Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Wayfinders:

1. What is a microschool?  - According to EdChoice, microschools are "the reimagining of the one-room schoolhouse, where class sizes are usually fewer than 15 students of varying ages, and the schedule and curriculum is tailored to fit the needs of each class. This model of schooling can operate in either public, private or charter schools or separately on its own. Many describe microschools as a 'mid-point' between traditional schooling and homeschooling. Most microschools are independently parent-led, but some are affiliated with a formal microschool network offering paid, in-person instructors. Lessons are taught in a range of approachable environments, such as homes, libraries and other community centers." 

2. What makes Wayfinders Learning a microschool? - Wayfinders is a private microschool with an enrollment cap of 24 learners.  We feature small class sizes (we aim for a ratio of no more than 12 learners for each adult guide) with individualized instruction for each learner and a flexible schedule that provides each learner with opportunities to explore and develop their interests, talents, and passions.

3. How can children learn without teachers and a curriculum? - Quite well, actually!  While common schools in the United States have been around for about 200 years, the human species is over 300,000 years old.  So for most of our history, children have learned from observing adults and the world around them and through exploration and play with other children.  Since 1968, the Sudbury Valley school has demonstrated that when students are given the freedom to explore their interests without any curriculum or teachers they are capable of learning everything they need to know to succeed in college and/or careers after graduation.  More recently, since 2014 Alpha School students who use adaptive online learning platforms (such as IXL and Khan Academy) for two hours a day with no other instruction made progress that is 2.6 times faster than average.  The Wayfinders model was specifically designed to incorporate elements of self-directed learning and online individualized instruction so that children can efficiently master core skills in reading and math and still have a majority of their day to explore and develop their interests, talents, and passions.

4. Where are you located? - Because the number of enrolled learners will determine the amount of space we need, we will select a location later this year.

5. What is the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year? - For the convenience of our families, we follow the Littleton Public Schools calendar.  A copy of our calendar can be found here.