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Newly formed microschool set to open in Elkins next week

The Inter-Mountain photo by Brad Johnson Eric Eisenbrey, the Eyes and Brains STEM Center’s director, standing, instructs, from left, students William, 5, Thea, 4, Elliot, 3, and Ellie, 9, during a recent learning session at Glendale Park in Elkins.

ELKINS — What is being billed as the Elkins area’s first microschool and STEM-based school is opening next week.

The Eyes and Brains STEM Center will open Monday, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math.

“The idea is that it’s going to remain a small number of students per instructor,” Eric Eisenbrey, the school’s director and lead guide, told The Inter-Mountain this week. “Another advantage is the fact that there will be more of a mix of age in students, which benefits both the younger and older kids.”

Microschools, which serve K-12 students, are independent learning institutions that typically serve 10 to 15 students.

In March, Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 268 into law, allowing microschools and learning pods to operate in West Virginia.

“Also there’s the benefit of not having to work within the curiculum that’s been dictated by the state, and instead being able to match the needs and interests of the students,” Eisenbrey said.

Eisenbrey previously taught at Belington Middle School for four years and at Elkins Middle School for one year. STEM education is a teaching approach that combines science, technology, engineering, the arts and math.

“My experience and background is primarily in science education, so I want to incorporate that into learning. I want to make sure that science, technology, engineering, the arts and math are always part of this school’s educational activities,” he said.

Eisenbrey, who has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, said the new school will be a year-round program with no closures for weather or professional development.

“We will have a rolling enrollment throughout the year but I want to initially focus on 10 students as the school opens,” he said.

Eisenbrey said some of the features of the school are that there will be no homework, all costs are covered by tuition, and computers and technology are provided.

He noted that he is West Virginia state-certified in elementary education; science, English and math fifth to ninth grade; library media specialist; and special education.

For more information, call 304-801-3272.

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