What is The Decker School’s educational philosophy?

At The Decker School, we believe in nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. Our flexible, student-centered approach allows us to follow the natural flow of the day, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and meaningful engagement so that students can thrive in their own unique ways.

Our philosophy is built around three core values: Explore, Learn, and Grow.

• Explore: We encourage students to discover beauty in the world around them, fostering creativity and curiosity through outdoor learning and hands-on experiences.

• Learn: Our licensed educators partner with students to celebrate their strengths, promote innovation, and cultivate leadership skills in a collaborative environment.

• Grow: Through a strengths-based approach, we help students build confidence, independence, and a love for lifelong learning.

At The Decker School, we believe that when students feel seen and valued for their strengths, they grow into compassionate, creative, and capable leaders.

What grade levels do you serve?

We follow a schoolhouse model that brings Kindergarten through 6th-grade students together in a dynamic, shared learning environment. Rather than strictly dividing students into set groups, we thoughtfully consider which cohort best supports each child’s learning journey, which may result in a mix of ages within academic activities. This flexible approach allows us to meet students where they are while fostering a collaborative and supportive community. Additionally, we create intentional opportunities for older students to mentor and support younger peers, while ensuring that our younger learners also have dedicated moments to learn from positive role models within the school.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

Our small class size of 1:12 allows us to provide personalized attention and foster strong student-teacher relationships.

Do you offer indoor learning spaces?

Yes! While we love outdoor learning, we have a dedicated indoor space that we use regularly, especially during inclement weather.

How do I apply to The Decker School?

You can start the application process by visiting our Application Page and filling out the online application form. If you need assistance, feel free to contact us at contact@thedeckerschool.org.

What are the admission requirements?

Our admissions process includes an application form, a family interview, and an academic assessment to ensure we are the best fit for your child’s educational needs.

How can I schedule a tour of The Decker School?

We would love to welcome you for a tour! To schedule a visit, please reach out to us by phone at 1 (501) 613-7232 or email us at contact@thedeckerschool.org. Our tour time options are 8:15am or 4pm.

We look forward to connecting with you and showing you what makes The Decker School a special place to learn and grow!

What are school hours?

We operate on a four-day school week running from Tuesday through Friday. We also offer a fifth day available (Monday) to accommodate family needs. Our school hours vary slightly by cohort.

Do you offer before and after-care?

Yes, The Decker School offers before and after-care services to accommodate various family schedules.

• Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Details: Before and after-care is available for all students during our four-day school week.

What does a typical day look like?

Here’s a glimpse into a typical flow:

• Drop Off

• Hill Climb

• Morning Meeting

• Language Arts

• Snack Break

• Math

• Lunch

• STEM

• Snack Break

• Humanities

• Pick Up

What is The Decker School’s co-op program?

Our Monday Co-op program is designed for homeschool students and students who need additional support with structured learning and care. The program blends hands-on educational experiences with creativity and outdoor exploration.

• Co-op Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Before/After-Care Available: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Students engage in collaborative projects, thematic learning, and creative exploration in a supportive environment. This program offers an excellent opportunity for social connection and academic enrichment.

What extracurricular activities and enrichment programs do you offer?

Please visit here for more information.

What is the uniform policy?

We do not have a formal uniform policy, but we ask that students dress appropriately for both learning and the weather. To help families prepare, we provide a weather clothing guide outlining what students need for various conditions, ensuring they are comfortable and ready for outdoor activities.

How much is tuition?

Tuition varies depending on the program and grade level. For a detailed breakdown, please visit our Tuition and Fees page.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we offer flexible payment options, including monthly payment plans. Contact our office for more details.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, we participate in the Arkansas Department of Education’s (ADE) Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. For more information on applying for EFA funds, please visit here.