A middle school where academic depth and rigor support intellectual independence and real-world engagement.
LA Microschool combines deep academic foundations with real-world application, preparing students to thrive in demanding secondary schools and to shape the world beyond it.
Our Approach
LA Microschool is designed for students who are curious, capable, and ready to engage deeply with ideas and the world around them. Our program emphasizes intellectual independence, disciplined thinking, and hands-on learning.
Values
Curiosity
A drive to question, explore, and understand how things really work
Agency
The belief and ability to take initiative, make decisions, and act on ideas
Responsibility
Ownership of one's actions, commitments, and impact on others
Respect
Consideration for people, ideas, and environments—even when perspectives differ
Discipline
Consistency, effort, and follow-through—especially when work is challenging
Core Academics
LA Microschool cultivates students who think independently and act thoughtfully. The academic program emphasizes clarity of thought, sustained engagement with complex ideas, and the disciplined application of knowledge through real-world inquiry.
Integrated Humanities & Sciences
Students study history, science, literature, philosophy, and current events as interconnected systems. Emphasis is placed on primary texts, analytical writing, projects, seminar discussion, and synthesis across disciplines.
Mathematics
Math Inquiry: is an integrated, problem-based program adapted from Phillips Exeter Academy. Self-paced, mastery-based instruction meets students at their level and supports steady, confident progression.
Math B acts as a bridge into abstract thinking with focus on number sense, algebra, and geometry. Math C deepens algebra, geometry, and number theory. Integrated Math 1-4 develops fluency in geometry, trigonometry, algebra 2, pre-calculus, and functions; advanced students may cover foundational calculus topics.
IAM Advanced Mathematics: Institute for Advanced Mathematics operates as a global, inquiry-driven, highly specialized institute focusing on deep conceptual understanding, historical and modern mathematical breakthroughs.
Foreign Language
Task-based language curriculum combining project-based learning with authentic practice. This approach accelerates a student's ability to communicate comfortably and confidently in their target language and connects learners to the people, cultures and histories that make up global civilization.
Robust language instruction focused on comprehension, communication, and long-term fluency development.
Beyond the Core
Technology Systems & Innovation
We have partnered with Great Minds to craft a customized two-year program that builds fluency in computer science, engineering, and strategic innovation. Students explore core technologies—including programming, electronics, AI, cybersecurity, and data systems—while developing an entrepreneurial mindset and learning to make trade-offs, communicate clearly, and think like innovators. Working individually or in teams, they manage a real component budget and deliver structured presentations modeled on professional design reviews. The focus is not just on how technology works, but how it creates value and impacts the real world.
Purposeful Travel
Travel transforms the world into a living classroom. These experiences go far beyond sightseeing—each journey is designed to deepen academic inquiry, cultural understanding, and personal growth through immersive, real-world engagement. Students observe and analyze global systems firsthand, explore complex social and environmental issues, and connect classroom concepts to lived experiences.
Craft, Design & Making
This program fosters creative expression and practical problem-solving through hands-on work across a range of mediums—sketching, cooking, pottery, textiles, and more. Students explore how ideas take shape through experimentation, iteration, and design thinking. By engaging both head and hand, they develop confidence, care, and curiosity in the process of making—learning to navigate constraints, refine their vision, and create with purpose.
Sport, Movement & Physical Challenge
Physical activity is a core part of the program and supports both skill-building and character development. Through a wide range of activities—from ping pong and billiards to basketball, soccer, pickleball, yoga, and boxing—students build baseline competence across diverse forms of movement. The focus is teamwork, problem-solving, and learning to navigate challenge with resilience, perspective, and effort.
Mentor Interviews & Professional Exposure
Students regularly engage with professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators across a wide range of fields through structured interviews and conversations. The goal is not early specialization, but pattern recognition—helping students see how skills, values, and ideas translate into real-world work and meaningful careers.
Guides for Thinkers and Builders
LA Microschool faculty are selected for their subject-matter expertise, experience with adolescents, and ability to cultivate disciplined, discussion-based classrooms.
LA Microschool faculty serve as intellectual guides—challenging students to think deeply, execute carefully, and reflect honestly on their work. The lead teacher specializes in adolescence and cultivating engaging learning experiences, while the extensive specialist staff are highly skilled subject matter experts.
How It Works
6-8
Santa Monica, CA
Aeon School & Bridgeway Academy
Schedule
Full-time academic program, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Structured around academic seminars, independent work, collaborative projects, labs, and applied learning experiences.
Learning Structure
The school day is structured around academic seminars, independent work, collaborative projects, labs, and applied learning experiences.
Class Size
Classes capped under 8 students for seminar-style discussion, individualized feedback, and sustained mentorship.
Independence & Responsibility
Consistent with our strong focus on personal responsibility and executive functioning development, students begin their tenure at LAM with a project management course and are given real responsibility for managing projects, time, and priorities.
Technology Use
Technology is used intentionally as a tool to enhance learning, not replace thinking or human connection. Cell phones and social media are not permitted for LAM students, inside or outside school.
For Students Who
- Are intellectually curious and action-oriented
- Enjoy discussion, writing, building, and problem-solving
- Are ready for independence and accountability
- Want to use learning as a tool, not an endpoint
- Thrive in small, intellectually demanding environments