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It Takes a Village Microschool
A Changemaker Education Partner Microschool in St. Louis, MO.
It Takes a Village Microschool creates a culturally affirming K–8 experience rooted in literacy and project-based learning, helping students grow as confident readers and critical thinkers who are prepared to navigate the world with curiosity and purpose.
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Overview
Love at the Roots. Joy in the Journey.
At It Takes a Village Microschool, we believe children thrive when learning is rooted in love, heritage, identity, and community. Our philosophy centers on building strong literacy foundations through the science of reading, culturally affirming texts, and village literacy circles, alongside joyful, inquiry-driven project-based learning. Through immersive local and out-of-state field experiences, students grow as culturally grounded learners who navigate the world with empathy and understanding.
K-8 Learning Villages
At It Takes a Village Microschool, Learning Villages are designed around development, identity, and community, blending strong literacy foundations, joyful inquiry, and immersive learning through local and out-of-state field experiences.
Seedlings (Grades K–2 | Ages 5–7): Build literacy foundations through the science of reading, culturally affirming texts, and joyful exploration.
Pathfinders (Grades 3–5 | Ages 8–10): Deepen inquiry, voice, and collaboration through project-based learning.
Changemakers (Grades 6–8 | Ages 11–13): Apply advanced literacy and leadership through research-driven, real-world learning and community partnerships.
Our Learning Framework
At It Takes a Village Microschool in St. Louis, our Learning Framework centers literacy as the foundation—integrated through reading, writing, discussion, project-based learning, local, and out-of-state field experiences—preparing students to think critically, communicate confidently, and engage the world with empathy and purpose. Grounded in the Science of Reading, students build skills through small-group instruction, village literacy labs, reading circles, and culturally affirming texts.
A Day in Our Village
Each day at It Takes a Village Microschool begins with MBS practices that build connection, reflection, and readiness. Students engage in small-group literacy instruction through culturally affirming texts, reading, writing, discussion, and village literacy circles, followed by core academics and project-based learning that integrate math, science, and social studies. Learning is collaborative, joyful, and grounded in real-world experiences, ending with reflection and community connection.
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Unique Values
Communicator
Our literacy plan develops confident communicators through small-group literacy instruction, Village Literacy Labs, and the reading–writing connection. Students read deeply, write purposefully, and engage in meaningful discussion.
Affirmed
Culturally affirming texts, used as mirrors and windows, help students see themselves reflected while learning about others. Reading circles and storytelling deepen comprehension, empathy, and connection to heritage, identity, and community.
Changemaker
Students apply research through PBL focused on real-world issues and community challenges. By questioning, collaborating, and creating authentic work, literacy becomes a tool for critical thinking, reflection, leadership, and meaningful action.
About the Founder
Dr. Yvonne Rooks is the Founder and Executive Director of It Takes a Village Microschool. With over 15 years of experience in education and instructional leadership, she is dedicated to creating joyful, culturally affirming learning spaces that center and uplift systematically underserved students, honoring their heritage, identity, and lived experiences. Her work emphasizes strong literacy foundations, community-rooted learning, and project-based experiences that empower students to grow as confident communicators, critical thinkers, and purpose-driven changemakers.
It Takes a Village Microschool Inquiry Form
NOTE: This is an enrollment inquiry form, not an application. Our team will be in contact shortly to complete an enrollment application as well as answer any questions.
FAQ's
Were here to help! Below are some answers to common questions.
Changemaker Edu Partner Microschools prioritize project-based and self-directed learning, creating an environment where every student is truly known and receives personalized support to thrive.
All our microschools share Changemaker's Mind Body Soul curriculum that integrates social-emotional learning, project-based work, self-directed learning, and community engagement. Students co-create learning goals and projects in conversation with facilitators, explore interest-based themes, pitch project ideas, prototype, iterate, and share outcomes with the community.
And each one of Changemaker's microschools has a unique focus—ranging from STEAM, martial arts, and performing arts to global citizenship, nature-based programs, and more! This allows families to find the perfect fit for their child's interests and learning style.
Do you feel frustrated by the limitations of traditional schools? Are you looking for a learning environment that recognizes the genius in every child and nurtures their individual spark? Do you value love, autonomy, community, creativity, and equity in education?
At Changemaker Edu Microschools, we believe that true learning happens when students develop mind, body, and soul. Every child deserves a school that celebrates their unique strengths, passions, and potential—one that empowers them to grow with confidence, resilience, and purpose. Our microschools leverage competency-based progressions, portfolios, reflective practices, qualitative feedback, and goal tracking rather than standardized tests.
Many microschoolers can and do transition to college or re-enter traditional schooling if needed. They retain transcripts, portfolios, and documentation of mastery.
If this vision resonates with you, we invite you to connect with your local Changemaker Edu microschool founder to learn more.
At Changemaker Microschools, student well-being comes first. Through our Mind Body Soul program, we empower students and educators to trust their inner wisdom, build emotional resilience, and develop healthy mental and physical habits.
Beyond personal growth, we also prioritize physical safety and support with low student-to-staff ratios, clear safety protocols, and experienced, background-checked adult educators who create a secure, nurturing learning environment.
We adopt restorative practices, community agreements, conflict resolution frameworks, and guided facilitation rather than punitive discipline.
All our microschools adhere to local licensing, health, and safety regulations.
While daily rhythms differ by school, many microschools begin with community circle/check-in, goal setting, individual and small-group project work, experiential learning (field, community engagement), reflection, and closing rituals.
There are no required commitments from you. Family involvement is entirely based on your interest and availability. Changemaker Microschools partner with each family individually, allowing you to engage in ways that feel right for you.
Some families prefer to be highly involved, while others take a more hands-off approach. Opportunities range from casual check-ins with teachers to volunteering in the classroom or helping with field trips. Whatever your level of involvement, we welcome and appreciate your support in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Many microschools partner with local organizations, libraries, makerspaces, businesses, artisans, and community leaders. They invite guest mentors, internships, field learning, and co-creation with neighbors.
Yes, Changemaker Microschools offer rolling enrollment year-round. Contact the Changemaker Microschool Founder near you to start your family's journey today!
Tuition varies by location and operational model. Many microschool founders offer state funding support through ESAs, sliding scales, or scholarships. We encourage families to talk with the local founder about payment plans or support. To get specific details about tuition and any available financial aid options, please reach out to your local Changemaker Microschool Founder.
Still have questions?
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