Big Growth for Every Kind of Mind

What We Do

Welcome to Big Domes Academy—an innovative online learning community offering a microschool for Grades 3–5 and personalized tutoring for Grades K–8. We blend academic excellence, project-based learning, and growth-mindset practices to help every learner thrive.

Enrollment Open

Pre-February 1st, 2026 Enrollment Promotion:

• Enrollment fee waived ($150 savings)

• 10% off tuition for the first two months (Tuition = $585/month)

Our Learning Approach

• Small class sizes (maximum 8 students)

• Personalized, differentiated instruction

• Growth-mindset and mindfulness routines

• Core academics: ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies

Our Philosophy

We believe every learner’s mind can grow through Differentiated, Open-Minded Education (DOME). Students build confidence, independence, and curiosity through engaging lessons rooted in both creativity and academic rigor.

Microschool (Grades 3–5)

Personalized, standards-aligned learning
Class Size: Up to 8 students

2 Cohorts: 9:00–12:00 EST or 12:30–3:30 EST

Tutoring (Grades K–8)

1:1 or small-group tutoring designed to strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, and support classroom success.

Have a K–2 child? If interest grows, we will open a dedicated K–2 cohort.

Two Programs

Microschool

Tutoring

Meet the Founder & Lead Instructor: Matt Newell

Meet Matt Newell, the visionary force behind Big Domes Academy. With a Master’s in Educational Leadership and over a decade of experience, Matt isn't just an educator; he is an architect of learning environments where children truly thrive.

From the classrooms of Pennsylvania to the coast of California, Matt has mastered every angle of the education game. As a dual-certified educator holding a K–6 General Education Certificate and a PK–12 Special Education Certificate, he brings a unique depth of expertise to his roles as a classroom teacher, curriculum designer, and instructional coach. It was while leading a virtual cohort for a national microschool organization that he saw the real opportunity. He realized the online space was missing the rigor, clarity, and genuine support that families were craving.

Matt launched Big Domes Academy to level up the microschool experience, creating a program rooted in solid structure, warmth, and high expectations. Today, leading the Grades 3–5 microschool and K–8 tutoring, his mission is clear: to captain a learning environment that is academically robust, emotionally supportive, and perfectly personalized to your child’s unique journey.

Parent Testimonials

What families are saying about Big Domes Academy

Matt is a gifted teacher who has helped our child excel in math and writing skills with his well-thought-out curriculum. He keeps our child excited and engaged to keep learning during their Zoom sessions. We are grateful to have Matt’s help, who specializes in elementary students.

Akiko N.

Santa Barbara, CA

Working with Matt is one of the best decisions we've ever made. Being in a microschool setting has been better for rapid academic progress, customized learning, and a better quality of life. Our son is happier, more relaxed, and loves starting school each day. This is clearly Matt's zone of genius, and we feel lucky to be involved.

Liz L.

Miami, FL

★★★★★

★★★★★

What Makes Us Different?

Big Domes Academy was created to offer the flexibility and personalization of a microschool while maintaining strong academic depth and accountability. While other online microschool programs are known for nurturing environments, many families report concerns about:

• Over-reliance on apps and multiple-choice programs

• Limited direct instruction

• Unclear academic expectations

• Uncertainty about whether students are truly meeting standards

At Big Domes Academy, we address these concerns by offering:

• A structured, standards-aligned curriculum

• Daily direct instruction and guided groups

• Clear learning objectives and outcomes

• Real projects with academic rigor

• Built-in accountability and progress tracking

• A warm, inclusive environment that supports neurodiverse learners

• Specified reteaching and mastery weeks

• A learning experience that is both joyful and academically strong

Daily Schedule

FAQs

Who can enroll?

For the 2025–2026 school year, we offer a Grades 3–5 microschool, plan to expand to Grades K–8 in 2026–2027, and currently provide tutoring for Grades K–8.

How is learning delivered and what is the daily structure?

Online through Zoom. Students attend one of two cohorts with 3 hours of live Zoom instruction daily, such as a PM cohort running from 12:30–3:30.

Is this a full-time school?

How do I enroll?

Yes, we align instruction to Common Core State Standards (ELA and Math), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and state and national Social Studies frameworks.

Yes, Big Domes Academy is an online microschool that operates as a home education program rather than a traditional full-time school.

Do you follow state standards?

Fill out our online form and we’ll guide you through next steps.

How is assessment handled?

We use weekly formative assessments to guide instruction and end-of-unit summative projects and presentations to demonstrate mastery.

What are class sizes?

Class sizes are capped at 8 students to ensure highly individualized support.

Are you an accredited school?

At this time, Big Domes Academy is not an accredited school. We currently operate as a Home Education Program, providing structured, standards-aligned instruction. We plan to file for accreditation later this year and will share updates as that process moves forward.

Ready to help your child grow big?

The steps in the Enrollment Process

1) Schedule a Discovery Call

2) Student Meets with Teacher

3) Complete Enrollment Forms

4) Submit Tuition Contract & Deposit