Empowered Minds Academy FAQ's
Most Popular Questions
At EMA, as part of our Educational Philosophy, we’ve added the following statement: “We believe that by uncovering (with research, study, and direct contact), reclaiming (with due diligence and hard work), and reconnecting with our truth (by reaching back – “Sankofa”) we will better understand who we were, who we are, and who we must be.”
We do not have conventional K-12 grade levels. We currently serve learners ages 3-10.
Each learner sets out on their own S/Hero’s Journey. Although we don’t have grade levels, all core curriculum work is tracked, managed, and saved. All of this work translates into a transcript, which we are always able to provide to you.
We are not trained or staffed to serve children with serious learning disabilities, special needs, or who need specialized attention. We treat each and every situation individually, so if you are interested in EMA and believe it is a great fit for your family, please inquire and we will personally assess together your unique situation and the fit of your young learner.
Tuition: $9,405 annually
Application Fee: $50
One-Time Non-Refundable Deposit: $250
Annual Supply Fee: $250
Pre-Pay Discount: 5% discount
Sibling Discount: 15%
Scholarships:
We accept the North Carolina Opportuity Scholarship! Learn more here.
Spark Studio families may apply for the Black Montessori Education Fund Scholarship. Learn more here.
Both scholarship applications open in February.
Other charges: Program Fees (e.g. field trips), Lunch & Snacks (optional)
View our calendar here. Learners are in session three to six weeks, followed by a weeklong break to rest and recharge. Each day begins at 8:30 am (drop-off starting at 8:00 am) and ends at 3:15 pm.
Our Spark Studio (ages 3 – 6) is an authentic Montessori environment, full of hands-on learning and play. We provide a mixed-age workspace, structured freedom, large blocks of work time to get into “flow”, opportunities to learn through “discovery” and freedom of movement.
EMA, as a whole, is not a Montessori school. In Discovery Studio (ages 7 – 10) we nurture a deep love of learning and build strong relationships with others while Guides equip learners to manage themselves and their workspaces.
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your learner for their special journey. You may watch a video here.
We measure progress in several different ways:
1. We set Daily, Weekly, and Session goals (each session lasts typically 4-6 weeks). Learners share these goals with their parents.
2. We utilize robust real-time data for each of our online learning tools. At any given time both parents and Guides can find out exactly what their child is learning. It easily allows us to track progress, identify areas of struggle, and close any learning gaps. The web-based programs don’t allow learners to move on to the next skill until it has been mastered. Guides equip learners to get unstuck, embrace a growth mindset, and develop grit.
3. We utilize paper portfolios/binders, electronic portfolios, and a web-based tool called the Journey Tracker, where each learner showcases and adds their best work.
4. Though we never “teach to the test,” the IOWA test is given each Fall & Spring to provide useful benchmark data for parents.
NO. We are not a franchise or chain. EMA is an independently-owned and operated school that was founded in Fall 2016 and became part of the Acton Academy Affiliate Network in Fall 2017. The Acton Affiliate Network is passionate about revolutionizing education, pursuing best practices, and has agreed to protect a learner-driven environment. Each affiliate follows its own methods in keeping with these commitments and it varies based on the leadership at each school and the community they serve.
EMA is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.
Each family is unique, though there are some similarities we’ve seen between the families who are happiest and most successful in this model.
We encourage families to be intentional about their decision to apply to EMA. Please read our site, and the suggested resources, especially books like Courage to Grow, Unschooling Rules, and Raising Free People.
