What is Bloom?

Bloom Learning Community is the first learner-centered microschool in Cleveland that joyfully nurtures and empowers the whole child.

Bloom is A Learner-Centered Microschool

At Bloom, there is a central respect for children as natural learners. All methods, practices, and curriculum are chosen to foster a supportive environment so children can truly take ownership of their learning path. Offering a variety of choices creates agency and confidence. Children are intrinsically enthusiastic learners and at Bloom we nurture this everyday, with creative flexibility as a guiding principle. Children in this type of environment learn much more than content. They learn how to envision, plan, direct, and conduct themselves in pursuit of personal goals and interests - which benefits them here in the present and in their future as adults.

As a microschool, we are at the forefront of a current movement in education to personalize and scale down to create a true learning community. Defined as having under 150 students, microschools are close-knit and adaptable. Learning can be customized to deeply benefit each child at each stage. There is a sense of ease and a more relaxed atmosphere. For both kids and families - everyone knows each other on a significant level and there is a culture of kindness and a true sense of acceptance and belonging.

“We’d recommend Bloom for children who love spending time outside, struggle to sit still in a traditional classroom, and parents who want an educational program that encourages their strengths and supports their unique areas for growth.

We love you and we're so grateful for all you've done for our daughter.”

-Caitlin, A Bloom Parent

Bloom is Holistic

At Bloom, we balance outer expression with inner discovery. Learning here is vital, energetic, purposeful, and joyful because we infuse each day with attention to our whole selves. We are part of a global awakening that values the interconnectedness of life and healing on all levels.

To this end, Bloom consciously supports learners holistically - body, heart, and mind. At the foundation of learning is the body. We honor and respect innate needs for movement, nutrition, nature, and rest. The soul of learning comes from the heart, where children practice essential themes: social intelligence, resilience, heart coherence, emotional connection, self-awareness, emotional mastery, and compassion. At the level of mind, Bloom supports experimentation, dynamic thinking, curiosity, flexibility, growth mindset, and metacognition - learning how to learn.

Bloom Learning Community is honored to utilize Rainbow Institute’s Seven Domains to facilitate integration of body, heart, and mind with an established model for planning and assessment. For over 40 years, the award-winning Rainbow Community School in Asheville, NC has developed this proven holistic framework, and we are excited to share it with Cleveland! Using the Seven Domains as a touchstone, Bloom Learning Community is able to comprehensively serve students, families, staff, and the community at an exceptional level.

“I was immediately drawn to the holistic, whole child-centered approach at Bloom. It aligns with our approach and our view of education. And we love the values and principles that guide the Bloom educational model.

We want our children to experience something that transcends "school" and Bloom seems to embody that ideal.”

-A Bloom Parent

Bloom is Personalized

At Bloom students are guided and empowered to be responsible for their own learning. Individualized learning plans are co-created through collaboration with parents, students, and staff thereby restoring choice, agency, and autonomy in education. There is evidence that through the prioritization of interest-based learning “students engage in deeper, richer learning, display more on-task behavior, and the learning environment becomes more collaborative” (Anderson, Mike. 2016. Learning to Choose, Choosing to Learn: The Key to Student Motivation and Achievement. Alexandria, VA. ASCD.)

It is our hope that through personalized and holistic learning approaches that put the learner first, we may support happy and emotionally healthy students with a lifelong love of learning.

“I’d recommend Bloom for families looking for an alternate to traditional schooling. Families who are less interested in the "state standards'' and are more interested in finding support and appreciation of their child's unique abilities and the resources to provide access, how-to, and supervision, thereby allowing the children the space to succeed.

I'm grateful for all you do.”

-A Bloom Parent

Bloom is Progressive

Over a century ago, American philosopher and educator, John Dewey, had a vision for education that challenged the standard, industrialized model of schooling. This idea of “progressive education” capitalized on the idea that when a student’s learning was connected and relevant to their own lives, learning becomes more memorable and enjoyable.

Bloom shares this philosophy. Experiential learning that is relevant to a student’s life and encourages them to collaborate, connect, and use critical thinking skills, is crucial to a successful educational journey. One of our goals at Bloom Learning Community is to provide exactly this type of experience.

P21 describes the “4 Cs” of 21st Century Learning and Innovation Skills: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. Bloom Learning Community uses the “5 Cs,” adding Compassion to the list, as advocated by the Dalai Lama. Focusing on the 5 Cs ensures children will thrive in a complex and ever changing world, confidently contributing to society in unique and innovative ways.

As a progressive microschool, Bloom is rooted in fully experiencing the present while simultaneously honoring the unfolding of individual potential. Learners are supported in personal growth today, and that growth supports a positive global future for all.

“I like the days at Bloom- that we have free time, I have a lot of friends to play with, and I like that we learn stuff. I like that I can bring my Lego figures. I like to do math and write and draw things. I enjoy learning!”

-Bloom Member, age 6

Questions?

We’d love to discuss our learning community with you.