Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Microschool?
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A microschool is a modern reimagining of the one-room schoolhouse, designed to provide a highly personalized and community-driven education. Unlike traditional large-scale institutions, a microschool typically serves a small group of students (often fewer than 15-20) in an intimate setting. At Amma Mountain Academy, being a microschool means we can pivot quickly to meet a student’s interests, maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, and focus on deep, mastery-based learning rather than standardized testing. It is a sanctuary for families who want the flexibility of homeschooling but value the professional guidance, social interaction, and hands-on mentorship that a specialized academy provides. By keeping our community small, we ensure that every child is an essential part of the "village," fostering a sense of belonging that is often lost in larger systems.
Why choose Amma Mountain Learning Center?
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Choosing Amma Mountain Academy means choosing a partner who values your child’s individuality as much as you do. We recognize that education is never "one size fits all," which is why we believe every parent and child deserves a meaningful voice in the learning process. At AMA, we offer a truly collaborative experience where families can choose to bring their own homeschool curriculum or utilize our specialized in-house programs. By maintaining small class sizes, we provide an intimate environment that promotes individualized learning and allows us to lead with kindness in everything we do. Our approach is designed to foster the natural curiosity of childhood through holistic and experiential learning, moving beyond the classroom to engage with the world. We are especially proud to offer our students the unique opportunity to learn directly from the master artisans and craftsmen of Gatlinburg, ensuring they experience an education rooted in community, creativity, and real-world mastery.
What is the difference between traditional, homeschool, and a microschool?
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Feature
Class Size
Curriculum
Social Environment
Learning Pace
Will I choose my child’s curriculum?
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Child Led
Traditional
Large 20 + students
Rigid, Standardized
High Volume/ Peer Pressure
Fixed Schedule
Home School
1 on 1
Fully Parent Led
Limited to outside activities
AMA Microschool
Cozy, small groups
Close knit, mentorship based
Personalized and Experiential
Think of a microschool as the "middle way" of modern education. It bridges the gap between the total independence of homeschooling and the structured environment of a private academy. By intentionally keeping our enrollment small, we remove the "assembly line" feel of traditional education. This allows our educators to act more like mentors than lecturers, tailoring the day's rhythm to the energy and curiosity of the students. In our microschool setting, your child isn't just a face in a crowd—they are an active participant in a living classroom where community, flexibility, and hands-on experience are the top priorities.
Flexible, Collaborative
Students can either use our curriculum or choose the online learning or homeschool curriculum that works best for them. Our teachers provide individual attention, support, and personalized planning for each child and learning style.
We measure our student progress through portfolios, projects, reports and other evidence of mastery. No more stressing about tests and grades because we move forward based on mastery, not age or grade level! If your child is considered a homeschool student, you may opt to take a standardized test or to participate in an educational review to prove mastery.
Our programs run from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Academic time is in the morning, with afternoons reserved for open-ended play and enrichment activities such as STEM, art classes, project based learning, and passion projects. We have two-day, three-day, and five-day enrollment options. Five day enrollment options include opportunities to learn and work with some of the top artisans and craftspeople in Gatlinburg. There are no attendance requirements or tardiness penalties. We will try to mirror the local school district calendar as much possible. To view our schedule, click here.
We do not provide food, but we do have emergency snacks for days someone may have forgotten to bring their own. We also have a full size refrigerator and microwave for the students to use. Learners are encouraged to bring their own nutritious snacks, lunches, and a water bottle. We prioritize fostering healthy habits. Food sharing is not permitted in case of allergies.
We offer an exceptional learning experience that will allow most children to excel beyond typical grade level expectations. Enrolling your child back into public school is simple, and this experience will not negatively impact their ability to enroll in another educational setting in the future.