Our Story
Learning is not one size fits all. With more than 20 years of experience in education, I have seen many students placed in environments that simply did not meet their needs. The misidentified “misbehaved,” overly talkative, or disengaged student often just needs a different approach—one that is student-centered, hands-on, and connected to real-world learning.
As a child, I was the talkative student. I finished my work quickly, and with little left to do, I filled the time by talking. My mother frequently received behavior reports and responded by putting extra learning materials in my backpack to keep me engaged. As I grew older, school began to feel boring and more like a chore than a place of discovery. I longed for something hands-on and interest-driven. In high school, my favorite class was culinary arts, and to this day, I still love to cook. In many ways, a career as a chef would have been a natural fit.
Over time, I realized this challenge was not unique to me—it has become increasingly common. My own son struggled with traditional schooling from an early age. By eight years old, he was already eager to work. He had an above-average IQ and a strong work ethic, yet his strengths were not fully recognized in a traditional classroom setting. Everything changed in the 10th grade when his school offered Residential and Commercial Construction as a career pathway. He excelled, earning perfect scores and discovering a passion for building. While some teachers called to report that he was searching for investment properties during their classes, he explained that he simply did not see the relevance of certain subjects to his life goals. Today, he is a successful contractor running a company he started at just 12 years old. By the time we realized he needed a different educational path, he was too far along in his graduation requirements to make a change.
ME Institute was created to provide a Christ-centered learning environment with small class sizes and interest-driven instruction that integrates hands-on experiences and community-based learning. It is designed to be a place where non-traditional learners can truly thrive—academically, personally, and in preparation for life beyond the classroom.
Mission
Plan for life after high school
Our mission is to cultivate a supportive and engaging learning environment where non-traditional learners thrive through interest-driven, hands-on, and community-based education. We empower students with meaningful projects that build critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world skills, preparing them to become confident, well-rounded adults who successfully transition into post-secondary education, careers, and community life.
Vision
Discover your purpose
Our vision is to be a transformative learning community where non-traditional learners discover their purpose, develop confidence, and gain the skills needed to succeed in education, careers, and life. We aspire to empower every student to become a capable, self-directed, and engaged contributor to their community and the world.
Motto
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
~Proverbs 16:3
Our Programs
Reading & Writing
This course strengthens literacy through reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, creative writing, and effective communication. Students engage with diverse texts, including faith-based literature, to develop critical thinking, self-expression, and a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Math & Science
This course builds strong foundational and advanced skills in mathematics and scientific inquiry. Students explore problem-solving, logic, data analysis, and scientific principles through hands-on experiments and real-world applications, while recognizing God’s order, design, and creativity in the natural world.
Foreign Language
Students develop communication skills in a second language while gaining cultural awareness and global understanding. Instruction includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing, along with cultural studies that emphasize respect, connection, and the value of diversity.
History & Biblical Studies
This integrated course explores world history alongside Biblical teachings to help students understand the connection between faith, culture, and human development. Students examine historical events, civilizations, and leaders while studying Scripture to learn moral lessons, spiritual principles, and God’s role throughout history. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, character development, and applying Biblical wisdom to modern life.
Career & Technical Education
This hands-on program prepares students for real-world success by introducing practical career skills, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. Students explore career pathways such as business, technology, skilled trades, and service industries while learning financial literacy, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership through a faith-based lens emphasizing integrity, purpose, and service.
Social Emotional Learning
These activities help students build self-awareness, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and conflict-resolution skills. Grounded in faith principles, students learn about identity, character, empathy, resilience, and responsible decision-making through discussion, reflection, and mentorship.
Community Based Education
This course connects classroom learning with real community experiences. Students participate in service projects, local partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and civic engagement activities. Through these experiences, students develop responsibility, compassion, leadership skills, and an understanding of how they positively impact their communities.
Special Projects
This course allows students to pursue independent or group projects based on interests, talents, or community needs. Projects may include research, entrepreneurship, creative works, service initiatives, or problem-solving challenges that encourage innovation, responsibility, and practical application of learning.
Arts & Creativity
This course encourages students to express themselves through visual arts, music, drama, design, and creative expression. Students explore their God-given talents while learning creativity, confidence, collaboration, and appreciation for the arts as a form of worship, storytelling, and communication.
Gardening & Environmental Stewardship
This hands-on program teaches students how to grow food, care for plants, and understand environmental responsibility. Students learn about sustainability, nutrition, agriculture, and stewardship of the earth through practical gardening activities that reinforce Biblical principles of caring for creation.
Clubs & Activities
This program provides students with opportunities to explore interests, build friendships, and develop leadership skills through student-led and instructor-guided clubs. Activities may include athletics, arts, technology, service groups, and faith-centered organizations that promote teamwork, responsibility, and personal growth.
Educational Travel Opportunities
This experiential learning offers students opportunities to explore historical sites, cultural landmarks, colleges, workplaces, and faith-based service missions. Travel experiences are designed to expand students’ worldview, strengthen independence, and connect classroom learning with real-life experiences.
Student Experience
Our Approach
The Reggio Emilia approach is a child-centered, inquiry-based educational philosophy that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and holistic development. Originating in Reggio Emilia after World War II and developed by Loris Malaguzzi, it views children as capable, curious learners who actively construct their own knowledge through exploration and relationships.
Key Principles
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Child as an Active Learner: Children are seen as strong, resourceful, and full of potential. They express their understanding in many ways, known as the “Hundred Languages of Children.”
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Educators as Guides: Teachers act as facilitators and co-learners who observe, support curiosity, and help extend children’s thinking rather than relying on direct instruction.
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Environment as the “Third Teacher”: Classrooms are intentionally designed to be welcoming, organized, and rich with open-ended materials that encourage independence, creativity, and collaboration.
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Project-Based Learning: Curriculum emerges from children’s interests and involves hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that build critical thinking, communication, and social skills.
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Documentation of Learning: Teachers record and display children’s work and learning processes to make thinking visible and support reflection and assessment.
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Family & Community Partnership: Strong collaboration with families and the community is considered essential to meaningful learning.
The Reggio Emilia approach nurtures a creative, child-led learning environment where relationships, exploration, and multiple forms of expression are central to each child’s growth.
Daily Schedule
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School hours: 8:30a-3:30p
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Students are tardy after 8:45a
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Students take breaks as needed when transitioning subjects
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Snacks are available during the morning and afternoon
Flexible Scheduling
Learners attending asynchronous will complete learning tasks
on their own schedule rather than logging in live.
8:30-9:00 Morning Devotion
9:05-12:05 Core Subject Learning
12:05-12:25 Social Emotional Learning
12:30-1:00 Lunch
1:05-1:35 Task Time
1:40-3:00 Extension Activities
3:05-3:30 Evening Reflection
3:30-3:45 Parent Pick-up
Full-Time Enrollment
5-Day Option:
Learner attends in-person 5 days a week
4-Day Option:
Learner attends in person 4 days a week and attends asynchronously 1 day a week
3-Day Option:
Learner attends in person 3 days a week and attends asynchronously 2 days per week
Admissions
Step 1
Connect
Schedule a call to learn more about
our programs.
Step 2
Tour & Family Interview
Join us on a tour to experience our programs and day-to-day activities in real-time as we familiarize ourselves with one another to determine if ME Institute is a good fit for your learner.
Step 3
Student Experience
A drop-in day for potential learners to explore the environment for a full school day. They can provide feedback on their exposure to determine if they are accepting of the space, practices, and expectations of the program.
Step 4
Apply
Complete the application and submit the required documents.
Step 5
Complete Enrollment
After being accepted, the enrollment process must be completed for the student to be enrolled and have a spot in the program. Learners are admitted on a first come, first serve basis.
Step 6
Personalized Learning Plan
PLP
After the first week in attendance, families will meet with designated staff to develop a learning plan using assessment data.
Tuition & Fees
Application Fee
$75
Enrollment Fee
$250
paid during enrollment
Materials Fee
varies by grade and selected curriculum
Tuition:
Full-time Enrollment
$7,000/yr.
Tuition can be paid
monthly $700/mo.
semester $3,500 per semester
annually $7,000/yr.
Sibling discount:
1st sibling 10%
additional siblings 15%
*Tuitions and fees are subject to change
Part-time Enrollment
3- days a week
5-days a week
Schedule a call to learn more about part-time availability and programs!
Contact Us
Reach out to us for any inquiries, admissions, or to learn more about our interest driven learning that inspires young minds.