We are Arizona’s first Gifted Microschool! We were founded in 2024 by gifted certified teachers wanting to provide an outstanding learning environment for gifted children (as well as any curious learners who want to join them). Gifted education is taking the time to get to know our students, fostering an open and caring learning environment, encouraging the love of learning, providing meaningful rigor, and supporting each child’s individual academic, social, and emotional needs.

Our Microschool Academies support grades 3-8, but we make exceptions for younger students and are looking at providing additional programs at our center to support high school students.

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An independent, small school option for curious learners built by gifted educators.

Imagine a place where children have their curiosity not just tolerated but encouraged. A place where an expert, caring teacher has a small class of learners, and has the time to get to know each individual and the freedom to tailor the curriculum to meet their learning needs. That place is here!

Enrolling for Fall 2025, while space is available, we began with one class/academy in the fall of 2024 and are expanding to two unique options!

If you are interested in having your child join us this Fall, please let us know. We would love to meet your family and see if one of our microschool academies may be a good fit for your child’s needs. Please see below for more details on our innovative program.

2025-26 School Year

Fall Open House & Meet the Teacher Night

August 19th at 5:30

Did you miss our Open House/Meet the Teacher events this spring? No Problem. Please email us to schedule a personalized tour to discuss your child’s needs and hear our plans.

Enrollment and Application

About Us

Class Size, Schedules, Supply List

Open House Presentation PDF (Updated 4/22)

Philosophy

Curriculum and Grading

Advanced Placement Academy Microschool

Built For

For any student who is serious about their studies and wants to achieve, grow, and accelerate their learning in a small learning environment coached by gifted trained teachers.

Unique Features

Enguaging & rigorous curriculum that moves at each child’s own pace
Time to emphasize the meaning in learning unleashing children's passions and abilities
Accelerated pace preparing children for early college coursework
16 or fewer students
Focus Grades 2-8 (with exceptions for younger students)
Meaningful rigor, supporting the joy of learning!

Both Academies Have

Individualized Learning Paths with flexible, enriching curriculum
Small class size - Mulit-Age
Caring, certified, and experienced teachers
Social, emotional, life skill supports
Compacted schedule with hybrid learning options
Strict behavior policy (No tolerance for bullying, disrespect, or consistent disruptions)

Unique Learners 2e Academy Microschool

Built For

For learners who are gifted, neurodivergent and also have areas they need additional support in. They receive individualized academic instruction with social and emotional supports.

Unique Features

Individualized learning allowing acceleration and one-on-one support
Emphasizing social, emotional, and executive functioning skills with weekly support from experienced, trained clinitions
10 or fewer students
Focus Grades 3-8 (with exceptions for younger students)
No tests. No homework. No grades. No stress. Just love learning!

Both Academies Have

Individualized Learning Paths with flexible, enriching curriculum
Small class size - Mulit-Age
Caring, certified, and experienced teachers
Social, emotional, life skill supports
Compacted schedule with hybrid learning options
Strict behavior policy (No tolerance for bullying, disrespect, or consistent disruptions)

Q&A

How do we drop off and pick up our child each day?

School starts at 9:30 AM

Please bring your child into the lobby/bookstore each day and sign them in. (This is also a great time to let us know how your child's morning is going.)
No Rush Morning Drop Off Window is 9:20 AM-9:40 AM - Students have independent work time to prepare for the day as the teachers prepare. Instruction will start at 9:40 AM. This means families do not have to rush to get to school at a set time. It also allows those students who need a bit more time to settle in and prepare for the day to do so.

School Ends at 2:30 PM

Please pick up your child from the lobby/bookstore each day.
The students will be ready for pick up promptly at 2:30 PM. If you are unable to make it in time, please let us know. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we may have to charge supervision fees.

If someone else is picking up your child, please make sure they are listed with us ahead of time.

What are the Rules/Polices for the classroom?

We do have our general rules and policies linked here.
The gifted microschool has two very small classes. We focus on building relationships with the students and having reasonable expectations. We do not have a long list of classroom rules, instead we rely on relationships, respecting everyone, having discussions, being open to questions, as well as building consensus and understanding.
We know we can all have a bad day from time to time and he will support students with their feelings and emotions. That said, threatening or bullying behavior as well as classroom disruptions that stop others from learning are not tolerated.

What is the cell phone policy and how do we contact the teacher?

Students are welcome to bring their cellphones to school; however, they need to be on silent and kept in their backpacks unless they are being used for a project or activity.
If you need to reach the teacher, your child, or the front desk, you are able to call, email, or text the office. Teachers are also available on ClassDojo for general communications.

Do you offer before or after care services?

Not yet, but let us know if that is a need and we can start planning it.
We will have after school clubs and classes beginning in September.
These will require an additional fee, but families with children in our microschool will receive a discount

What social and emotional curriculum do you use?

We do not have a set curriculum for social and emotional support. Our definition or understanding of social and emotional is getting to know each individual child and supporting the whole child beyond the academics. As our teachers and staff get to know each child they are able to use a variety of resources to best meet their needs. In general the teachers have discussion time each day and work with the students in groups and individually to work through their emotions, understand and support each other, and in general just be ready to learn.

Do you have cameras in the classroom and why?

Unfortunately, yes. Given the times we live in they are a necessity.
The cameras are only for safety and recordings will not be supplied to anyone outside of our employees or law enforcement.
Only video is recorded (no sound) and the data is deleted within a certain number of days.

2025/26 Teacher Highlights

Our Teachers are Apple Teachers!

An "Apple Teacher" is a designation awarded to educators who complete a free, self-paced professional learning program designed to support and celebrate their use of Apple products for teaching and learning. The program helps teachers build skills on iPad and Mac, earn recognition for their learning, and be rewarded for integrating Apple technology into their classrooms.
We encourage our students to have their own iPad to use in and out of class!
Has completed coursework in Philosophy: Psychology and Holds a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction

Chaffanie Maye
Holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction

Alisha Young
Both Mrs. Maye and Mrs. Young are coming to us from a Leader in Me Lighthouse School. These schools train teachers to support and instill leadership abilities in their students. This highly-regarded program is based on the work of Franklin Covey (7 Habits series).
“Gifted students are full of potential, and I truly believe in helping them shine. Learning should be joyful, challenging, and full of possibilities—just like life!”

Chaffanie Maye
With over a decade of experience in education, Alisha Young is a dedicated teacher serving a diverse range of students, including those who are gifted and twice exceptional. She holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and is passionate about teaching students with multiple intelligences, cultivating critical thinking, and inspiring creativity.

Alisha Young
For the past 13 years, I had the absolute joy of teaching and inspiring young minds. As a gifted child myself, I know what it’s like to crave deeper learning, asking a million “what if?” questions, and see the world through a lens of endless curiosity. That’s exactly why I’m so passionate about gifted education—I believe every child deserves to feel challenged, supported, and excited about learning.

Chaffanie Maye
“I firmly believe that everyone has their own unique genius, and I strive to help each student discover and develop their strengths.”

Alisha Young