Online Microschool for Grades 3–5 & Tutoring for Grades K–8

Big Domes Academy is an innovative online microschool for Grades 3–5 & tutoring for Grades K–8. We blend academic excellence, project-based learning, and growth-mindset practices to help every learner thrive. Enroll for the 2025–2026 school year today! Limited spots available.

A young girl working on her laptop wearing blue headphones
A young girl working on her laptop wearing blue headphones
A learning environment designed to help every child thrive academically, emotionally, & confidently.
Small class sizes. Instruction that supports diverse learners. Built-in mastery checks.

Big Growth for Every Kind of Mind

background fading from teal to cream

What We Do

Education designed for your child. An online microschool where curiosity leads the way. We trade traditional lectures for real-world projects and proven literacy methods.

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

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

  • Growth-mindset and mindfulness routines

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.

Grades 3–5
  • 1:8 teacher-student ratio

  • Flexible pacing & enrichment

  • Daily reflection & goal setting

  • Real-world projects

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

Grades K–8
  • Personalized tutoring designed to strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, & support classroom success.

  • 60-minute sessions

  • Progress Reports after each session

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

Two Programs

Microschool

Tutoring

What Makes Us Different?

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

  • An inclusive environment supporting diverse learners

  • Specified reteaching and mastery weeks

  • A joyful and academically strong learning experience

A portrait of a girl smiling while working on a laptop in a bright, airy setting.
A portrait of a girl smiling while working on a laptop in a bright, airy setting.

The Founder & Lead Instructor

Matt Newell is the founder and lead instructor of Big Domes Academy, bringing over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum designer, and instructional coach. With a Master’s in Educational Leadership and dual certification in General and Special Education, Matt created Big Domes Academy to offer the structure, clarity, and academic rigor many online programs are missing. He now leads the Grades 3–5 microschool and K–8 tutoring with a focus on strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and personalized learning.

Matt Newell, founder, headshot
Matt Newell, founder, headshot

Matt Newell

Full Bio found on About Page

Multi-Age Learning That Works

Our Grades 3–5 microschool brings students together while meeting them at their individual skill level. Through strong literacy instruction, structured math pathways, and purposeful support, every child learns at the right pace.

Young student reading a book in a comfortable chair, representing independent reading and literacy learning.
Young student reading a book in a comfortable chair, representing independent reading and literacy learning.

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.
a view of a city with palm trees and mountains in the background
a view of a city with palm trees and mountains in the background

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.

aerial photography of buildings
aerial photography of buildings

Liz L.

Miami, FL

★★★★★
★★★★★

Daily Schedule

The Big Domes Daily Schedule for the AM and PM cohort
The Big Domes Daily Schedule for the AM and PM cohort

Getting Started with Big Domes Academy

We offer two low-pressure ways for families to experience Big Domes Academy before enrolling
Complimentary Tutoring Diagnostic (Grades K–8)
Microschool Sample Day (Grades 3–5)

Families curious about tutoring can begin with a free 30-minute diagnostic session. Your child will work directly with an educator in a short, targeted lesson designed to highlight strengths and identify next steps. After the session, parents receive a brief summary with learning recommendations.

This session is intended as an introduction and diagnostic, not ongoing tutoring.

Families considering our online microschool may request a Microschool Sample Day. Students join a live small-group lesson, participate in collaborative learning, and experience our structured, supportive classroom routines firsthand.

Sample days are offered by request, based on availability, and scheduled after an initial family conversation to ensure a strong fit for everyone.

Ready to take the next step?

A group of cheerful students holding their laptops on a sea bluff
A group of cheerful students holding their laptops on a sea bluff