Frequently Asked Questions

MASA currently serves learners in two learning communities:

• Grades 3–5 (Upper Elementary)

• Grades 6–8 (Middle School)

At MASA, grade level is just one part of the learning experience.

Imagine a fourth-grade learner who is reading at a sixth-grade level but needs additional support in mathematics. Rather than expecting that learner to progress at the same pace in every subject, we personalize instruction to meet their individual strengths and needs. They remain part of their grade-band learning community while receiving the appropriate level of challenge and support across subject areas.

This flexible approach allows learners to be challenged where they excel, supported where they need growth, and encouraged to develop confidence without being limited by a one-size-fits-all model.

MASA Academy is not a homeschool program. It is a private virtual microschool where learners receive live instruction, personalized learning experiences, project-based learning, ongoing feedback, and academic support from our educators. Families are valued partners in the learning process, but they are not expected to plan lessons or serve as the primary instructor.

MASA Studio, however, is designed specifically for homeschool and hybrid families. It is a guided learning membership that provides weekly learning plans, project-based experiences, teacher feedback, portfolio coaching, and a supportive learning community while families remain the primary educators for core literacy and mathematics instruction.

Whether families choose MASA Academy or MASA Studio, they become part of a relationship-centered community committed to helping every learner grow with confidence, creativity, and purpose.

MASA is intentionally designed to balance live instruction, independent learning, collaboration, and real-world experiences.

Monday–Wednesday focus on live instruction in small learning communities, where learners engage in core academics, arts-integrated learning experiences, community building, and personalized support.

Thursday Studio Day brings our learning community together for project collaboration, leadership development, creative expression, presentations, feedback, and meaningful connection. Learners also have opportunities for individualized support, portfolio development, and office hours.

Friday: Learning Beyond the Classroom encourages learners to apply their learning through real-world experiences, family engagement, reflection, and continued portfolio growth.

This balanced approach allows learners to develop independence, creativity, and ownership of their learning while remaining connected to a supportive, relationship-centered community.

At MASA, learning is designed around the learner—not the system.

Instead of expecting every learner to move at the same pace, complete the same assignments, or demonstrate learning in the same way, we personalize the learning experience to meet each learner's strengths, needs, and interests.

Our relationship-centered approach combines arts-integrated learning, authentic learning experiences, social-emotional learning, leadership development, and personalized instruction to help learners grow academically, creatively, socially, and emotionally.

Rather than simply preparing learners for the next test, we prepare them to think critically, solve real-world problems, communicate effectively, lead with confidence, and make a meaningful impact in the world.

At MASA, the arts are not a separate subject—they are a meaningful part of how learners explore, understand, and demonstrate their learning.

For example, a learner might write and perform a spoken-word poem to explain a historical event, create a digital animation to demonstrate a science concept, design a visual representation of mathematical thinking, or produce a multimedia presentation to share the findings from a project.

Learners express their understanding through a variety of creative mediums, including visual art, digital design, music, storytelling, drama, creative writing, presentations, and performance.

Arts integration deepens learning by encouraging creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and authentic self-expression while helping learners make meaningful connections across subjects.

Absolutely. Core academics remain the foundation of the MASA learning experience. Learners receive instruction in:

• Reading and Writing

• Mathematics

• Science

• Social Studies

At MASA, these subjects are brought together through Learning Journeys—authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect academic standards to meaningful questions, real-world challenges, and creative expression.

Rather than learning each subject in isolation, learners apply reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies as they investigate ideas, solve problems, create projects, and reflect on their learning. This approach helps learners build a deeper understanding of academic concepts while developing critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Core academic instruction is intentional, standards-aligned, and personalized, ensuring learners build strong foundational skills while discovering the relevance and purpose behind what they are learning.

At MASA, learning is measured by growth, progress, and mastery—not by traditional letter grades.

Each Learning Journey begins with clear learning goals so learners understand what they are working toward and why it matters. Throughout the journey, educators provide ongoing feedback, learner conferences, and progress monitoring to support each learner's individual growth.

Learners use age-appropriate rubrics to understand expectations, reflect on their progress, revise their work, and demonstrate increasing levels of mastery. They also build a portfolio that documents their learning over time, showcasing academic growth, creative expression, and leadership development.

Assessment may include:

• Authentic projects and performance tasks

• Creative demonstrations of learning through visual art, digital media, storytelling, music, drama, or multimedia

• Portfolio collections

• Learner reflections and goal setting

• Skill-based assessments

• Teacher observations and personalized feedback

Because every learner begins with different strengths, needs, and goals, progress is measured against each learner's individual learning goals rather than by comparing them to their peers. Our focus is on helping every learner continuously grow, build confidence, and demonstrate meaningful learning over time.

Every learner builds a digital portfolio that tells the story of their growth throughout the year.

As learners complete Learning Journeys, they curate meaningful artifacts that demonstrate their progress toward individual learning goals. Their portfolio may include authentic projects, creative work, reflections, feedback, revisions, and evidence of academic growth across subject areas.

Rather than collecting grades, the portfolio documents each learner's development over time—showcasing growth, creativity, perseverance, and mastery. It becomes a living record of learning that learners can reflect on, celebrate, and share with their families.

Absolutely.

At MASA, social-emotional learning is woven into everyday learning experiences rather than taught as a separate subject. Learners develop self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and social awareness through authentic interactions, meaningful reflection, and collaborative learning.

SEL is experienced through community circles, learner conferences, collaborative projects, goal setting, reflection, leadership opportunities, and relationship-centered teaching practices.

By intentionally integrating SEL into every learning experience, we help learners build confidence, resilience, empathy, and the skills needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

MASA is designed for learners who are ready to grow in a relationship-centered, personalized learning environment. Our learners are curious, creative, and encouraged to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and take an active role in their learning.

Many learners who thrive at MASA:

• Enjoy exploring ideas through creativity, discussion, and authentic learning experiences.

• Benefit from smaller learning communities and meaningful relationships with educators.

• Are developing independence, organization, and ownership of their learning.

• Learn best when they can apply their knowledge through real-world projects and creative expression.

• Value collaboration, reflection, and opportunities to develop confidence and leadership.

Learners do not need to have all of these qualities before enrolling. MASA is intentionally designed to help them develop these skills over time through personalized support, meaningful learning experiences, and a strong sense of community.

To participate in MASA, learners will need:

• A reliable internet connection

• A laptop or desktop computer

• Basic school supplies (notebooks, pencils, pens, etc.)

Depending on the Learning Journey, Studio Day activities, or clubs, learners may occasionally need additional materials or project supplies. Families will receive advance notice of any special materials so they have plenty of time to prepare.

Joining MASA is more than completing an application—it's becoming part of a relationship-centered learning community. Our membership process is designed to ensure that MASA is the right fit for both your learner and your family.

Our membership process includes:

1. Submit an Inquiry Form – Tell us about your learner and your family's educational goals.

2. Complete the Membership Application – Share information about your learner's strengths, interests, and learning needs.

3. Family Conversation – Meet with our team to learn more about MASA, ask questions, and discuss your learner's goals.

4. Learner Meet & Greet – An opportunity for us to connect with your learner and begin building a relationship.

5. Membership Invitation – If MASA is the right fit, you'll receive your membership invitation along with the next steps to join our learning community.

Our goal is not simply to welcome new members—it is to build a community where every learner and family feels known, supported, and connected from the very beginning.

Yes. We offer flexible membership payment plans to help meet the needs of families.

In addition, qualifying families may have access to scholarship or educational funding opportunities that can help offset the cost of membership. Because eligibility and availability vary, families are responsible for applying directly through the appropriate funding program.

During the membership process, we'll discuss available payment options and help families understand any scholarship or funding opportunities that may be available.

The best way to determine if MASA is the right fit is to schedule a Family Conversation with us.

This is a relaxed, no-pressure opportunity to share your learner's strengths, interests, goals, and educational needs while learning more about our relationship-centered approach, Learning Journeys, and membership options.

Together, we'll explore whether MASA's personalized, arts-integrated learning model aligns with what you're looking for. If it's the right fit, we'll guide you through the next steps. If not, we're happy to help point you toward resources that may better meet your family's needs.

Our goal is simple: to help every family find the learning environment where their learner can truly thrive.

Click the "Get Started" button to begin the membership process.

You'll be taken to our Membership page, where you can complete the inquiry form and tell us more about your learner and your family's educational goals. Once we receive your inquiry, we'll reach out to schedule a Family Conversation and guide you through each step of the membership process.

We look forward to learning more about your family and welcoming you to the MASA learning community.