It all began at home.
Naples MicroSchools, conceptualized by Dr. Dayana Philippi, originated from her personal experience at home. Though her boys were excelling academically in the public school system, they were discontented with the long school days and the scant time allocated for outdoor play and exploration. Her middle schooler, in particular, felt the absence of recess acutely, struggling with the transition from a relatively free fifth grade to a regimented schedule that involved seven intense periods each day. This system left little room for physical activity and adjustment, overwhelming students with multiple teacher expectations and potential homework assignments from seven different classes.
Recognizing the need for a change, Dr. Philippi decided to homeschool her sons and 4 year old daughter. Her vision extended beyond just her family, aiming to create a nurturing educational community for other inquisitive and like-minded students. This decision blossomed into the foundation of Naples MicroSchools, where personalized learning is seamlessly integrated with ample outdoor experiences, reflecting Dr. Dee's commitment to education that fosters both academic and personal growth.
About Dr. Dayana Philippi
Naples MicroSchools is the vision of Dr. Dayana Philippi, affectionately known as Dr. Dee to her colleagues and students. Raised in Naples, Florida, and a proud product of its K-12 public schools, Dr. Dee has developed an educational framework that beautifully combines her deep love for the outdoors with rigorous academic standards.
Dr. Dee, a former professional track and field athlete, brings her dynamic energy and competitive spirit to the classroom. Her teaching methodology revolves around total physical response, extensive field experience, and hands-on, inquiry-based projects, mirroring the ways she has found most effective in her own teaching and learning journey. Her approach is deeply influenced by her experiences as an athlete and mother of 6, where perseverance and strategic thinking are key.
Holding master's and doctoral degrees in education, Dr. Dee is a Florida certified educator and K-12 school leader. She is fluently trilingual, speaking English, Creole, and Spanish, which enhances her ability to connect with a diverse student body and community. Her extensive teaching repertoire includes roles as a Spanish teacher, ESL instructor, secondary English/Language Arts educator, middle school math teacher, and school principal at BridgePrep Academy of Naples in its inaugural years.
Beyond her 20+ years in education, where she has significantly contributed to bridging educational gaps, Dr. Dee, alongside her husband, operates a family-owned farm. This endeavor not only underscores her commitment to sustainable living and agriculture but also serves as a living classroom for her students at Naples MicroSchools. Here, students learn the value of nature, leadership, and character building, intertwined with academic pursuits.
Dr. Dee's unique blend of professional athleticism, multilingual capabilities, and innovative educational practices make Naples MicroSchools a beacon of personalized learning immersed in the natural beauty and community spirit of Naples.