A microschool is a small, independent educational setting with typically fewer than 50 students. It offers a personalized and often innovative approach to education, focusing on individualized learning experiences. At LLP Microschool, we allow a maximum of 10 students. This small class size ensures we can deliver the quality programming that helps children thrive.

Microschools prioritize personalized learning, strong teacher-student relationships, and holistic development. At Laugh Learn Play Microschool, we believe that education should be tailored to each student's unique needs and interests. To learn more, see Our Approach.

It is both! We are a microschool because we do not allow more than 10 students per year. We are also considered a homeschool (via the Government of Alberta) as we offer classes that support students and parents who have opted for a home-based education. Each year, the Alberta government gives you a choice in terms of home based education:

1. Home education program not supervised by school authority (notification only, non-funded).

2. Home education program supervised by school authority (funded).

LLP Microschool operates as a home education program that is supervised by a school authority. We are currently connected to URSA Home Education as a shared responsibility program, and By Design Home Learning, though most our students typically enrol with URSA. If you apply to one of home-based school authorities before September 30, you will receive a government reimbursement totalling a maximum of $850 per student, per year. You must submit receipts for classes (like those of LLP), school supplies, etc. in order to get your money. Typically, the home-based boards provide a fall reimbursement at the end of December and another at the end of June. However, one envelope of funding is shared between you and LLP Microschool each year in order to help cover the cost of curriculum materials, school supplies (including electronics), school related activities, and so on.

This is a lot of information, so please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions about how to navigate the homeschool system or how to apply to a home-based board.

Please note, you do not have to apply to Laugh Learn Play before September 30 - we have open enrolment. September 30 is the cut-off to receive funding from the government for that school year.

Each year, the Alberta government gives you a choice in terms of home based education:

1. Home education program not supervised by school authority (notification only, non-funded).

2. Home education program supervised by school authority (funded).

In order to receive funding from the government, you must register with a home education authority prior to September 30 of each year. LLP Microschool is currently connected to both URSA Home Education and By Design Home Learning.

Each year, our teacher prepares a customized program plan in order to meet learning outcomes required by the government. In the fall and spring, our teacher visits with Home Education Managers who work for these school authorities. At these meetings, our teacher reviews each child's program plan (also called their learning plan) and informs the manager about learning goals and progress.

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These home education boards also arrange for the receipt-based reimbursements mentioned above. Parents typically submit resource claims via the manager and payout occurs at the end of December and June. Please note, one funding envelope is shared with LLP to secure school supplies, etc.

Microschool classes are intentionally kept small; LLP Microschool has no more than 10 students each year. This allows for more personalized attention and tailored instruction.

Personalized learning in microschools involves adapting curriculum and teaching methods to match each student's learning style, pace, and interests. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of subjects and encourages a love for learning. After assessing children at the beginning of the year, LLP customizes a learning plan for each student to help guide their learning journey over the course of the school year.

Four formal parent-teacher meetings are held during the year to discuss progress with parents, and these plans may adapt or change based on the students progress.

Laugh Learn Play Microschool is inclusive and can accommodate students with special needs or learning differences. We provide individualized support to help these students thrive and have years of experience working with ADHD children.

While children with diverse learning needs are welcome, we cannot accommodate children with aggressive behavioural concerns. The emotional, mental, and physical well-being of our students and teacher are paramount. Whenever possible, during the school year, we provide a trial period to see how potential students acclimatize to the learning environment. Our goal is to ensure there is a fit for LLP Microschool as well as the potential student and their family.

We have one instructor, Tianna Hopfner, and one classroom located in the basement of her Auburn Bay home in southeast Calgary. Learn more about Tianna and her qualifications.

We are experienced with supporting children with ADHD and other disabilities and conditions (i.e., dyslexia, anxiety) but due to there being only one teacher in the class, we cannot accept students with severe behaviours that would risk the mental, emotional or physical safety of LLP Microschool students and its teacher. When possible, we try start with a trial period to ensure that this is a fit for both LLP Microschool and the student.