Now enrolling ages 9-13 in San Antonio, TX for the 26-27 school year!

Aristotle’s Garden

A micro-academy for curious learners ages 9–13 in San Antonio, TX.

We accept the TEFA Vouchers

Schedule a Conversation

210-500-1507

Aristotle’s Garden

A micro-academy for curious learners ages 9–13 in San Antonio, TX.

We accept the TEFA Vouchers

Schedule a Conversation

210-500-1507

Who is Aristotle's Garden For?

Aristotle’s Garden is designed for learners who:

• are naturally curious, thoughtful, and love to ask questions
• thrive in a smaller, more personalized learning environment
• want to think deeply-not just complete assignments
• are ready to grow in confidence, communication, and independence

Aristotle's Garden may not be the right fit for families who:

• are looking for a traditional, test-driven model of education
• prefer large class sizes and standardized instruction
• value completion over deep understanding
• are not seeking a more intentional, discussion-based learning environment

Schedule a Conversation

Question: Inquiry-Based Learning

Morning Curiosity

Scholars begin the day by asking questions about the world around them. Through Socratic dialogue and guided discussion, scholars explore ideas in literature, history, science, and philosophy.

Curiosity becomes the starting point for deeper learning.

Explore: Journey Toward Mastery

Question: Inquiry-Based Learning

Core Skill practice

Scholars strengthen essential skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and reasoning through focused practice and mentorship.

Scholars progress at their own pace while building confidence and mastery.

Master: Project-Based Learning

Question: Inquiry-Based Learning

Master: Project-Based Learning

Creation & Mastery

In the afternoon, learning becomes active. Scholars investigate ideas through projects, experiments, creative work, and real-world problem solving.

Concepts move beyond the page as scholars build, create, and discover.

Typical Daily Schedule

8:30 – Arrival & Socratic Circle

Community gathering, reflection, planning, and Socratic discussion, set goals for the day.

Skills practiced: Social awareness, Listening, Verbal communication, Respectful debate, Reflection and focus

9:00 – Integrated Humanities & Science

Read-aloud, Science/History, vocabulary, analysis and comprehension.

Skills practiced: Listening comprehension, Vocabulary development, Critical thinking, Verbal expression, Questioning

9:20 – Writing Studio

Students respond to the morning reading and topic through writing.

Skills practiced: Written expression, Grammar and sentence structure, Organizing thoughts, Argument formation, Reflection

9:40 – Movement & Reset

Stretch and movement break.

Skills practiced: Conversation skills, Active listening, Gross motor

9:50 - Math Lab

Math practice through ALEKS

Number sense, Problem-solving, Logical reasoning, Mathematical fluency, Persistence through challenge

10:50 – Snack & Social Reset

Snack and movement break

Skills practiced: Conversation skills, Active listening, Gross motor

11:00 – Reading Lab

Reading Practice through Lexia

Skills Practiced: Fluency, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Language structure, Independent learning habits

12:00 – Lunch & Outdoor Time

Eat, play and social

Skills practiced: Conversation skills, Turn-taking, Active listening, Reading social cues, Conflict resolution, Empathy, Emotional regulation, Self-Awareness, Perspective-taking, Gross motor

12:40 – Application & Creation

Hands-on projects connected to morning content and reading and math skills practiced

Skills practiced: Problem-solving, Art, Creativity and innovation, Collaboration, Research and inquiry, Application of Scientific or History knowledge learned.

1:40-Laurel Presentations

Scholars verbally present their work and answer questions

Skills practiced: Public speaking, Confidence, Explaining thinking clearly, Receiving and responding to questions, Constructive feedback

2:40-Scholar's Reflection

Gathering and reflection

Skills practiced: Metacognition, Self-reflection, Synthesis of learning

3:00-Dismissal

Tuition & Enrollment

Tuition Assistance Available

Aristotle’s Garden proudly accepts TEFA (Texas Education Funding Assistance).

Families who qualify may use state-provided education funds to cover a significant portion—or potentially all—of tuition.

We are happy to walk you through this process during enrollment.

Enrollment is Intentionally Limited

To preserve the quality of the learning experience, enrollment is capped at:

12 students total

This ensures:

Individual attention for every scholar
Strong relationships and community
Customized academic pathways

Enrollment Process

We take a thoughtful approach to enrollment to ensure alignment with each family.
1. Schedule a Conversation
2. Student Visit
3. Enrollment Invitation

Schedule a Conversation

An Investment in Who Your Child Becomes

At Aristotle’s Garden, education is not one-size-fits-all.

We cultivate scholars who think deeply, communicate clearly, and grow with confidence.

Through a balance of academic rigor and meaningful exploration, your child will experience:

Socratic discussion and inquiry
Mastery-based academic progression
Daily reading, writing, and reflection
Project creation and presentation
Personalized mentorship in a small, focused environment

This is not traditional school.

Tuition

$12,000 per year

$1,000 per month (12 months)

Tuition includes:

Full academic program (Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Humanities, Art)
Personalized mastery tracking and feedback
Daily project-based learning experiences
Public speaking and presentation development
Access to learning platforms (ALEKS, Lexia, etc.)
Core instructional materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at aristotlesgardenma@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What ages do you serve?

Aristotle’s Garden serves scholars ages 9–13, typically grades 4th through 8th.

We focus on this developmental stage because it is a powerful window for building independence, critical thinking, and confidence.

Is this a real school? How is it different from public school?

Yes—Aristotle’s Garden is a real school. We are a micro-school, a modern approach to education that combines strong academics with small-group, personalized learning.

Unlike traditional schools, we:

Prioritize mastery over grades
Use discussion and inquiry instead of passive learning
Provide individualized support in a small cohort
Integrate projects and presentations into daily learning

Will my child still learn what they need to know academically?

Yes. Our program ensures students build the academic skills needed for success.

Students engage in:

Reading comprehension and writing development
Mathematics through structured platforms and guided support
Science, humanities, and interdisciplinary projects

We go beyond memorization to ensure deep understanding and application.

Why do students present so often?

Presentation is a core part of our model.

Through regular presentations, students build:

Confidence
Communication skills
Critical thinking
The ability to explain and defend their ideas

These are lifelong skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

How many students are enrolled?

Enrollment is intentionally capped at:

12 students total

This allows for:

Personalized attention
Strong relationships
A focused and supportive learning environment

What is the daily schedule like?

Students experience a balanced day that includes:

Morning inquiry and discussion
Reading and writing practice
Math and literacy skill-building
Project-based learning
Presentation and reflection

Each day is designed to develop both academic mastery and personal growth.

Do you accept neurodivergent learners?

Yes.

We welcome students with diverse learning needs and strengths. Our small group size and personalized approach allow us to support students in a way that is often not possible in larger classrooms.

We work closely with families to ensure the environment is a strong fit for each child.

What is tuition?

Tuition is:

$12,000 per year

($1,000 per month)

Tuition is thoughtfully structured into 12 monthly payments of $1,000, allowing families to invest in their child’s education in a manageable and consistent way.

Do you offer financial assistance?

We accept TEFA (Texas Education Funding Assistance).

Families who qualify may be able to use state-provided funds to cover a significant portion—or potentially all—of tuition.

We will guide you through this process during enrollment.

How do I know if this is the right fit for my child?

Aristotle’s Garden is a strong fit for families who want:

A more personalized and intentional education
A balance of structure and creativity
A focus on confidence, communication, and independence

We encourage all families to schedule a conversation so we can explore fit together.

How do we enroll?

Our enrollment process is simple and thoughtful:

Schedule a Family Conversation
Student Visit
Enrollment Invitation

When does enrollment open?

We are currently accepting applications for the 26-27 academic year.

Seats are limited and will be filled on a rolling basis.

Meet the founder

Wendy Swanson-Founder & Educator, Aristotle’s Garden

Hi, I'm Wendy. I'm an experienced educator with a Bachelor Degree in Child Development, and a Master Degree in Global & Urban Leadership. After years of teaching in traditional classrooms, I began to notice a growing gap between how children naturally learn and how modern schools often teach. Too often, curiosity was replaced by compliance, and meaningful conversation was replaced by worksheets and test preparation.

I created Aristotle’s Garden to offer something different.

I believe education should not simply prepare students for tests-but for life. My goal is to cultivate confident thinkers, strong communicators, and capable problem-solvers.

Through small group learning, Socratic dialogue, and intentional mentorship, I work closely with each scholar to ensure they are both challenged and supported as they grow.

Because every child deserves to be seen, heard, and inspired.

Aristotle's Garden was founded on a simple belief:

When curiosity is nurtured, learning becomes a lifelong journey.

Aristotle’s Garden

Aristotle’s Garden

Our approach to learning is simple-and powerful:

Question · Explore · Master

Who is Aristotle's Garden For?

Aristotle’s Garden is designed for learners who:

Aristotle's Garden may not be the right fit for families who:

Trilos Learning Method

The Three Pillars of Learning at Aristotle’s Garden

A Day at Aristotle's Garden

Question: Inquiry-Based Learning

Question: Inquiry-Based Learning

Question: Inquiry-Based Learning

Explore: Journey Toward Mastery

Question: Inquiry-Based Learning

Question: Inquiry-Based Learning

Master: Project-Based Learning

Question: Inquiry-Based Learning

Master: Project-Based Learning

Typical Daily Schedule

8:30 – Arrival & Socratic Circle

9:00 – Integrated Humanities & Science

9:20 – Writing Studio

9:40 – Movement & Reset

9:50 - Math Lab

10:50 – Snack & Social Reset

11:00 – Reading Lab

12:00 – Lunch & Outdoor Time

12:40 – Application & Creation

1:40-Laurel Presentations

2:40-Scholar's Reflection

3:00-Dismissal

Tuition & Enrollment

Tuition Assistance Available

Enrollment is Intentionally Limited

12 students total

Enrollment Process

An Investment in Who Your Child Becomes

Tuition

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the founder

Wendy Swanson-Founder & Educator, Aristotle’s Garden

Schedule A Conversation

Contact Aristotle’s Garden

Contact Information

Aristotle's Garden

Office Hours

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