K-12 Mastery-Based Micro School

Vibrant Minds Elementary/Middle School Program

Our program is mastery-based, allowing students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating true understanding of each skill, guided by clearly defined mastery charts. We support the whole child, nurturing academic, social, emotional, and creative growth. Learning is exploration-encouraged, with hands-on experiences, student choice in topics, and meaningful cross-subject connections that build curiosity and ownership. Every child is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Mastery-Based Concepts Condensed

For full descriptions and to explore in-depth details about each progression, click here. 

📚 Reading Skill Progression

• Emerging: Recognizes letters, sounds, rhymes; tracks print and understands book concepts
• Developing: Blends sounds, reads sight words, retells stories, identifies story elements
• Proficient: Reads fluently, identifies main ideas, compares texts, summarizes content
• Mastery: Analyzes themes, evaluates arguments, interprets figurative language, synthesizes ideas

✍️ Writing Skill Progression

• Emerging: Uses drawings/letters to express ideas, writes simple sentences
• Developing: Writes complete sentences, starts opinion/narrative writing, revises with help
• Proficient: Writes paragraphs with transitions, edits writing for clarity
• Mastery: Crafts essays, develops voice, cites sources, publishes work

➕ Math Skill Progression

• Emerging: Recognizes and counts numbers, understands basic shapes/patterns
• Developing: Adds/subtracts, solves basic word problems, begins multiplication/division
• Proficient: Solves multi-step problems, understands fractions, applies geometry
• Mastery: Solves real-world problems, analyzes patterns, communicates reasoning

🔬 Science Skill Progression

• Emerging: Observes physical characteristics, explores surroundings
• Developing: Conducts simple investigations, learns about weather, life cycles
• Proficient: Designs experiments, analyzes data, explains ecosystems/forces
• Mastery: Applies scientific concepts, evaluates claims, communicates findings

🌍 Social Studies Skill Progression

• Emerging: Recognizes family/community roles, identifies basic map features
• Developing: Explores geography, historical figures, and civics
• Proficient: Analyzes cultures, global connections, historical events
• Mastery: Investigates social issues, builds informed opinions, understands global interdependence

💬 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Skill Progression

• Emerging: Identifies emotions, follows routines, uses simple coping strategies
• Developing: Expresses emotions, practices empathy, sets personal goals
• Proficient: Resolves conflicts, regulates emotions, builds positive relationships
• Mastery: Demonstrates leadership, applies SEL skills, supports others’ well-being

Vibrant Minds High School Program

At Vibrant Minds, our high school experience is centered around real-world learning, creative exploration, and personalized mastery. Students progress through project-based and portfolio assessments rather than traditional grades, allowing them to truly own their education and future.

Graduation Requirements

Total Required Credits: 20
Credits are awarded in half-year increments. Students are expected to complete at least 5 courses per half-year, totaling 5 credits per year. Graduation and course year requirements may be increased by family or student choice but cannot be lowered. Early graduation is available with school approval and additional requirements.

Core Subject Requirements

English – 4 Years Required
Focus on reading comprehension, critical analysis, persuasive and reflective writing, and digital literacy. English is integrated across other subjects and includes everyday/professional writing.

Mathematics – Minimum Requirements:

• Pre-Algebra (may be completed before or during high school)
• Algebra I
• One real-world math elective (e.g., Finances, Statistics, Math for Business)
• Geometry and Algebra II are taught in-house; Calculus and above available online with their own mastery standards.

Science – Flexible Years
Emphasis on inquiry, experimentation, and scientific literacy. Students who attend all four years will study key concepts from Life Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. Students entering mid-high school will have adapted paths or structured courses based on interest—there is no fixed number of years required.

Social Studies – Minimum Requirements:

• 0.5 credit in U.S. History
• 0.5 credit in Civics/Government
• Economics is highly recommended but not required.
• Additional study areas are developed in collaboration with each student.

Senior Capstone Project – 1 Credit
A student-led deep dive into a real-world issue or passion. Includes research, product creation, community involvement, and public presentation.

Electives at Vibrant Minds

Teacher-Designed Electives

Courses created and facilitated by Vibrant Minds staff. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just ask—we’re happy to design a course around your student's interests.

Examples:
Braille Photography Tutoring Student Assistant Writing
Child Development Children’s Literature Work Study Teaching Fundamentals

Student-Designed Electives

Students may co-design electives based on personal passions or career exploration. They propose goals and mastery outcomes, which are approved by the teacher.

Examples:
Coding Art & Illustration Music Production Fashion Design Entrepreneurship
Theater/Performance Writing a Novel STEM Projects Digital Media Trades & Crafts

Online Electives – Unlimited Possibilities

Students may access free or low-cost courses from platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera.

Math
Statistics Economics Math for Business Financial Literacy Geometry (Online)

Science
Biodiversity Animal Behavior Astronomy Chemistry Environmental Science

Art & History
Ancient Art Asian Art Music Art History (AP) Natural & Cultural History

Technology & Computing
Intro to CS – Python Computer Programming Algorithms Build Android Apps Computer Architecture

Languages & Culture
Chinese for Beginners New Zealand Studies NASA Missions

Philosophy & Social Studies
Intro to Philosophy AP Microeconomics AP Macroeconomics Civics & Government

...and so many more options!

Why Choose Vibrant Minds?

• Grouped by learning stage: Elementary | Middle | High School
• Mastery over time—students progress once they’ve demonstrated understanding
• Student-driven projects that reflect real-world skills and passions
• Flexible course pathways that adapt to each learner’s goals
• Supportive, small-scale learning environment designed for growth

Questions? Want to Visit?
Let’s explore how Vibrant Minds can help your teen thrive. Reach out today!

Elementary K-5th:

• $500/month x 10 months ($5,000 total)
• $125/week x 40 weeks ($5,000 total)
• School Year (10 Months) paid in full $4800
• Additional fees/costs:
• $50 registration per child
• All children required to have a laptop or Chromebook
• Regular School Supplies (list to be provided)

Middle 6-8th:

• $500/month x 10 months ($5,000 total)
• $125/week x 40 weeks ($5,000 total)
• School Year (10 Months) paid in full $4800
• Additional fees/costs:
• $50 registration per child
• All children required to have a laptop or Chromebook
• Regular School Supplies (list to be provided)
• Middle School elective course materials or outside courses (based on student educational plan)

High School 9-12th:

• $600/month x 10 months ($6,000 total)
• $150/week x 40 weeks ($6,000 total)
• School Year (10 Months) paid in full $5800
• Additional fees/costs:
• $50 registration per child
• All children required to have a laptop or Chromebook
• Regular School Supplies based on student course schedule
• Official Transcript requests $10 each
• High School elective course materials or outside courses (based on student educational plan)
• Seniors have $325 graduation fee
• Seniors are responsible for any cap, gown, or graduation announcements they choose