Education Technology
‘Brave’ Micro-Schools are Reinventing Schooling and Creating a Successful Educational Path
Pandemic disruptions sparked a shift toward smaller, nimble learning environments that prioritize student agency over one-size-fits-all instruction
Key takeaways
Brave Generation Academy is a micro-school network built on self-directed learning, student agency, and community well-being, serving grades 6 through master's level.
The academy offers flexible subject selection with an emphasis on both technical and soft skills, supported by university partnerships for accreditation.
Pandemic disruptions accelerated demand for adaptable, student-centric education models like micro-schools as alternatives to traditional schooling.
The global education system is making way for more micro-schools faced monumental challenges due to the pandemic, which left traditional models of schooling to come under scrutiny. The demand for a more adaptable, student-centric approach is growing, with a focus on self-directed learning and community involvement. During a time when 1.5 billion children were out of the classroom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for innovation in education could not have been more pressing.
So, how can we bravely reinvent schooling to create a system that fosters 21st-century skills, flexibility, and purpose-driven learning?
For the latest episode of "The Future of Education," host Michael Horn looked into that very question in a conversation with Luis Brito E Faro, co-founder of Brave Generation Academy. The two explored the concept, structure, and success of a network of micro-schools. It is all built on three pillars: knowledge, skills, and community, which serves learners from sixth grade to master's level.
Other areas Horn and Faro discussed:
- The Birth of Brave Generation Academy and its unique approach focusing on self-directed learning and community well-being.
- The Academy's flexibility in subject selection and an emphasis on technical and soft skills. Along with a curriculum supported by partnerships with universities for accreditation and onsite learning hubs.
- The Academy's remarkable growth, attracting families from various educational backgrounds in conservative countries like Portugal. With a focus on student happiness and purpose, the network expects to double its numbers upon government accreditation.
With a focus on student happiness and purpose, the network expects to double its numbers upon government accreditation.
Luis Brito E Faro is a co-founder of Brave Generation Academy, a global network of micro-schools that focuses on self-directed learning. With a background in mechanical engineering and a passion for sports, Luis brings a unique perspective to the educational landscape. His commitment to problem-solving, critical thinking, and mentoring has been instrumental in the Academy's growth and innovation.
About the author
Michael Horn speaks and writes about the future of education and works with a portfolio of education organizations to improve the life of each and every student. He is the co-founder of and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, and host of the Future of Education podcast on MarketScale.
