How It Works
Inspired is a flexible 3-2 hybrid program
We operate Monday - Friday from 9:00am to 3:45pm. 3 days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) are conducted in-person at our location in Allen, TX. 2 days (Mondays, Fridays) are school-from-home days, where students can participate in our online classes, do independent study, or parent-led homeschooling.
Inspired is Different
Student Agency
Students have choice at Inspired. They opt-in to every class and have the opportunity to suggest group classes and engage in independent study. They also have a voice in student governance with our weekly Culture Creation meetings.
Personal Connection
From weekly 1-on-1 meetings with a designated mentor, to a small, close-knit group of peers, to personal choice (and thus connection to) their curriculum, students thrive on personal connection.
Real-World Learning
Moving away from the traditional Lecture-Study-Test cycle to our signature Inspired Learning Cycle of Inspire-Intend-Plan-Execute-Assess-Reflect, we model real-world learning so students can be prepared for life-long, self-directed learning.
Our Daily Routine
9:00 am
Start the Day
On remote days, we gather on Zoom/Google Meet for a connection activity.
On in-person days, we socialize as we arrive.
9:07 am
CoGo - Start the Day Meeting
CoGo (which means "huddle") unites us as a group and provides an opportunity to connect as we share intentions for the day.
9:15 am
Students follow their personalized schedule which may include attending group classes, engaging in independent study or working on projects.
Classes, Independent Study, Projects
11:15 am
A chance to grab a healthy snack, take a brain break, and socialize with friends.
Snack Break
11:45 am
Students follow their personalized schedule which may include attending group classes, engaging in independent study or working on projects.
Classes, Independent Study, Projects
12:45 pm
A chance to grab a healthy lunch, get some fresh air, and socialize with friends.
Lunch Break
1:30 pm
Students follow their personalized schedule which may include attending group classes, engaging in independent study or working on projects.
Classes, Independent Study, Projects
3:30 pm
At the end of the day, we gather to reflect on the outcome of our intentions for the day and shout-out others.
CoGo - End of the Day Meeting
3:45 pm
School day is done; Pick up time on in-person days
End of Day
Badges
Students have the opportunity to earn Inspired Learning Academy's own digital open badges to highlight unique accomplishments on portfolios for college admissions and future employment.
The following represent just 6 of our 60+ badges available - all designed by students for students!
Passion Projects
Students complete at least one Passion Project before they graduate. Passion projects are in-depth, long-term projects with consultation with an industry expert, ideally including some type of internship or apprenticeship. Here are some examples:
Architecture
One student interested in architecture completed a Passion Project learning to design 3D Models of houses with Chief Architect software.
Project consultant: owner of a local home building company
Project Management
One student learned about Agile processes, the Trello App, and project management.
Project consultant: software engineer and Agile proponent.
Photography
One student created an impressive and diverse photography portfolio and interned with a local professional photographer.
College Prep
Students carefully consider careers options aligned with their passions and if college is part of their chosen path, they progress each year to full preparation.
Explore Possibilities
9th Grade
Explore interests through self-directed learning projects and courses.
Explore career possibilities.
Earn badges for college admissions portfolio.
Demonstrate Passion
10th Grade
Complete an impressive Passion Project.
Intern or apprentice with a business aligned with career interests.
Research education needed for possible careers.
Generate a list of possible colleges.
Build Qualifications
11th Grade
Take dual credit classes.
Prep for and take the SAT/ACT.
Refine research on colleges and majors.
Apply & Decide
12th Grade
Take SAT/ACT a 2nd time.
Apply to colleges.
Apply for financial aid and scholarships.
Decide on a college!