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

The monthly fee is $800 due by etransfer on the first of each month. There is also an $500 deposit due each spring for returning students.

Yes, there is! Each year, the Alberta government gives you a choice in terms of home based education: Home education program not supervised by school authority (notification only, non-funded). 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 $901 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 enrollment. September 30 is only the cut-off to receive funding from the government for that school year.

We have open enrolment for students, but in order to qualify for government funding, you must join a home based school authority prior to September 30. Please see our other FAQs about funding to learn more.

The school runs Monday to Thursdays from 9 am - 3 pm, with Fridays off. On the last Friday of each month, we arrange for an optional field trip with the whole class. It's a great way to augment our learning and practice our social skills.

Our school runs from September to June every year. In general, we follow the Calgary Catholic School District calendar, with some exceptions. A schedule of all professional days, holidays, and Field Trip Fridays is provided at the beginning of each school year.

Your child's learning progress is not negatively impacted by having Fridays off for a few reasons: We send the children home with Friday books, vocabulary, and personal reading goals. Even though they're not at school, they are still learning. If you compare how much instructional time with one-and-one attention children receive at a traditional school versus LLP, we still come out far, far ahead. While our school only runs from Mondays through Thursdays, children receive significantly more personalized attention and help than at a traditional school. Many parents use the Fridays to enrol children into additional extra-curricula activities such as piano, skating, or swimming which helps round their children's growth and experience.

Our program is for children who are in grades 1-4 academically. At the beginning of each year, we assess the children to see where they are academically, regardless of their age. Because we are considered a homeschool, we can build a program to meet children where they are academically and help them progress, arguably more than they would in traditional school. For example, a child may excel in math and so, we could create a program to challenge them with grade 4 math, even through may technically be in grade 3. Likewise, a child may be reading at a grade level below where they should be, but we create a program to help them progress and catch up.

The school is located in southeast Calgary, in the community of Auburn Bay. There is easy access to the school via Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail.

Classes are held in an in-home setting which includes: A dedicated school area and bathroom Individual hooks, cubbies, and school supplies (list provided) An outdoor play structure and yard Use of the kitchen for monthly baking days Several parks and green spaces within walking distance A pet-friendly environment that encourages the kids to build relationships with our furry and fishy friends!

As there is only one teacher and one classroom at LLP, subjects are taught at the same time and then work is assigned in accordance with each student's learning plan and academic grade level, regardless of age. This creates a unique learning environment where children can double down on their strengths and be supported in growth areas. For example, the same book may be read to all students, but the work they are assigned will differ based on their academic grade level - not necessarily their age. Someone who is registered in grade 4, but who struggles with writing may be asked to write a paragraph about the story; another student who loves creative writing but is technically in a lower grade level may be asked to write their own short story as a response. By being in the same class, the children also get exposed to concepts ahead of time which can be another benefit of our microschool over a traditional school. For example, last year, we covered division for the higher grade students, but all children were exposed to this concept. Students in lower grade areas, with a talent in math, also worked on division a grade level before it would normally be introduced. Whatever we are teaching, we always adapt school work to meet the student's learning plan and help them grow their skills.

Children enter and exit through the home's garage. The garage is opened at 9 am and children are encouraged to quickly come in and hang their coats and take of their outdoor shoes as fast as possible - especially on winter or rainy days! As it is a residential neighbourhood, we ask that parents be respectful of our neighbours and not block any driveways or sidewalks.

Before and after school care may be available. Please reach out to Mrs. T directly.

Mrs. T. is in daily communication about the progress of the children at pick ups and drop offs. If any significant issues arise, they are brought up immediately; likewise, if parents have any questions, they're encouraged to bring them up. Monthly newsletters are also provided to help you stay in the know, see pictures of your child at school, and know of any special days in the month ahead. Parent teacher interview are conducted four times per year to go into detail about your child's progress.

Yes, we have one dog - a boxer named Rocky - as well as fish on the main level of our home. Rocky loves children, but is kept out of the basement where the school is located. He loves children and we find that he has quite the therapeutic affect on our neurodiverse kiddos and they're ability to self-regulate. During recess when the children play in the backyard, Rocky is always happy to receive pets and pats behind his ears. He is a good boy.