FlexSchool

FlexSchool is a unique micro school for gifted and twice exceptional (2e) middle and high school students. At this time two campuses serve the Tristate area, one in Fanwood, New Jersey and another in New Haven, Connecticut. FlexSchools embrace students for who they are and support them to thrive. Small, ability-based discussion classes taught by subject experts ensure meaningful conversations and the opportunity to ask high-level questions. The faculty, trained and supported by learning specialists and mental health professionals, focuses on critical thinking in all areas of learning; a "toolbox" concept emphasizing how to learn rather than an "encyclopedia" concept emphasizing specific material (though all core bases are covered in depth). Block scheduling promotes in-depth discussions and extensive experiments. Students are supported and encouraged to study topics that interest them with faculty mentors. FlexSchool is also a safe and fun environment for accelerated students who want to "join in" rather than "stand out." A hallmark of micro schools, FlexSchool campuses are deliberately embedded in the community to use local resources. Examples of this include experiential learning in the local area every Friday (FlexFridays), meaningful community service, and opportunities for students to find local mentors and activities that both support and extend their interests. Importantly, homework is relevant and minimized at FlexSchool. It is not seen as a gateway to a grade. Executive functioning, the process of mental control and self-regulation that helps us organize and plan, is explicitly taught and practiced. While not suitable for every 2e student, FlexSchool can support those who are socially-minded to enjoy a community of peers. At FlexSchool, students are safe: to have conversations with other students that they previously only had with adults and to accelerate or decelerate coursework as necessary. Recognizing that many students live outside of our region, FlexSchool is designed to welcome students virtually into our classrooms through video conferencing technology. If private instruction is needed, students "remote in" with their teacher 1:1. FlexSchool has had great success with remote students from as far away as Florida, California and Switzerland!