Aya Akoma Academy

Lately I’ve been reflecting deeply on this question:

What should education actually feel like for students?

After years of working with middle school students as a math teacher and SAT instructor, I’ve come to believe that meaningful education should go far beyond test scores and memorization.

I believe education should:
✔️ nurture curiosity
✔️ encourage critical thinking
✔️ build confidence
✔️ include culturally responsive learning experiences
✔️ provide opportunities for hands-on engagement and collaboration

Students learn differently when they feel connected to what they are learning and supported within their environment.

I’ve seen firsthand how confidence can grow when students feel:

✅comfortable asking questions
✅encouraged to think independently
✅emotionally supported
✅genuinely seen by their educators
✅engaged in meaningful learning experiences

These values are a major part of the vision behind Aya Akoma Academy and the type of learning environment I hope to continue building.

As parents or educators, what do you think education should feel like for students?

One question I’ve received quite a bit recently is:
“What exactly is a microschool?”

So I thought I’d answer a few common questions here for families who may be curious about alternative educational environments and personalized learning.

What is a microschool?

A microschool is a smaller learning environment designed to provide more personalized instruction, stronger relationships, and flexible learning experiences.

How is it different from traditional school?

Microschools often emphasize:

✅smaller class sizes
✅individualized support
✅relationship-centered learning
✅hands-on experiences
✅flexibility and engagement
✅What about socialization?

Students still collaborate, build friendships, work together, and engage socially throughout the learning process. In many cases, smaller environments can actually help students feel more comfortable participating and connecting with peers.

What inspired Aya Akoma Academy?

My experiences as a 6th grade math teacher and SAT instructor showed me how deeply environment impacts student confidence, engagement, and growth.

I wanted to help create a learning space where students feel:
✔️ supported
✔️ encouraged
✔️ challenged
✔️ emotionally safe
✔️ connected to learning

Who may benefit from this type of environment?

Students who thrive with:

🌻more individualized support
🌻calmer learning environments
🌻smaller group settings
🌻relationship-centered instruction
🌻engaging, hands-on learning experiences

I’m excited to continue sharing more about this journey and vision for Aya Akoma Academy.

Feel free to ask any additional questions below!

Hi everyone! I wanted to share a little more about the heart behind Aya Akoma Academy and some of the experiences that inspired this journey.

As a former 6th grade math teacher and SAT instructor, I had the opportunity to work with many different types of students — and one thing became very clear to me:

A student’s environment can deeply impact their confidence, engagement, and overall learning experience.

Over the years, I worked with students who were incredibly capable, creative, and intelligent, but who also struggled within environments that felt:

overstimulating
emotionally overwhelming
socially stressful
difficult to navigate confidently

Some students struggled with negative peer interactions.
Some became anxious about participating in class.
Others slowly lost confidence because they no longer felt comfortable or connected within their learning environment.

These experiences helped shape my educational philosophy and ultimately inspired the vision for Aya Akoma Academy.

I believe students thrive best in environments where they feel:
✔️ emotionally safe
✔️ supported
✔️ encouraged
✔️ known by their educators
✔️ comfortable asking questions and growing

Alongside my experience as an educator, I also earned a Master of Arts in Education with concentrations in math and social studies.

My hope is to help create a learning environment where students feel both academically challenged and emotionally supported.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

One thing I’ve learned from working with middle school students is that many struggling students are actually very capable.

Sometimes the issue is not intelligence or effort.
Sometimes the issue is the learning environment.

Large class sizes, limited individualized attention, fear of making mistakes, and constant comparison can slowly impact a student’s confidence and willingness to participate.

Over time, students may begin believing they “just aren’t good at school” or “aren’t good at math,” when in reality they may simply need:

✅more support
✅a calmer environment
✅personalized instruction
✅opportunities to ask questions comfortably
✅encouragement that builds confidence

This is one reason I’m passionate about personalized learning environments and microschool education.

Students often thrive when they feel seen, supported, and genuinely connected to their learning experience.

As we approach the end of a school year, what did your child need the most this year?

Not what the report card says.
Not what the grades say.
Not what other people say.

But what you see at home.

More confidence?
More challenge?
More support?
More joy in learning?
More patience?
More understanding?
More room to be themselves?

So many parents I talk to aren’t looking for “a better school.”

They’re looking for a place where their child can finally feel seen, supported, and understood.

If you could change one thing about your child’s school experience right now, what would it be?

👇 Share in the comments or send me a message. I’m listening.

East Atlanta Parents Network

🚨 Middle School Parents — This is for YOU!

Is your child struggling with math confidence or preparing for next school year?

Join us for a FREE Middle School Math Success Workshop designed to:
✅ Strengthen foundational math skills
✅ Build confidence and reduce frustration
✅ Make math engaging through games & interactive activities

📅 Dates: May 2, May 9
📍 Location: Resia Willows in Atlanta, Georgia
🎯 Perfect for grades 4-8

Spots are limited — reserve your seat today!
👉 RSVP here: https://forms.gle/qyTsPnjr2d9Dt3qs9

✨ Bonus: Learn about ongoing tutoring and support available for summer & fall!