Rooted in purpose. Built with heart.
Rooted in purpose. Built with heart.
We created this microschool because we’ve experienced many of the same challenges families face today. As parents and educators, we’ve seen that while traditional school settings work for some, they don’t meet the needs of every learner. Some students simply need a different kind of environment—one that offers more emotional support, more flexibility, and more room to grow.
Our school is a place where healing is prioritized, learning is personalized, and every student is truly seen.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple:
To transform trauma into purpose by creating a sanctuary for students who haven’t found belonging in traditional settings—where healing comes first, learning is personal, and every child is prepared to lead with vision and confidence into a future only they can imagine.
Our Vision for the Future
Looking ahead
We envision a world where every child—regardless of their past or zip code—has access to a supportive, personalized education that helps them thrive. Our microschool is just the beginning. We're building a community of care, one student at a time.
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Dr. Rashada S. Tedder
“This work is personal. We’ve lived it. Now we’re building the solution.”
Rashada Tedder has spent her career creating the kind of school experience she wishes every student could have—especially those who don’t fit the traditional mold. She’s worked in both public and alternative K–12 settings, always with a focus on building safe, nurturing spaces where students feel seen, supported, and capable of success.
In addition to her work with K - 12 schools, Rashada also founded a nonprofit dedicated to helping schools and educators create healing-centered environments that support emotional wellness and individualized learning. She brings experience in integrating tools like artificial intelligence to personalize instruction and empower students to thrive.
For Rashada, this work is deeply personal and rooted in family, faith, purpose, and a profound passion for helping nontraditional learners find their voice, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
Dr. Melvin Hayden, Jr.
“We built the school we wish we had growing up.”
“Successful students become successful adults.” This belief drives Dr. Melvin Hayden, whose passion for learning was ignited during his service in the United States Air Force as a combat firefighter. It was there he learned the critical importance of teamwork and collaboration—skills that continue to shape his approach to education and leadership today.
Dr. Hayden is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, a Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), and holds an Accredited CSA Cognitive Behavioral Life Coach certification. He works closely with students and families to address challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, grief, anger, and relational conflicts.
Beyond his work in education, Melvin is a published writer for The Bleu Rooster Magazine and the author of I’d Rather Be Bad than Stupid, a thought-provoking exploration of trauma and alternative adolescent behavior.
Balancing his professional achievements with academic pursuits, Dr. Hayden, earned a B.A. in Human Services from Bellevue University, an M.A. in Teaching Technology, an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of New England, and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) from California Southern University, and Doctorate in Christian Education PhD, from Evangel Christian University.
Dr. Melvin Hayden, Jr. and Dr. Rashada Tedder bring over 50 years of combined experience in education, trauma-informed care, alternative schooling, and community leadership. More importantly, they bring a deep commitment to students and families who deserve something more than the status quo.
OUR CORE VALUES
Resilience
Challenges are not roadblocks—they're launchpads. We nurture inner strength, persistence, and the courage to rise, even when the odds are stacked high.
Empowerment
We believe every student holds the power to shape their own story. We create environments that build confidence, cultivate leadership, and equip learners with the tools to thrive—in school and in life.
Inclusivity
Every identity is honored. Every voice is heard. We embrace the fullness of who our students are, fostering a culture where differences are celebrated, not tolerated.
Community
We are stronger together. Through deep partnerships with families and local leaders, we create a shared ecosystem of care, accountability, and belonging.
Excellence
We pursue greatness—not for its own sake, but because our students deserve nothing less. From instruction to leadership, we hold high expectations and model integrity in all we do.
We’d love to meet your family
If our story resonates with yours, let’s start a conversation. We’re here to answer your questions and help you explore whether our school is the right fit.