Gem Prep Learning Societies is somewhat like a microschool or has some similarities to “pandemic pods” or “learning pods.” At Gem Prep, our Learning Societies are small groups of scholars who are part of Gem Prep’s Online School but meet together at a common location with other Gem Prep students. These students receive the same high-quality lessons and education as their peers in the traditional Gem Prep Online setting with the added bonus of support from onsite staff.

Learning Societies provide students with a small community atmosphere where they can build positive relationships with peers and adults. Students start each day with a morning meeting that sets a positive tone for the day. Weekly enrichment activities are also created based on student interests and learning goals to further supplement student learning.

Like all Gem Prep schools, they are free public charter schools.

Learning Society groups are divided into elementary (K-5) and secondary (6-12). In communities that have elementary and secondary Learning Societies, the groups will meet in different classrooms but aim to be in the same building.

Learning Societies serve 35-40 students with 15-20 students in the elementary group and 15-20 students in the secondary group.

Elementary Schedule 

Time	Activity
8:00 am - 8:15 am	Welcome, news, pledge, morning activity.
8:15 am - 9:45 am	Math Block (Site words, flashcards, small group lesson, independent practice, Amplify Skills lesson.)
9:45 am - 9:55 am	Brain break, snack.
9:55 am - 10:40 am	Live lesson with a GPO teacher. Student on headphones.
10:40 am - 12:00 am	ELA Block (Independent practice, site words, nearpod small group lesson, site words buddy-practice.)
12:00 - 12:30 pm	Lunch & Recess
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm	Science, Social Studies, and any other pending school work.
1:30 pm - 1:55 pm	Enrichment time. Examples: agricultural lessons, sewing, baking, US Government, STEM, etc…
1:55 pm - 2:00 pm	Clean up, pack up, and dismissal.

Secondary Schedule

Time	Student Activity
8:00 am - 8:15 am	Welcome routine (pledge, greeting, news, etc.)
8:15 am - 10:30 am	Online classes, coursework, tutoring, group projects.
10:30 am - 10:50 am	Break, social activity.
10:50 am - 12:30 pm	Online classes, coursework, tutoring, group projects.
12:30 - 1:00	Lunch (Open Campus for HS students)
1:00 - 1:45	Online classes, coursework, tutoring, group projects.
1:45 - 2:00	Finish up. Check-in with a partner teacher.

Registration for the enrollment lottery opens on February 1st and runs until March 7th. February and closes in March. Students who apply after the lottery are placed on the waitlist and admitted as soon as seats become available. Learning Society families who are placed on the waitlist are invited to join Gem Prep Online until a seat open in their preferred Learning Society.

Learning Societies are part of Gem Prep Online. Therefore, families currently enroll in Gem Prep Online, here. Within the SchoolMint registration, Learning Society families will pick the Learning Society location they wish to enroll in.

Learning Societies do not have uniforms but scholars do follow our Dress Code as outlined in the Learning Society Parent & Student Handbook.

Due to their small size and financial limitations, Learning Societies do not offer transportation.

Due to their small size and financial limitations, Learning Societies do not offer food services. As such, students are expected to bring their own lunch.

Yes! Learning Societies will dismiss at 1:00 every Wednesday for teacher professional development. During this time, students who need additional support may participate in an extra hour of learning called College Prep Academy.

Learning Societies will offer different opportunities and activities based on the interests of the students enrolled. Learning Society students are also able to participate in all Gem Prep Online clubs such as code club, code cracking club, and more!

For activities that Learning Societies do not offer, students are welcome to participate in sports and extracurricular activities at their local district.

We are focused on providing students a solid academic foundation in Math, English Language Arts, and Science that they can leverage for the rest of their lives. Learning Societies supplement this with “enrichment activities” generally held on Fridays. These activities include activities such as art, computer coding, culinary arts, PE, and more based upon the interests of students.

We have a vibrant school culture where the value of academic achievement is palpable and our college-focused mission is ever present. Teachers and students alike share a joy of learning, and encourage each other towards excellence. We realize that creating a positive, safe, welcoming school culture is paramount to the success of our school and the well-being of our students. See our Culture Guide located on the school pages for more detailed information.

Given Learning Societies small, one-room school house size, each location brings its own unique culture based on the students they serve.