Meet North Carolina's Burbrella Learning Academy's Dominque Burgess

Burbrella Learning Academy Inc was established in Fall 2020 by Founder and Head of Schools Dominque Burgess. After COVID 19 shed light on the disparities in education she decided to create a school network district that focuses on meeting the needs of all learners by building a collaborative partnership with learners, their families, and the community through non traditional learning environments.

Burbrella has since grown into two microschools, one servicing families in 18 states online (Prek-Grade 12) and an in person microschool in Burlington NC (K-5). Burbrella teaches skills and competency based learning through STEAM, nature, play and project based learning.

What is one unique (or uncommon) feature of your microschool experience your learners and families tell you they especially value?

At Burbrella Microschool, one unique feature that learners and families particularly value is the personalized learning approach that integrates real-world experiences into the curriculum. Unlike traditional schooling, Burbrella focuses on tailoring lessons to each student's interests, skills, and pace of learning. Through this approach, learners engage in play based learning, project-based learning that connects classroom concepts with practical applications. For instance, they might explore scientific principles through hands-on experiments, collaborate on community projects, or delve into entrepreneurial ventures that align with their passions. This personalized and experiential learning not only deepens understanding but also cultivates a sense of autonomy and purpose among students. Families appreciate how their children develop a profound understanding of subjects while gaining practical skills.

What is one favorite aspect of your work that would have been especially difficult to deliver in traditional school settings?

In a microschool setting like Burbrella, one favorite aspect that would be challenging in a traditional school environment is the flexibility and permissionless nature of structuring schedules.

Our ability to adapt schedules and learning structures in real-time is based on individual or group needs and is a tremendous asset. This flexibility allows for personalized attention, immediate adjustments to cater to learning styles, and seizing spontaneous learning opportunities as they arise.

Please share a story about what success looks like in your microschool.

One parent shared an inspiring story about their child's transformational journey in our microschool. Their child, initially struggling in a traditional classroom setting due to a unique learning style and specific interests, found a remarkable path to success within our online microschool.

This learner, who previously felt disengaged and misunderstood in a larger school setting, flourished at Burbrella within just a few days in being in our classes. The parent highlighted how the flexible structure and personalized approach allowed her to explore topics of deep interest while tailoring learning methods to suit her learning style.

The parent described how their child's confidence surged as they actively participated in project-based learning experiences that aligned with their passion of being a fashion designer. Our teachers were able to connect the math content, and literacy based skills this learner needed to fashion and we watched her flourish and build a love for learning. Through the encouragement and mentorship provided by educators at Burbrella, this learner not only excelled academically but also blossomed socially, forming meaningful connections within a smaller, close-knit community. The learner also shared that she had finally found a community she feels like she belongs in.

What is one piece of advice you give new microschool founders? 

I would say do it now. You will never know when the right time is, if you keep putting it off waiting. There are so many great resources and people out their leading the microschool movement (National Microschooling Center) that will support you. Find your community of microschool leaders to connect with, look up your laws and policies for your state and bring families in your community something different, they deserve it.

Please describe one facet of your microschool’s experience that you’d like people to think of when your microschool comes up in conversation.

When Burbrella Microschool is mentioned, I hope people immediately think of our holistic, warm and nurturing approach to learning. At Burbrella, it's not just about academics; it's about fostering a deep understanding of subjects through hands-on experiences and tailored learning paths that resonate with each learners interests and strengths. We also use this warm and nurturing approach to teach learners different social emotional skills needed to self regulate emotions, effects, and issues that may hold them back from being successful.