Frequently Asked Questions

What types of students does ReThink Microschools serve?

ReThink Microschools serves students in grades 5–12 who benefit from a smaller, structured, and more personalized educational environment.

Our school is especially designed for neurodivergent learners, including students with Level 1 autism, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and students who may be academically capable but struggle in a large traditional school environment.

Students at ReThink are generally able to participate independently in a small classroom setting with appropriate structure, guidance, and teacher support.

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How small are the classes at ReThink Microschools?

Small class sizes are a central part of the ReThink Microschools model.​

Our goal is approximately 8 students per classroom, allowing teachers to know their students individually, provide more personalized instruction, monitor academic progress, and create a calmer classroom environment.

For students who have struggled in large classrooms, a smaller school and smaller class size can make a significant difference.

 

Does ReThink Microschools accept Arizona ESA funding?

Yes. ReThink Microschools works with families participating in Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.

Arizona ESA funds may help eligible families pay for private-school educational expenses.

Families who are new to the ESA program can also receive guidance and resources to help them better understand the process.

 

How do I know if ReThink Microschools is right for my child?

ReThink may be a good fit if your child is academically capable but struggles in a traditional school because of:

• Large classrooms

• Excessive noise or distractions

• Limited individual attention

• ADHD or executive functioning challenges

• Social pressures

• Difficulty staying organized

• Difficulty maintaining attention or engagement

• Feeling overwhelmed in a traditional school environment

• A need for more structure or predictable routines

• A need for stronger relationships with teachers

Every student is different, which is why we encourage families to schedule a campus tour. Meeting your child and learning about their educational experience helps us determine whether ReThink may be an appropriate fit.

 

Is ReThink Microschools an autism school in Gilbert, Arizona?

ReThink Microschools is a private school in Gilbert, Arizona, that serves many students with Level 1 autism and other neurodivergent learning needs.

Our school environment emphasizes small classes, structure, predictable expectations, individualized attention, executive functioning support, and strong student-teacher relationships.

ReThink is an academic private school rather than a therapeutic or behavioral treatment program.

 

Does ReThink serve students with ADHD?

Yes. ReThink serves students with ADHD and students who experience challenges with attention, organization, planning, task initiation, time management, and other executive functioning skills.

Our smaller classrooms and structured environment allow teachers to provide students with more frequent guidance and individual attention than may be possible in a larger traditional classroom.

 

What grades does ReThink Microschools serve?

ReThink Microschools serves students in grades 5–12, including middle school and high school students.

Our small-school model allows us to create a more personalized educational experience while maintaining appropriate academic expectations for each grade level.

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How is ReThink different from a traditional private or public school?

ReThink was created for students who may need something different from the traditional classroom.

Our approach emphasizes:

• Small classes

• Individualized attention

• A quieter and more manageable environment

• Structured routines and clear expectations

• Inquiry-Based Learning

• Hands-on learning

• Executive functioning support

• Strong student-teacher relationships

• Student voice and choice

• Meaningful electives

• Opportunities to develop greater independence

We believe students can be appropriately challenged academically while receiving the structure and support they need to succeed.

 

Do you accept students who require significant behavioral or therapeutic support?

ReThink is designed for students who can participate successfully in a small private-school classroom environment with teacher support.

We are not currently equipped to provide intensive behavioral, therapeutic, or Level II support services.

Families are encouraged to speak with our team and schedule a tour so we can learn more about their child's needs and determine whether ReThink is an appropriate educational setting.

 

What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) encourages students to learn through questions, investigation, research, problem-solving, discussion, and hands-on experiences.

Teachers provide structure and direct instruction while also giving students opportunities to investigate meaningful questions and apply what they are learning.

This approach can be especially engaging for students who learn best when they understand the purpose behind what they are studying.

 

What academic subjects are offered?

Students receive instruction in core academic subjects, including:

English Language Arts • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies/History

Our academic program combines teacher-led instruction, individual practice, discussion, technology, research, hands-on activities, and inquiry-based learning.

 

What electives does ReThink Microschools offer?

Elective offerings may vary by semester and student interest.

Courses and learning experiences may include areas such as:

Innovation • Digital Media • Entrepreneurship • Life Skills • Culinary • Creative Arts

Electives provide students with opportunities to discover interests, develop practical skills, build confidence, and apply academic skills in meaningful ways.

 

Does ReThink Microschools have a high school program?

Yes. ReThink Microschools serves high school students and provides an academic pathway toward high school graduation.

High school students may also have opportunities to complete college-level coursework through Arizona State University's Universal Learner Courses, with eligible course costs supported by ReThink.

 

How does ReThink support executive functioning?

Executive functioning support is incorporated throughout the school day.

Teachers help students develop skills related to:

• Organization

• Planning

• Starting assignments

• Time management

• Maintaining attention

• Following multi-step directions

• Completing assignments

• Managing materials

• Developing greater academic independence

Rather than treating executive functioning as a separate subject, these skills are reinforced throughout students' daily academic routines.

 

Does ReThink use computers for instruction?

Yes, technology is used when it enhances instruction, research, creativity, or skill development.

However, ReThink is not an online school where students spend the entire day independently working on computers.

Students receive teacher-led instruction and participate in discussions, hands-on activities, collaborative learning, inquiry-based projects, independent work, and individualized academic support.

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What are the school hours?

The regular ReThink Microschools schedule is:

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–2:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM–12:30 PM

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Does ReThink assign homework?

Our goal is to use the school day effectively and provide students with the structure and support necessary to complete meaningful academic work.

Homework expectations may vary depending on a student's grade level, courses, academic needs, and assignments.

 

Is ReThink Microschools accredited?

ReThink Microschools is currently pursuing accreditation through Cognia.

 

Can my child visit ReThink before we enroll?

Yes. We strongly encourage prospective families to visit ReThink Microschools before making an enrollment decision.

A campus tour allows parents and students to see the school environment, learn about our academic approach, meet members of our team, ask questions, and determine whether ReThink feels like the right fit.

Students may also have an opportunity to participate in a Shadow Day before enrollment.

 

What is a Shadow Day?

A Shadow Day allows a prospective student to experience ReThink firsthand.

Students can spend part of the school day on campus, meet teachers and students, participate in classroom activities, and experience the structure and atmosphere of the school.

The experience also gives our team an opportunity to learn more about the student and determine whether ReThink is an appropriate educational fit.

 

Do you accept students transferring from public, charter, or other private schools?

Yes. Families come to ReThink from a variety of educational settings, including public schools, charter schools, private schools, and other educational programs.

Families considering a transfer are encouraged to schedule a tour and discuss their child's current academic experience with our team.

 

When should I consider a smaller school for my child?

Parents often begin looking for a smaller school when their child is capable of learning but is becoming overwhelmed, disengaged, anxious about school, distracted, or lost in a larger classroom environment.

A smaller educational environment can provide more opportunities for individual attention, stronger relationships with teachers, clearer routines, and increased accountability.

 

Do you offer school tours?

Yes. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a private campus tour of ReThink Microschools in Gilbert.

During your visit, you can see our learning environment, learn more about our programs, discuss your child's needs, and ask questions about admissions and Arizona ESA funding.

 

How do I enroll my child at ReThink Microschools?

We recommend beginning the enrollment process by scheduling a campus tour.

During the tour, we'll learn more about your child, explain our academic program and school environment, answer your questions, and discuss whether ReThink is an appropriate fit.   If both the family and school believe ReThink is a good match, our team will provide information about the next steps in the enrollment process.

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Looking for a Smaller School for Your Child?

If your child has autism, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, or other neurodivergent learning needs, a smaller, more personalized school environment may provide the structure, support, and individual attention they need to thrive.