The Village Electric
The Village Electric is a CoLearning Center in Mountainside, NJ
At The Village Electric, our vision is to bring together a variety of entrepreneurial-minded teachers, microschools, online learners, homeschoolers, and school alternatives under one roof -- essentially creating a "WeWork" of schools. We believe kids thrive in-person and so are building a flexible, alternative school model where educational choice and innovation can thrive at scale.
The Village Electric: Happiest in-person learning experience
We are an alternative education learning center in Mountainside, NJ going strong in our second year with 40+ learners. We offer a range of in-person learning options.
Grades: PreK-6th
About The Village Electric
We believe parents should be the superintendent of their child's education, making the important choices and decisions for their child's growth. However, we often must either completely conform to the philosophy and practices of the school we choose or go it alone in a small pod or homeschool. But what if there was a place where innovation thrived that offered choice, flexibility, and a high-quality education without having to sacrifice community and full time in-person learning? Now there is. Welcome to The Village Electric.
Drop you little one off, give 'em a kiss. Just come back at 3pm. Check your child's progress through weekly progress reports. Volunteer on one of our committees. Join us for community gatherings, concerts, and plays.
Parents love that their children are happy and can't wait to come to The Village Electric each day. We've heard that they are actually disappointed on the weekends! It truly is a place for kids to call their own.
What’s next?
We are looking to expand our community by partnering with other microschools, pods, homeschools etc. to offer learning styles that suit everyone's needs.
Our ultimate vision is to create a network of learning centers across New Jersey (and across the country) that house different educational opportunities under one roof. Think a WeWork of schools, or a foodcourt of learning options. Besides housing a variety of ready-made learning options, these centers will also provide space for entrepreneurial educators or even parents to start their own school or program. We want to see educational innovation thrive and believe the way to do so is to make it dramatically easier to start something new. Interested in opening your own Acton Academy? We can connect you with a mentor and provide you the space to get it going. All you need is a dream and a few kids! Let's do this!
Why you should trust The Village Electric
We partner with certified educators, education professionals, online resources and the best of the alternative education community to offer a superior learning experience for children. We invite you to take a tour of our space and see for yourself. We recently received a Vela Fund education grant. In the Spring of last year, we were featured in a Wall Street Journal article about alternative education in our area. We are in our second year and have 40+ students enrolled.
Who is the Village Electric an ideal choice for?
All children. We pay special attention to the emotional and intellectual needs of each child because each child is different. Our program is self-paced and mastery-based, so it is perfect for children who are gifted as well as children who need more time to learn.
Who is the Village Electric not a good choice for?
It is not right for parents looking to follow a standards-based education model or for parents who want to hover over their children. In order to become independent leaners, children sometimes need space.
Flaws, but not dealbreakers
Some parents can become anxious that their children are not keeping up with standards. We are looking to expand our community by partnering with other microschools, pods, homeschools etc. to offer learning styles that suit everyone's needs.
Cost
We are an alternative education learning center in Mountainside, NJ going strong in our second year with 40+ learners. We offer a range of in-person learning options for children from 2-12. Our preschool runs from 9-11:30 three days a week for $4500/year. Learners aged 4 and up can join our full time homeschool curriculum program and choose either four or five days a week for $9250/year or $10,500/year respectively. We offer an afternoons-only program in a mixed age, unschooling environment which is great for families who take care of their academic needs at home but are still looking for socialization. Families interested in this program may choose either two or three days a week for $375/month or $475/month respectively. We can host and coach children who follow an online curriculum, price TBD depending on the level of assistance the curriculum provides. Lastly, we can host and help you create your own pod or learning option in our space based on your unique educational needs. Come join our community!
Key Features
Family Involvement
Parent/Teacher/Caregiver guidance is necessary
Prerequisites
No literacy requirement
No prerequisites
Suggested time commitment
3-5 days a week
Learning Approach
Type of tool: CoLearning Center, Local Classes
You can choose your own adventure based on how your child responds to material (applicable to online or physical resources)
Modality: Audio, Visual, Multimedia, Hands-on/kinesthetic (choose this if kids use gross motor skills and touch different textures, e.g. building something with their hands, not just typing on a screen)
Philosophy: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Unschooling, The Robinson Curriculum
Other: Hands-on, Project-based, Self-directed learning, Interdisciplinary, Fun and entertaining, Mastery-based, Inquiry-based learning
Cognitive Diversity*
Neurotypical
ADHD
Autism
Gifted
Dyslexia
Profoundly Gifted
Sensory processing
*The tool may have not been designed with these special needs in mind, but have been used successfully with this learning categories.
Technology
Screens: Screens are not required.
It is a physical space
Accountability
No, it is not aligned with state and federal standards
Common Core: Not aligned with Common Core
Assessment: Assessments are offered as part of our program
Common Concerns
Weapons: No, there are no references to weapons
Competitive: No, it is not competitive
Languages this resource is offered in
English
The Village Electric is a CoLearning Center in Mountainside, NJ for PreK-6th grade students. Independent teachers can also book the space for classes and private lessons.