Kainos Microschool
School Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30am-2:30pm
Friday 8:30am-Noon
Students can be dropped off as early as 8am.
Students who stay full day need to pack a lunch.
Our Curriculum
We provide a comprehensive and personalized education for students in grades 5-12.
We place all students at their level within the provided curriculum and allow them to progress at their own pace.
Literacy
Kainos utilizes a unique blend of classic and modern literature, providing students with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of literary works.
Through the use of novel study guides, students will engage in independent reading and a deeper understanding of the material.
In addition to independent reading, students participate in literature groups which encourages collaboration and discussion, enriching the overall learning experience. This approach not only enhances critical thinking but also cultivates a lifelong love for reading.
Science
Kainos utilizes Masterbooks and Berean Builders for science. Science is taught through a biblical worldview and includes texts, videos, and labs.
Masterbooks is designed to be engaging, practical, and thorough, with a focus on critical thinking and clear explanations. It includes lab-based activities and step-by-step instructions.
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Berean Builders is a hands-on, engaging program that combines textbook information with experiments and review questions. This honors level curriculum is designed to help students develop practical scientific skills and knowledge.
Writing
Kainos incorporates the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and Fix It Grammar to develop students' writing and grammar skills.
IEW's innovative approach begins with students analyzing and imitating well-crafted writing, gradually building their ability to create original compositions. It emphasizes two key elements: structure, which develops organizational skills, and style, which adds creative expression.
Fix It Grammar complements IEW by helping students apply their grammar knowledge in real-world contexts, reinforcing their understanding and supporting a smoother integration of grammar into their writing.
History/Social Studies
History comes alive at Kainos through the use of The Story of the World and Notgrass History. Students engage in text readings, the use of primary sources, and through quarterly hands on history projects.
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Story of the World is told in a straightforward, engaging style that covers the sweep of human history from ancient times until the present.
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Notgrass History curriculum combines engaging lessons, full-color photographs and illustrations, primary source documents, literature, and hands-on activities for a variety of learning styles
Mathematics
Kainos utilizes Math U See for middle school students and Denison Algebra (Algebra 1 through PreCalc/Trig) for high school students. Students who desire college level math while in high school may utilize dual enrollment courses.
Denison offers digital math courses for middle and high school students, with a focus on algebra. The courses are designed to help students build confidence and prepare for success in math, and are intended to be accessible and brain-friendly. Denison has proven to prepare students for college level math as demonstrated through SAT/ACT scores.
Electives
High school students at Kainos have access to a wide range of elective courses through the use of Arizona State University's Digital Prep Courses.
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ASU's online curriculum offers a wide variety of courses to provide a comprehensive education that meets graduation requirements. Students can earn credits by taking courses in a wide variety of subjects like PE, Foreign Language, and Career Exploration.
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We also work with students to earn credits based on their interests and participation in extracurricular activities such as art, music, sports, and theater.
Project Based Learning
Mornings at Kainos consist of the core academic learning time, but afternoons are a time for students to explore their interests and passions.
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We help students explore the world around them by providing them with opportunities to create projects with real life application outcomes.
Each quarter, students will create and complete a project by following the steps outlined below:​
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1. Identify a Driving Question or Problem
2. Plan the Project
3. Research and Inquiry
4. Develop and Design Solutions
5. Create the Final Project
6. Present and Reflect
7. Assess and Evaluate
Character Education
Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on character development, emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Character development is woven into daily interactions and classroom activities.
Through community circle (family time) and reflective practices, students learn to navigate their emotions and relationships in a healthy, constructive way.
While we teach children spiritual practices such as prayer and Scripture reading, we encourage children who don’t believe to glean the good that comes out of such practices. For example, if a student is not comfortable praying, they can spend a moment quieting their mind, speaking a blessing or word of encouragement to someone, or asking questions that show that they care. We will never force a child to participate in a spiritual practice that they are not comfortable with.
Personalized Learning
Students are given the freedom to explore subjects and topics that interest them through independent research, passion projects, and self-paced learning modules.
We use adaptive technology and learning tools to tailor educational experiences to individual needs, offering personalized resources, assignments, and assessments.
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Our curriculum allows students to move at their own pace, ensuring they have the time to master material before moving on. This reduces pressure and fosters confidence, enabling students to excel in areas of strength while receiving support where needed.
Founder & Director
Jill Haskins
Jill Haskins is an innovative leader in the microschooling movement, bringing a wealth of experience from her background as a public school teacher, homeschool mom, and microschool educator and leader for four years to the creation and sustainability of Kainos Microschool.
As the Founder of the Indiana Microschool Network and Director of Kainos Microschool, Jill is dedicated to creating educational spaces in Fort Wayne and across Indiana where students can build confidence, recognize their worth, and succeed on their own terms. Since 2023, she has established a network of over 90 microschools across Indiana to expand access to innovative learning environments for children statewide. Her work as a microschool leader and ecosystem builder has earned her notable recognition as a Vela Microgrant and Next Step Grant recipient. She has participated in the EdChoice/Next Studios Education Entrepreneurship program as well as The Institute for Quality Education's Ambassador Fellowship and was awarded the Ambassador of the Year Award in December 2024. Jill was also recently accepted into the Winter/Spring 2024 cohort of the 4.0 Tiny Fellowship.
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In her role as Director of Microschool Outreach at the National Microschooling Center, Jill supports hundreds of microschools nationwide, connecting leaders with resources and fostering an inclusive network. She has shared her insights at both local and national conferences, including VelaCon, Kennesaw State University's Hybrid Schools Conference, the HEAL Conference, the Rally Innovation Expo, and various local education expos. Her advocacy work and insights have been featured in Chalkbeat Indiana, The 74 Million, U.S. News & World Report, Cato Institute, and EdChoice’s Engage publication, as well as on podcasts like LiberatEd, Love Your Schools Alabama, and Education Matters.
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Jill resides in Fort Wayne with her husband, Shane, and their three teenagers and two bernedoodles. She enjoys camping, kayaking, reading historical fiction, and dreaming of the many house projects she wants her husband to complete.
Classroom Teacher
Kathryn Lawson
Kathryn Lawson is a dedicated educator at Kainos Microschool with a passion for creating a warm and compassionate learning environment where every child can thrive. She holds an elementary education degree from Taylor University and has over a decade of experience in education, including three years teaching with Fort Wayne Community Schools and ten years of homeschooling. Kathryn specializes in working with children with dyslexia and ADHD, tailoring her approach to meet diverse learning needs.
Beyond the classroom, she enjoys backpacking and hiking, finding inspiration in nature. She is also an active volunteer with her church’s youth group, fostering mentorship and community.
School Assistant
With a strong background in higher education and student affairs, Beth Groman is a seasoned leader dedicated to enhancing student success through innovative and student-centered programs. Over the course of her career, she held leadership roles at several faith-based institutions, including Indiana Wesleyan University, University of Saint Francis, and Carroll College. Her expertise includes overseeing student life divisions, leading retention initiatives, and managing complex areas such as student conduct, Title IX compliance, and student care and behavioral intervention teams.
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After stepping away from higher education to focus on homeschooling one of her children and caring for another with significant special needs, Beth embraced the opportunity to dedicate more time to her family. During this time, she also found fulfillment in volunteering with various ministries, where she has had the privilege of serving in leadership roles. These experiences have allowed Beth to continue making a positive impact in her community while balancing the important responsibilities of family life. She is excited to be a part of the Kainos Microschool team, where she can continue her vocation of working in education and helping students succeed.
Our Partners and Networks
