Today, some alternative school programs seek to prepare students for the workforce through performance dashboards, AI apps, and an emphasis on efficiency over impact. These programs fit a substantial amount of content into small periods of time, but the Masterminds Academy in California’s Hillsborough/San Mateo (and LA in the near future) believes this approach sacrifices depth for speed.
Instead of teaching as much as can be taught in a brief timeframe, Masterminds Academy helps students engage in a research-informed program that blends enrichment, life skills, and academics to achieve both personal and intellectual growth.
Supporting a Whole-Child Framework with ATHENA+
Having more opportunities to interact with faculty one-on-one can help students feel more seen and therefore valued in their classes, which is why Masterminds Academy maintains student-to-faculty ratios of about 5 to 6 students per teacher. These smaller class sizes also give faculty the ability to personalize their teaching style for each student, adapting to the ways they learn best rather than delivering a one-size-fits-all, standardized approach to teaching.
The micro-school’s ATHENA+ whole-child framework provides a balanced approach to learning, integrating physical development, academics, and enrichment to foster the development of well-rounded individuals. This framework evenly distributes skill development across multiple domains, helping students to develop various skills simultaneously.
Learning From Experienced Educators
Mastermind Academy’s teachers are selectively chosen as highly capable individuals in their fields of study, providing them with the advanced experience and training needed to educate clearly and effectively while remaining flexible to teach students in ways that suit them best.
These same rigorous standards apply to the school’s enrichment faculty, which comprises specialists in music, athletics, and languages. Every educator tailors their methodology and goals to suit the individual learning paths of their students.
Pairing Inquiry With Expression and Development
Students rarely thrive on academic inquiry alone, so Masterminds Academy breaks up traditional classroom learning with enrichment exercises including debate, physical development, languages (French, Spanish, or Mandarin), and music.
Learning outcomes are also measured and applied in unique and practical ways. Many classes have students partake in authentic presentations and other projects that connect to real-world themes, emphasizing the relevance, engagement, and collaboration seen in real-world settings to better prepare students for life after school.
A Research-Backed, Comprehensive Model
Rather than following trends set by other alternative schools, Masterminds Academy’s program is designed to produce and analyze measurable outcomes that can better inform how to improve its offerings over time.
In addition to core academics, sports, and enrichment, the program also encompasses transportation, meals, and global learning opportunities, all of which are covered by tuition ranging from $64,500 to $75,000 per year.
Given its breadth and quality, the program is able to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all of which contribute to raising thoughtful, adaptable students in a world that favors originality and cognitive efficiency.
Enrollment and Expansion
Masterminds Academy is currently enrolling Preschool through Grade 8 at its Hillsborough-border campus in San Mateo, with plans in place to open another facility in Los Angeles. The school’s Founding Family tuition is guaranteed for three years.
For those interested in booking a private tour, visit www.mastermindsacademy.org.
Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Please check the retailer’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
