Where students Grow as learners, leaders, and creators
A relationship-centered microschool for grades 3-8 that strengthens academics, builds emotional intelligence, and nurtures creative expression-so students feel seen, supported, and challenged.
This school was created for students who need more
This is for families who know their child needs something different.
Feels overlooked or unsupported
Needs a smaller learning environment
Is capable, but lacks confidence
Benefits from support with self-management
Is bright and creative
Needs to be challenged in a whole-child setting
Our Mission
The mission of MASA is to educate, uplift, and inspire the whole child by cultivating academic growth, emotional intelligence, and creative expression through meaningful, student-centered learning experiences.
Social Emotional Learning
SEL is embedded into everyday learning to help students build confidence, self-awareness, and healthy relationships.
Personalized Learning
Instruction is responsive to each child’s strengths, needs, and pace of growth.
Creative Expression
The arts are integrated into learning to deepen understanding, engagement, and self-expression.
Leadership Development
Students are encouraged to use their voice, take ownership of their learning, and grow as leaders.
Strong Relationships
Students thrive in supportive environments where they feel seen, valued, and connected.
what makes us different
Learn more about the vision and learning model behind Maya Angelou School of the Arts.
Why I Created this school
After more than 25 years in education, I’ve learned this: students don’t fail because they can’t learn—the system often fails to support who they are.
Year after year, I watched capable students get labeled, overlooked, or pushed out—not because they lacked potential, but because traditional systems often leave little room for individuality, creativity, or meaningful support.
I made the decision to stop trying to fix broken systems and instead build something I know works better for learners.
Maya Angelou School of the Arts was created as a space where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally through strong relationships, meaningful learning experiences, and opportunities to think, create, and lead.
Here, students are not only challenged to grow academically—they are encouraged to use their voice, lean into their talents, and develop confidence in who they are becoming.
Maya Angelou School of the Arts is more than a school. It is a commitment to doing education differently.
—Dr. Yolanda Peay