Conservation
How Does Our Program Work?
Online Learning
Families enroll their children in a virtual program, such as Florida Virtual School, K12, Connections Academy, etc.; or a family chosen homeschool curriculum program. Families can choose core classes only, or add on electives.
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A typical day at our private school centers on "Core Learning", which means students work independently on assignments for each class; we call this our "BrainSweat" period. Students focus primarily on Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Science. Students spend anywhere from 60 - 70% of their day on Core Learning, depending on their ability and determination.
Teachers provide support for students during Core Learning time by answering questions, assisting with assignments, and monitoring progress. Students and their mentors get together weekly to chat about their goals and progress, as well as intervening with academic difficulties.
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Mentors are always present to provide a nurturing hand with any issue, from troubleshooting technical issues, interacting with virtual teachers, and providing mini lessons. Often times students need help with a simple math problem one day, organizing and checking progress the next day, and working completely independent the following day.
STEM
Our Modern Minds Learning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) enables students to integrate a problem solving approach that incorporates collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Students are presented with a variety of topics and challenges that engage them in learning about the world while building STEM skills.
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Our approach to STEM includes robotics, and primarily focuses on teaching kids problem solving and teamwork through First LEGO League, an international program that teaches students how to code and build robots and centers on a yearly theme that promotes critical thinking and Core Values. Our LEGO robotics program encompasses two components; one, a classroom program where all students at Modern Minds participate, and two, competitive robotics teams that dig deeper into problem solving and coding.
In addition to our LEGO robotics program, our students are also immersed in problem solving through other avenues, such as design engineering, where students are presented with a problem, followed by a team effort to brainstorm possible solutions, design and create prototypes, test their solutions, and redesign based on their test results. The continual process of design engineering builds on their problem solving skills.
Conservation
As a conservation based school, our goal is to teach students how to incorporate environmental science skills and problem solving skills to help preserve our natural resources and build a greater future for all of mankind. Students need to feel empowered to positively impact the world around them through learning about the impact of man on the environment.
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Students learn best through experiences, and incorporating field studies into our curriculum enables kids to see first hand both the problems and solutions facing society today. Whether paddling through Mosquito Lagoon and observing mangrove restorations to help restore shorelines, conducting water quality tests to help scientists monitor the effect of solutions on the ecosystem, or studying mud snails and their feeding patterns at the Whitney Lab, students are continually out in the field making sense of their world.
Conservation learning also focuses on service learning, as students need experiences that engage them in helping to save the environment. Kids become extremely excited at their efforts growing marsh grass for shoreline restoration, removing invasive plants from critical areas, and building "oyster volcanos" to promote the re-growth of oyster beds in the estuaries. Service learning instills a feeling of positive impact while contributing to the preservation of the earth.
Strong Minds, Strong Body
Outdoor Play
Recess?? Without a doubt, students need time during the day to engage in physical activity to clear their mind, build connections with friends, and increase their physical and mental health. Recess time also builds character skills through sportsmanship, teamwork, and social skills.
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At Modern Minds students are outside participating in recess twice a day on average. In addition, our classes make periodic trips to local parks for extended recess, enabling more time outside which in turn makes for more productive time when they are inside.
Clubs & Classes
Students love a diversity of ways to engage their minds and bodies, so we integrate a variety of experiences into our curriculum to meet their needs. This includes:
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Strength and conditioning
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Pickleball
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Disc Golf
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Chess
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Mountain Biking
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Many of our clubs and classes are implemented jusing local experts, such as Revive Fitness and Pictona, further enabling kids to connect with their community.
What are the advantages?
Small Learning Environment
Small school size AND classes offer security, familiarity, and focus on learning. Grades 2 - 5 average 13 students per class, while middle school averages 16. Keeping numbers low helps kids collaborate and build trust with their peers.
Individual Suppport
Our small learning environment enables us to closely monitor your child's academic progress and emotional well being. Individual assistance is available throughout the day, as well as peer mentoring, to help your child stay on track.
Flexibility for Families
Utilizing virtual classes allows 24/7 access to classes, helping families navigate after school activities, work schedules, appointments, and family vacations. Students can utilize time with us to accelerate their learning or keep on track.
Diverse Curriculum
Outside of virtual classes, our enrichment classes immerse students in engaging activities that not only support core learning but touch on real world, relevant experiences. We also emphasize field studies to support learning.