates for their needs, well prepared for a range of high school environments.

Bodymind Microschools offers a different kind of learning experience, one that feels more spacious, connected, and attuned than most traditional models. But different doesn’t mean less. We integrate strong academics with an emphasis on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and meaningful growth. Students don’t just complete assignments; they become masters of their own learning process. While we’re not conventional, we are deeply intentional: blending high expectations with flexibility, calm with challenge, and structure with care.

Our students are often bright, creative, and thoughtful—girls who may have felt overlooked, insecure, or out of sync in traditional school settings. Many have learning profiles that don’t fit conventional molds, including challenges with reading, writing, executive functioning, or attention. Some have formal diagnoses such as ADHD or learning disabilities; others simply benefit from a more individualized, relational approach. What they share is a need for spaciousness, support, and an environment where they can feel safe, respected, and empowered to grow. We honor each student as a whole person, academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Many girls begin to lose confidence and connection to themselves during the middle school years, especially in environments where they feel unseen, rushed, or overshadowed. By creating a space that centers girls’ experiences, we offer an environment where students can take healthy risks, express themselves fully, and grow without comparison or competition. Our program is designed to uplift feminine ways of knowing while fostering strong relationships, mutual respect, and deep inner trust.

Bodymind Microschools and Montessori share several important values: both create calm, focused learning spaces, foster student independence, and honor the whole person. At the same time, our approach moves in a different direction. Montessori offers a carefully sequenced system of materials and lessons, which serves some students well, but may not meet the needs of all learners. We share Montessori’s respect for the whole person, but we place equal emphasis on responsive teaching and the development of interpersonal skills.

Our flagship site is in development in Oro Valley, Arizona. While we are still finalizing our location, we are exploring sites convenient to both Oro Valley and North Tucson, generally in the area surrounding North Oracle Road (SR 77). We see a strong need for this kind of learning environment in the region and are excited to offer a new option for families seeking something different. Long term, our hope is for the Oro Valley campus to serve as a lab school for the Bodymind Approach, providing a model that can be adapted by other communities. Future sites under consideration include Tempe, the Verde Valley region (Sedona/Cottonwood), and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Yes. We accept Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds, which can be used to cover tuition and certain educational expenses. Families are encouraged to apply through the state’s ESA program. While we hope to offer need-based scholarships in the future, independent scholarship funding is not currently available for the 2026–2027 school year.

We’re currently building our early interest list for families who want to stay connected as we grow. Those on the list will receive occasional updates about key milestones, such as open houses, virtual info sessions, enrollment timelines, and tuition details. To join, just use the contact form and let us know you'd like to be added, or email us directly at info@bodymindmicroschools.com.