Children learn by doing. Sandy Miller Academy is a public International Baccalaureate World School.  We believe that students are natural inquirers who learn best through experience. Students are educated not just in the typical classroom setting but through learning labs, gardens, activities, clubs and field trips. 

Walking through a typical day at Sandy Miller Academy you may find student collaborating in the pod on an engineering project, working in the courtyard or hydroponic garden or in the TinkerLab creating. First Grade may be off on a field trip to the Dolphin & Lion Habitat learning about animals they have before only ever read about in a book. Fifth Grade students may have just come back from an overnight field trip to the Grand Canyon where they learned about Native American History, explored a natural wonder of the world and visited the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Third Graders may be engaged in Mini Society creating their own classroom governments, learning how an economy functions and getting ready to sell homemade goods at Market Day.

On Friday afternoons you would see our 3-5th grade clubs in action. Students would be creating an original podcast for Moose Talk Radio, exercising their creativity in Art or Dance and Choreography clubs or using their imagination in Fantasy Plant, Storytelling or PE Game Creator clubs. Budding scientists could be found in Coding, Robotics or Engineering clubs. Clubs are most students' favorite part of the week.

Students are excited and engaged when they have a chance to learn from hands-on activities. The typical classroom provides a great foundation but isn't enough for a well-rounded 21st Century education. Basic funding provided for public schools is not enough to provide  extra learning opportunities. Fundraising happens year round to make these activities possible for all kids who attend Sandy Miller Academy. 

When you donate through the Big Give you can help us provide supplies and equipment that must constantly be replenished as little hands learn.  Your gift can help with scholarships for overnight field trips so all students who want to participate have the chance to attend. Funds will also be used for local field trips.  We serve many high need students with over 75% qualifying for free or reduced lunch and 30% are ELL students.