Tamara Becker, CEO of Adamo Education Recounts her Micro Schools’ Revolutionary Approach to K-8 Education

When Tamara Becker, a seasoned education professional with nearly three decades of experience, noticed students struggling during and after the pandemic, she knew the traditional education model wasn’t meeting their needs. That realization led her to take a bold step—leaving her role as a superintendent to redefine education with Adamo Education, a micro school that blends the best of traditional, online, and virtual schooling.

We spoke with Tamara to learn more about micro schools, the benefits they offer, and how this innovative approach could reshape the education landscape for students. 

What Are Micro Schools, and Why Should We Care?

Micro schools are small, personalized learning environments that combine the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure and resources of traditional schools. At Adamo Education in Queen Creek, Arizona, students attend school for three hours a day and complete a few additional hours of coursework at home. This hybrid approach allows for a customized, student-centered learning experience, something Tamara is passionate about.

“We still teach the same academic standards,” Tamara explains, “but how we deliver that instruction is what makes our model unique. We can adapt quickly to what works for kids and address their needs right away. That level of flexibility is empowering for both teachers and students.”

Adamo Education opened its doors in August 2021 and currently serves 44 students in grades K-8. Its success highlights the potential of micro schools as a solution for families seeking alternatives to the traditional education system.

Why Micro Schools Are Needed More Than Ever

Tamara’s journey into the world of micro schools began with her realization that students were falling through the cracks. She noticed that kids were often spending hours on homework that did not reinforce what they learned in class. 

At Adamo, she ensures that her students focus on core subjects during our school hours, but are free kids to explore their interests and passions afterward. The flexibility of this micro school model allows students to learn at their own pace, filling gaps in knowledge more quickly than in a traditional setting.

Tamara recounts, “We had a student Jack who came to us last year. He was very timid and apprehensive about math.” After just one year in Adamo’s program, Jack is now performing above the national average. This confidence has made him the first to raise his hand during math lessons, beaming throughout the lesson. 

What Makes the Micro School Experience Unique?

A typical day at Adamo Education is structured yet flexible, offering a mix of academics, life skills, and community-building activities:

• Small Class Sizes: Teachers work with no more than 12 students, grouped with students of multiple ages who have similar academic needs rather than strict grade levels. This allows for tailored instruction that addresses each child’s unique strengths and challenges.
• Hands-On Learning: Students tackle collaborative science projects every Wednesday, fostering creativity and teamwork.
• Multi-Age Interactions: Older students mentor younger ones during buddy reading sessions, creating a family-like atmosphere where kids feel supported and connected.
• Life Skills: Every Friday, students clean their learning space—vacuuming, mopping, and running the dishwasher—teaching them responsibility and independence.

Tamara notes that this holistic approach helps her students develop not just academically but socially and emotionally, preparing them for success in school and beyond.

The Benefits of Micro Schools for Families

One of the biggest advantages of micro schools is the close partnership between parents and teachers. In traditional schools, parents might only meet with teachers twice a year during conferences. At Adamo, communication happens daily.

“Our parents are partners in their child’s learning journey,” Tamara explains. “They’re involved in ensuring at-home work is done and have a clear understanding of what their kids are learning and how they’re progressing. There’s no guessing game here.”

Why School Choice Matters

For Tamara, school choice is about freedom and empowerment. “When something isn’t working for one of our students, we can pivot immediately to find what does,” she says. That flexibility is transformative.

Her vision for Adamo Education, and micro schools in general, is rooted in the belief that education should be tailored to each student’s needs. “We’re here to learn and master skills, not just pass tests,” she emphasizes. “If a child fails, we work with them on that concept until they succeed. When you are an adult in the real world, you can not just give your boss subpar work and move on to the next task; we prepare our students for real life.”

The Future of Micro Schools

Micro schools like Adamo Education are more than just a trend, they’re a lifeline for families seeking alternatives to traditional education. They offer a smaller, more personalized learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Tamara’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when education is reimagined. For parents searching for the right fit for their children, micro schools offer hope, flexibility, and a chance for every child to succeed.