Updated 2025-08-13

The Hub

The Hub’s part-time online microschool enables homeschooled tweens and teens to enjoy the benefits of learning in community.
Luba Vangelova founder
Co-ops & Resource Centers
https://thehub.community
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Description

Young people aged 10 to 16 meet in small, facilitated groups two half-days a week to collaborate on interdisciplinary activities (ranging from short discussions to months-long creative projects) fueled by their curiosity and interests. Participants and facilitators jointly choose the activities, and cohorts age up with the participants. This unique program offers intellectual stimulation; cultivates skills such as teamwork and communication; and provides a supportive community of peers and mentors.

SDE Optimizing Conditions

ASDE surveys all SDE communities/programs about how they provide, enhance, or align with each of the Six Optimizing Conditions for young people to succeed in SDE.  Survey answers:
  1. Responsibility – The micro-academy facilitators don't force the children to do anything in particular (that said, if someone has chosen to enroll, it's expected that they will be present and engage in the program).
  2. Youth Autonomy – The facilitators and children co-create the micro-academy experience by consensus, based on children's interests (for individual and group work). There is a flexible structure in place for starters (which is modifiable), but no curriculum.
  3. Access to Tools and Technology – Numerous online platforms (Basecamp, Milanote, Kahoot, etc.) are used; some are introduced by the children, some by the facilitators. Children can take things in many directions with them.
  4. Adult Allies – There is no grading or testing. The facilitators are partners, guides and supporters of the children's learning (while also making it clear that they're learning themselves).
  5. Free Age Mixing – The micro-academy is for ages 9 to 16+. The Hub also has a communications hub on Basecamp that is for all members (adults and children) and facilitators.
  6. Community – Decision making in the micro-academy is by consensus. The facilitators also practice non-violent communications. They also model how to balance the "me" and the "we."

If any information about this resource is out of date, please let us know.