NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR!
Restoring Wonder,
Curiosity &
Joy in Learning
A Microschool With a World Vision
Our Trusted Partners
Ellemercito's Mission
Our mission is to provide a real-world, highly personalized, and transformative education to students using a project and place-based approach nurturing critical thinking, developing a growth mindset, and demonstrating profound empathy.
Valerie Godbout
Ellemercito Academy has been a great experience for our family. We love the hands on learning environment and a more catered curriculum for our child. Our son is very athletic and traditional school is not really a good fit for him. The teachers at Ellemercito are making great efforts to connect with him on subjects that he finds interesting, so that he develops a love for learning more about what is important to him!
About Ellemercito Academy
Ellemercito Academy is an independent microschool founded in 2021 with the simple goal of providing students with a living, highly tailored, and transformative education. Each student's academic and social-emotional development holds equal value and a holistic, trauma-informed, and experiential learning approach is taken to meet individual needs.
Gabrielle Cisneros
Lizette Valles is a wonderful teacher, librarian, and tutor! She not only sees what students' academic needs are, but she has a gift of seeing students' heart needs as well. Both of these are so necessary for total student success. So thankful for her gifts and talents!
Andy Moeck
I want parents to know that Mr. & Mrs. Valles are the real deal. My son was well prepared for high school after his middle/high school microschooling experience at Ellemercito Academy. He has a newfound confidence & seemingly difficult challenges that he had are no longer an issue. He's focused and takes initiative for his own learning now!
Bassalla Simba
I was looking for a place where my daughter's learning would not be limited to her age or grade, but where she could be guided to her own heights. We found that, and beyond, at Ellemercito Academy. There, her questions created discussions and lessons; her interests are taken seriously and incorporated into her studies; and nature is an integral part of the curriculum. We are so blessed to have found this gem!
Gabrielle Cisneros
Lizette Valles is a wonderful teacher, librarian, and tutor! She not only sees what students' academic needs are, but she has a gift of seeing students' heart needs as well. Both of these are so necessary for total student success. So thankful for her gifts and talents!
Andy Moeck
I want parents to know that Mr. & Mrs. Valles are the real deal. My son was well prepared for high school after his middle/high school microschooling experience at Ellemercito Academy. He has a newfound confidence & seemingly difficult challenges that he had are no longer an issue. He's focused and takes initiative for his own learning now!
Melissa Murphy
The microschooling experience and level of education my children have received at Ellemercito has far surpassed my expectations. Not only are they above average in most all subjects but learning ahead of grade level in some! The Valles' have helped my kids advance their overall critical thinking and creativity, and I'm very thankful for them both.
Ellemercito & Education
Educating students both in a relevant and meaningful manner coupled with an engaging, project and place-based model is at the core of who we are. We provide a small teacher to student ratio, individualized learning plans for all students, exceptionally personalized, differentiated instruction, and unique field trip/world schooling opportunities that all focus on student-centered learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a microschool?
Our microschool is a modern spin on the one-room schoolhouse consisting of blended age groups, experienced educators, curated curriculum, and highly personalized instruction with real-world applications.
What is Ellemercito Academy?
Ellemercito Academy is an independent microschool founded in 2021 with the simple goal of providing students with a living, highly tailored, and transformative education. Each student's academic and social-emotional development holds equal value and a holistic, trauma-informed, and experiential learning approach is taken to meet individual needs. Educating students both in a relevant and meaningful manner coupled with an engaging, project and place-based model is at the core of who we are. We provide a small teacher to student ratio, individualized learning plans for all students, exceptionally personalized, differentiated instruction, and unique field trip/world schooling opportunities that all focus on student-centered learning.
What does a typical day look like?
Classes begin at 8:15am-2:15pm M-W. There is an option of blended learning from home with a teacher on Thursdays and Fridays are reserved for adventuring, family time, or passion projects.
What subjects are taught?
ELA, math, social studies, science, Spanish, P.E., and art with occasional special guest instructors/professionals
What curriculum do you use?
Students will learn content in a group setting and also work independently. Ellemercito Academy uses LAUSD curriculum coupled with a variety of supplemental materials including STEAM projects, special guest speakers, and a plethora of resources at our fingertips. We follow a hybrid model approach utilizing the best research-based technological practices while highly valuing tangible books, penmanship, and analogs of all forms.
Do you offer state testing/transcripts?
Seton testing is offered to students in the spring and parents can opt out if needed. Transcripts are also available upon request.
Do you offer an after-school program/tutoring?
We do not offer an after-school program at this time; however, tutoring is available to students.
How do you monitor student progress?
Ellemercito Academy is not standards-centered, but student-centered. However, we do test in order to determine the efficacy of the instruction and learning taking place. As the learning continues, students will be assessed on their progress through formative and summative assessments with individualized learning goals. Any Assignment/test below a 69% requires a parent signature. The goal is for students to achieve mastery before moving on to the next higher-level concept. We believe our students are more than a quantified measurement, therefore letter grades are not the only means used to assess progress. Rather, students are also assessed through discussion, projects, daily work, and useful progress monitoring techniques.
Do you offer scholarships/flexible payment options?
Our goal is to make microschooling accessible and equitable for all students. Scholarships are limited at this time; however, a sliding scale option is available and income-based. Please email info@ellemercito.academy to learn more.
How often do nature days/field trips take place?
Twice a month and parents are welcome to attend if there is availability.
Resources for Parents
Melissa Murphy
The microschooling experience and level of education my children have received at Ellemercito has far surpassed my expectations. Not only are they above average in most all subjects but learning ahead of grade level in some! The Valles' have helped my kids advance their overall critical thinking and creativity, and I'm very thankful for them both.
Schedule a Walkthrough
Thank you for your interest in Ellemercito Academy! Fill out the form below and we will get back to you soon to schedule a walkthrough.
We envision schooling that inspires and catapults the next generation of thinkers, creators, and world changers to dream big and take action. Ellemercito Academy is the future of learning fusing education’s best practices with new experiential, trauma-informed, and holistic methods for students who are far beyond standardized.
Serving the Gateway Cities of
Los Angeles County
Office Hours
M - F 8:15 AM - 4 PM
Contact Us
Copyright © 2023 Ellemercito Academy: A Compass Educators Microschool. All Rights Reserved.
Ellemercito Academy is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization, IRS identification number 93-2702248.
