FAQ
Private, outdoor, 501-c3, not for profit, hybrid-model micro school?
That’s a mouthful, can you break that down?
Yes, we will be when we launch in the fall of 2027. Students enrolled in Aspen Grove Academy will be considered by the state of California to be meeting the compulsory education laws.
Is Aspen Grove Academy a registered private school?
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Yes, both the pre-school and the elementary school meet in an outdoor classroom on half an acre. We have a covered classroom to stay out of the elements and a private bathroom space but other than that we are out of doors as long as the air-quality permits. The mild California climate means that with the proper gear we are lucky enough to enjoy the out of doors all year long.
Outdoor? All year?
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We are currently (fall 2026) in the process of registering as a tax exempt non-profit with the mission to provide a tuition free, highly customized, private education opportunity to a handful of children in the California Delta. By becoming a non-profit this allows us to apply for grants and accept contributions that donors can then write off on their own taxes.
501-c3, not for profit?
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Aspen Grove Academy offers full time education as required by the State of California utilizing a hybrid of on campus days and remote learning blocks.
Beautiful Day Pre-school students and their guardian attend twos day a week in a “six weeks on - two weeks off” pattern.
Aspen Grove Academy operates on the same six week/ two week pattern. Students will spend 3-4 days on campus for a six week block followed by a two week block of remote learning and independent study projects
What does Hybrid Model mean?
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A micro-school is a small school, typically of 100 or less students often being educated in a mixed age - mixed level environment. The image of a “one-room schoolhouse” is a good visual of what the term micro-school is referring to. In this instance, our micro-school currently has 10 Beautiful Day Pre-School students enrolled and has the capacity to enroll six to eight private school k-2nd grade students for the 2027-2028 school year.
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What is a Micro-School?
Student Experience
How do you approach academics and kindergarten readiness?
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The early years at Beautiful Day Playschool are slow and intentional. Pulling form the principles of Charlotte Mason, Maria Montessori and Rudolph Stiner, the early years in our school are a gentle and sacred time. Physical and emotional development are prioritized in these young children ensuring that when it is time for them to begin their formal academic years they have developed the skills necessary to reach their educational potential. Early literacy, math and science concepts are offered but nothing formal is required until age five.
Aspen Grove Academy is when the formal academics begin. Much of the pedagogy of Aspen Grove Academy is rooted in the work of the late 19th century educator Charlotte Mason while also respecting that we live in a very different time and place. Our curriculum covers many subjects from the “three R’s” to nature studies, the humanities, practical life skills, history, geography and more. We aim to teach through rich Living Books that impart not only knowledge but also a passion for learning.
How do you support children with different learning styles and developmental needs?
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Part of the reason we keep enrollment so low is because it gives us the opportunity to work closely with each individual student and their family. While we are not equipped at this point in time to accommodate severe physical or emotional needs, students with mild to moderate learning styles and developmental needs have the potential to thrive here.
How do you handle behavior, discipline, and conflict resolution?
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In today’s world it is more important than ever for children to develop strong skills in relation to problem solving, conflict management, respect and responsibility. We use restorative practices to teach these things and to build a class community where students feel heard, respected and valued.
What does a week at Aspen Grove Academy look like?
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Mondays and Fridays are remote learning/ independent study days. Aspen Grove students meet on campus Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:30am-2:30pm. Tuesdays, and Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are spent focusing on group subjects such as history, geography, and science as well as individual subjects that the student masters at their own pace such as reading, writing or math. On Wednesday and Thursday mornings we are joined by the Beautiful Day playschool students. During this time we focus on social skills, rich literature and child led learning opportunities.
Logistics
We are located just outside of Isleton, CA on the Southern tip of Sacramento County. If you are interested in a tour reach out to michelledianeasplund@gmail.com to arrange a time and we will share the physical address at that time.
Where are you located?
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That’s the plan! The hope is that through donations, fundraising and grants we can raise enough money that we can offer an amazing academic experience free of charge. Enrollment does not depend on a family’s donations.
Is it really free?
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YES!! Please reach out and we will set up a time.
Can I take a tour or sample a day?
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If you are interested in Beautiful Day Playschool please email michelledianeasplund@gmail.com.
Aspen Grove Academy enrollment opens in the spring of 2027. Spaces are limited and children must be 4 years and 9 month old to enroll. First priority goes to Beautiful Day students but please reach out to the same email to be placed on the interest list.
How do I enroll my child?
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No, we are not a daycare. We are a school with one teacher. At this point there is no before or after school program offered by Aspen Grove Academy. Students must be dropped off and then picked up in the hours between 9am and 3pm on on-campus days.
Beautiful Day Playschool students must have a parent or guardian appointed grown-up on site with them at all times. We are a registered private school for grade students but we are not licensed to have unaccompanied preschool or toddler students.