New Mexico faces significant educational challenges, including low academic proficiency (with only 39% of students proficient in reading, 23% in math, and 38% in science), a stagnant graduation rate (76.7%), high chronic absenteeism (39.2%), and systemic inequalities related to poverty, violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Colere Microschool addresses these issues by offering a faith-based, hybrid classical learning model that combines personalized instruction with community-based education. This model aims to provide a safe, structured, and academically rigorous alternative to traditional schooling, fostering character formation, and academic excellence.

In contrast to conventional education models, which tend to adhere to a rigid curriculum and may regard students solely as data points, Colere Microschool embraces a more adaptable approach that recognizes and nurtures the individual learning paths and unique needs of each student. Colere's educational philosophy is rooted in the Christian classical tradition, emphasizing virtue, classical learning, and modern research on child development. Colere prioritizes intellectual curiosity, moral imagination, and individual growth. The school employs pedagogical principles such as narration, experiential learning, real-world application, and the science of relations in education, creating a joyful and inspiring learning environment. Colere utilizes small cohort sizes, multi-age learning, guided group collaborative projects, Socratic discussions, and opportunities for real-world experiential learning. The school recognizes each child as a unique individual, progressing at a pace that meets their needs.

Colere Microschool operates on a hybrid model, blending two in-person days of structured instruction with three flexible homeschool days. This allows families to actively direct their children's education while receiving expert guidance. The benefits include:

• Personalized Instruction: Tailored learning plans meet the individual needs of each student.

• Parental Involvement: Families play an active role in their children's education.

• Community Learning: Students benefit from collaborative projects, Socratic discussions, and real-world experiences.• Flexibility: Ample time both in the learning community and at home allows families to enhance family involvement in studies and to provide leisure time outside of school to explore fine arts, sports, and other student-led interests.

Colere Microschool is financially sustainable, operating entirely on tuition revenue from participating families. The school does not rely on government or philanthropic funding.

While New Mexico has flexible homeschooling regulations (no mandates for standardized testing or specific curriculum approval), Colere Microschool ensures accountability through personalized learning plans and assessments. Colere measures success through academic mastery, character development, and parental satisfaction and retention.

Over the next 12-24 months, Colere plans to:

• Expand to high school grades (9-12), introducing an additional in-person learning day.

• Increase classroom capacity.

• Strengthen community partnerships.

• Enhance curriculum through new resources and scholarship opportunities.

• Expand experiential learning opportunities by strengthening community engagement.

• Implement Virtual Cultural Immersion experiences through enhanced technology.

Colere particularly engages with rural communities near Albuquerque to recruit potential students in marginalized sectors. By offering scholarships, reaching out to marginalized communities, and partnering with local organizations, Colere aims to ensure broader access to high-quality educational alternatives. This approach aligns with the school's mission to provide education that recognizes each child as a unique individual, fostering intellectual curiosity, virtue formation, and a deep sense of wonder. The school's focus on holistic student development and mental health awareness also addresses the specific needs of students from vulnerable backgrounds

Yes! In fact, instead of growing our school, our model mentors educators toward developing sisterschools and through shared resources. Contact us for more information in this regard.