At UMMATI, we believe
learning to do, learning to be, and learning to learn
are more important than memorization alone – learning to know.
The Learner Experience:
At UMMATI, we approach learning with a broader set of experiences than the traditional model delivers. These experiences facilitate the development of skills, habits, character traits, relationships, knowledge and expertise necessary for success – even joy – in the world.
It’s easiest to think of these learning experiences in four buckets:
Core Academic Skills – “Learn to Know”
Mastery of the foundations of reading, writing and maths.Instead of one-size-fits-none teacher lectures…
Our learners master the foundations of reading, writing and math during daily “Core Skills” time. We replace external motivators like high-stakes test scores and grades with an intrinsic growth mindset. Students work with a mentor to differentiate their core curriculum and progress at their own pace utilizing a blend of hands-on and online learning tools. They showcase their mastery by meeting their goals, earning badges, assembling portfolios and taking part in public exhibitions of their work.
Quests & Projects – “Learn to Do”
Hands-on projects to master the skills needed to solve real-world problems.We believe children learn best by doing. Our learners investigate, participate and contribute to the world around them by taking on meaningful, hands-on projects. Example: Instead of memorising the periodic table…
…you’re a doctor in a 6-week simulation. You learn the processes, tools, decision trees and facts to triage patients. On the final-day Exhibition, parents come with prepared “diseases.” You can order an MRI, an X-ray, and cost out each procedure. The winner of the simulation is the doctor who saves the most lives (with correct diagnoses) for the lowest cost.
Reflective Discussions – “Learn to Learn”
Think and speak clearly to develop wisdom and judgment.Each day, learners cultivate critical thinking and decision making skills through Reflective discussions and individual reflection time. Among supportive and engaged peers, our children own the learning experience and embrace the idea that real growth is hard work – just like developing a muscle. Example: Instead of memorisation to cram for the test…
…You are Winston Churchill.
- Do you allow the bombing of Dresden?
- Reflect on this video of Dresden after its fire-bombing. Does this change your mind?
- Reflect on this photo and personal account of a civilian in Germany. Does this change your mind?
- Which ethical approach is more important to you: a values approach — “We do not kill people” — or a utilitarian approach — “Fewest total lives lost” — or an Islmamic approach — “Engage following the rules laid down by the Creator”?
Servant Leadership – “Learn to Be”
Develop habits and character traits that make for an abundant, fulfilling life.The UMMATI experience immerses learners in real-life situations in ways that allow them to build the social, emotional, and executive skills needed to make a difference in the world. We guide students to develop personal virtues such as honesty, hard work, responsibility, kindness and empathy. Instead of schools designed to minimise behaviour problems…
…Students learn to lead by doing. Rewarded with Servant Leader Badges that celebrate important milestones, like:
- Leading a conflict resolution discussion
- Developing a mentee relationship with a murabbi
- Completing deliberate practice of a skill you want to develop
- Mentoring a team from a younger studio
- Leading a team in accomplishing a big goal
- Mastering a productivity skill
A Typical Day
There is no such thing as a "typical" day at UMMATI, but you will always find learning, FUN, and innovation in the studio. Days are divided up into work blocks with a shared purpose or goal. In a normal day:
- Mornings are reserved for Deeniyat + Core Skills (reading+writing+math).
- Afternoons are for hands-on projects, activities and skills.
- 15-minute Reflective discussions are at the beginning and end of each work period to inspire, equip, and connect as a group.
- Plenty of time for other experiences, skill development and free play throughout the day.
The key to the learning design is the flexibility of the schedule. Work blocks can be moved around based on the needs of each studio. Within each work block, learners choose from a wide range of options based on their passions and personal goals.
Mixed-Age Learning + Outdoor Learning
OUR STUDIOS - The Right Environment For Every Stage Of Learning
UMMATI is a blend of the old and the new. These studios are learner-driven one-room schoolhouses. We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. It also utilizes the best of modern technology and 21st century organizational design.
Learning Is A Journey, And Each Of Our Learning Communities Provide An Environment Where Our Learners Can Uncover Their Unique Strengths, Develop Real World Skills, And Grow Their Individual Character.
Preschool Studio
Ages 4-7
Grow a unique, curious and independent spirit
We believe young children are capable of learning necessary skills like reading and mathematical reasoning at their own pace and in their own way.
We create an environment in which children are free to explore and play, allowing their own curiosity to be the spark that ignites learning. Along the way, they also develop vital character traits and social skills like kindness, empathy, honesty, critical thinking, the satisfaction of performing hard work, responsibility, and joy in learning.
Elementary School Studio
Ages 7-11
Develop a deep love of learning and kindness in relationships with others
In our Elementary School Studio we lay the foundation for the joy of learning as we encourage our young heroes to find their life’s calling and tap into their unique genius. Our well-balanced educational experience ignites curiosity, creativity, and the ability to ask good questions.
Middle School Studio
Ages 11-14
Work hard, develop real-world skills, and adventure into the real world
We believe each of our students will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do – finding and pursuing this gift we call the Hero’s Journey. Our mission is to equip our students with the skills and tools they will need to find and pursue their life’s purpose. During the transformative Middle School years, we inspire our young people to develop independent thinking, strong friendships, leadership skills, and pursue their work with integrity.
High School Studio
Ages 14-18
Discover a next step in your Life's Journey so you launch out of high school with a vision to fulfill your purpose of creation
High School students get ready for real-world success by gaining valuable skills, mastering them through apprenticeships, and launching real startups, businesses, and projects. Students surround themselves with mentor entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and heroes in the field they're passionate about. In this Studio, students get to hone their skills and talents while building a portfolio that proves what they can do.
*You will notice we purposefully overlap ages in studios. This allows for individuals to move along at their own pace!
Placements into specific studios is based on a number of factors.
OUR OUTDOOR PROGRAM
WHERE CHILDREN GET TO BE CHILDREN
Nature Walks: A Journey of Observation, Questioning & Developing their Imaan
Give your Child the opportunity to:
- Connect with Nature
- Develop a Love for our natural world
- Improve all aspects of child development-physical-cognitive-social-emotional
- Grow resilience, creativity, self-confidence, and initiative
Your child will explore as a group as well as have room to independently interact with our wonderful natural environment, alongside Mentors who have a love for the outdoors that is highlighted by conservation and stewardship minded practices.
Nature Camps: Significantly improve the educational experience
Give yourself the opportunity to:
- Unplug and recharge
- Forge new friendships
- Delight in the joy of unstructured play
- Ignite a love of camping and make memories to last a lifetime
- Gather together to cook over the campfire
- Gaze at the stars
- Delight in the joy of unstructured play
- Ignite a love of camping and make memories to last a lifetime
At UMMATI camps, you will meet other UMMATI families, build relationships, spend time with your kids, and share the joy and wonder of real-life learning opportunities!