Introducing bold new ways to school.
Naples’ newest microschools, Verbal Gerbil (K-8) Learning Pods and Estates Academy for Boys (grades 5-8) are helping children renew their love for learning through exploration of the natural world.
Farm Summer Camp 2024 · Apply Today ·
Farm Summer Camp 2024 · Apply Today ·
Our Microschools
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Verbal Gerbil (K-8) Learning Pod
Enhance pupils' language and logic learning through exploration and play with iconic pets and weekly cross-curricular, project-based lessons in zoology and botany.
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Estates (Boys 5-8) Academy
Empowers adventurous tween and teen boys to be self-directed learners as they engage in inquiry, and exploration of the natural world in preparation for the future.
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Day Camps (PreK-8)
Year-round camps incorporate our mission to provide effective academic enrichment and outdoor education while having fun.
Our approach
We’ve reimagined the one-room schoolhouse. Based out of Selah’s Farmhouse, our Naples Microschools, Verbal Gerbil Learning Pod and Estates Academy, serve up to 40 children in all. Essentially, an outsourced home school, our small pods provide year-round, in-person, personalized learning in safe, friendly, indoor and outdoor environments.
We believe that engaging with nature enhances student motivation, learning, leadership, and character building. We provide our young explorers with rigorous, mastery-based programs alongside our unique and unwavering pursuit of exploration of and in the natural world.
Connect with us online to learn how we can help your child thrive and renew their love of learning, in an environment that is largely self-directed, experiential, social, and FUN!
Providing your child a safe space to learn
Selah’s House is located on a 2.5-acre family-owned and operated farm in Golden Gate Estates. The farm boasts acres of green space, play structures, a large outdoor kitchen, a delightful Caribbean garden, and a menagerie of goats, cows, and fowl. While on the farm, students engage in cross-curricular life science lessons and character-building experiences. Pod (classroom) Pets, including adorable gerbils and other visiting furry, feathered, and scaly friends create interest and excitement in learning.
Self-directed learners
Our schools provide flexibility inside a loose structure, so students can learn what they want when they want, and how they want. We designate times for a type of work to be done and allow students to work at their own pace or on a topic of their choosing within that type of work. Students have the freedom to research, collaborate, and inquire as they set out to conquer their personal goals each day.
“All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.”
— SIR WALTER SCOTT, Poet, writer, and historian
Our team
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Dr. Dayana Philippi, Ed.D.
Director | Lead Learning Guide
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Chandra Mason, MA.
Learning Guide & Camp Director
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Krissy Yanes, B.A.
School Readiness Guide
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Our Team is Growing
Check Back Soon!