Palm Beach International Academy, a Stanza Education School: Not Your Typical Microschool

Microschools are gaining popularity these days. And with good reason. With the nation’s public school system continuing to stagnate as a result of antiquated, one-size-fits-all learning models, more and more microschools are popping up across the country.

What are microschools?

So, what are microschools? They’re very small, private institutions that provide a personalized learning environment for students. And they’re really growing in popularity because of their flexibility, innovation, tailored learning models, and the lack of public school bureaucracy, mandated curriculum, and standardized testing.

Microschools are designed to challenge “traditional” forms of education by tailoring learning to the specific needs of each individual student–something public and private schools simply can’t accommodate! This type of education model is becoming more appealing to parents who want a more academic choices for their child, and to students who either don’t feel challenged or who struggle to keep up in traditional school.

How do microschools operate?

A microschool usually involves a limited number of students getting together in someone’s home, a local community center, a library, or even a church. In microschools, you may see some students working on projects and activities while others learn from a personalized curriculum delivered by a parent, a teacher, or a facilitator who leads the discussion.

Microschools focus on each student by using lessons and curriculum specific to them. And one of the best things about microschools? They’re not tied to mandatory lesson plans, so the facilitator or teacher could switch to another subject or topic based on the discussion happening in the classroom! This is instruction and education at its most organic.

Because microschools usually aren’t regulated, they don’t rely on the outdated processes of traditional school systems. Microschools can introduce new technology and innovations on a whim, and they can try different curricula until the right match is found! And they’re agile enough to individually serve many types of students, including those with learning disabilities as well as gifted kids.

How Palm Beach International Academy is different from typical microschools

If there is a downside to some microschools, it’s that the lack of regulation and oversight could lead to unqualified and uncertificated people serving as teachers. This is one of the many things that sets Palm Beach International Academy, a Stanza Education School (PBIA SES), in Boca Raton, Florida, apart from the rest!

Like other microschools, PBIA SES offers a flexible, personalized learning model to set each student up for future success. But that’s where the similarities end in comparison to other microschools…and we consider that to be a great thing!

Here’s what Palm Beach International Academy provides our students, which most other microschools don’t…or can’t.

1. Accreditation

Enrolling your child in an accredited private school ensures they’re receiving a high-quality education that has been accepted nationally and internationally. That’s a big deal when graduation time rolls around and students are looking to apply to colleges and universities!

The accreditation process demonstrates to schools, colleges, and universities worldwide that credits were earned through rigorous, standards-based curriculum. And since that process is ongoing, the school must demonstrate how well their policies, programs, and practices are working together to meet the needs of every learner. Palm Beach International Academy holds ourselves to the highest standards of excellence to maintain our accreditation through Cognia. That helps PBIA SES stand apart from other local microschools. We’re also proud to offer courses that are approved by both the NCAA and College Board!

2. Credentialed, Certified Teachers

Some microschools have certified teachers–but many don’t. Palm Beach International Academy does! Our instructors are credentialed, certified, and experienced with our student-centered educational model. And they are subject matter experts who are fully qualified to instruct students both in-person and online.

Our teachers are more than just instructors though. They serve as guides, mentors, and facilitators, providing students with the tools and support necessary to achieve their academic and future goals. Our teachers and Academic Coaches inspire curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and offer guidance while allowing students to take ownership of their learning journey.

3. In-Person and Virtual Support

Unlike most microschools, which operate primarily in person, PBIA offers the best of both worlds when it comes to academic support! Our students thrive in a flexible, hybrid educational environment where they can do their schoolwork on campus, at home, or wherever their lives take them! Either way, they always have access to our dedicated Academic Coaches and teacher support.

4. Robust Course Catalog

By offering more than 300 online courses–including middle and upper school classes, such as fun electives, Honors, Advanced Placement^®, and world languages–Palm Beach International Academy offers our students a much wider variety of engaging classes than a typical microschool would.

5. Our Beautiful Campus

Unlike other microschools, Palm Beach International Academy’s microschool is a full campus that offers a hybrid learning experience unlike any other! This innovative environment combines in-person instruction with online learning, allowing our students to collaborate on projects and receive personalized guidance from our dedicated educators.

PBIA SES makes its home in the state-of-the-art Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC), and it is awesome! It has everything a student could possibly want or need, like two coffee shops, walking trails with a lake view, a grab-and-go snack shop, outdoor space to enjoy lunch or do schoolwork, convenient access to off-campus food and shopping, and more! Our campus is a home away from home for students.

PBIA SES Sets the Standard for Microschools

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional schooling, microschools are an ideal choice with their emphasis on personalized learning in a small class environment. Keep in mind, though, that most microschools are unregulated, unaccredited, and can essentially hire anyone to teach. 

Palm Beach International Academy, a Stanza Education School, is not like other microschools!
We are accredited, our teachers are highly qualified and certified subject matter experts, and we offer a flexible and highly supportive hybrid learning environment on a beautiful campus. And that makes PBIA SES unlike any other microschool you may find! To learn more about Palm Beach International Academy, call us at (561) 735-5773 or apply here!