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Anansi Academy
Washington DC's Anansi Academy reimagines high school through a community-as-the-classroom model where students learn in real spaces with local organizations and civic partners. Our microschool blends academic rigor with hands-on experiences, empowering students to build agency, purpose, and real-world skills beyond a traditional classroom.
ANANSI Academy
Learn, Lead, Inspire
ANANSI Academy, in Washington D.C., centers our philosophy on adapting to change, nurturing the whole learner, and caring for one another and being leaders. Students develop critical skills to navigate complexity, practice habits that support well-being, and innovate through real-world, community-based learning.
Grades Served
9th-12th grade high school students in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas
Curriculum
ANANSI Academy’s curriculum is community-based and interdisciplinary, blending core academics with real-world projects and partnerships. Courses emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation, allowing students to learn in and with their city with connected curriculum experiences such as financial literacy with local banks, investment 101 with local financial advisors, engineering with local business and historical impacts explorations with local museums.
8:30AM-11:30 AM
-- Arrival/Community Space Meet Up
-- Life Skills & Holistic Morning Circle
-- Project -based learning and entrepreneurship via technology integrated personalized academic coursework and peer collaboration
11:30AM-12:30PM
-- Lunch
-- Social Skills Development
12:30PM-2:30PM
-- Project-based learning and entrepreneurship via on-site field experiences and collaboration with local, national and global organization
-- Afternoon reflection
2:30 PM +
-- Out of school programming (ex: sports, STEM/AI, arts)
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Unique Features
Community -as-the classroom
ANANSI's community-as-the-classroom model makes learning relevant by connecting academics to real-world experiences, building student engagement, practical skills, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose beyond the classroom.
Multiple Post High-School Pathways
ANANSI's post–high school pathways empower ALL students to pursue college, careers, technical training, or entrepreneurship, increasing relevance, motivation, and long-term success by honoring diverse goals and strengths.
Rooted in Holistic Learning
ANANSI's Holistic learning supports the whole student—mind, body, and character—fostering academic growth, well-being, self-awareness, and the skills to thrive in school, life, and community.
About the Founder
Hilda Aganga-Williams claims ‘The World’ as her home, being raised in several countries including Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria and The United States (Pittsburgh, Memphis and Washington D.C.). With over eighteen years in education, mostly in the D.C. area, she is the founder of ANANSI Academy. Hilda shifted ambitions from a Physical Therapist to Educator during her undergraduate learning at Duquesne University, and used her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degrees to engage students as a K-12 science teacher. She holds an M.Ed. from The University of Notre Dame. Hilda is a certified administrator in D.C and has worked and coached as a Vice Principal, Academic Dean, Principal and District/LEA Leader. Hilda has additionally worked in the Ed Tech sphere, collaborating with districts across the United States to provide professional learning and strategic partnership that have led to gains in student success with the use of technology in K-12. As a true believer in a growth mindset and lifelong learning, Hilda is working to earn her Ed.D. in 2027.
Enrollment 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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