At a time when many schools promise faster outcomes and shorter school days, one micro school in Hillsborough is offering something different: a deep, research-informed education designed to last a lifetime. Masterminds Academy, located on the Hillsborough-San Mateo border, doesn’t just teach students what to learn; it helps them understand how to think, collaborate, and adapt in an increasingly complex world.
A Whole-Child Model Rooted in Depth
At the core of Masterminds Academy is its ATHENA+ Framework, a balanced approach that blends academic excellence with physical development, social-emotional growth, and enrichment. Unlike many programs that silo these elements, Masterminds integrates them into daily routines, ensuring students experience learning as a connected whole.
In classrooms with just 5 to 6 students, teachers can tailor instruction to the needs of each learner. The result is a school day that feels both rigorous and responsive, helping students not only master core subjects but also grow in confidence, empathy, and independence.
Highly Skilled Educators, Not Generalists
What sets Masterminds apart is the quality of its teaching staff. Every class is led by qualified, experienced educators, many with advanced degrees and international credentials. These teachers are more than content experts; they are mentors who guide students through challenges, encourage curiosity, and support the unique pace of each child’s learning journey.
Enrichment subjects are taught by certified specialists. Whether it’s violin lessons from Suzuki-trained musicians, fluency-building sessions in Mandarin or French, or coaching in tennis, sailing, and golf, each area of the curriculum is delivered by someone with real-world experience and a passion for their craft.
Learning That Reflects Real Life
The daily schedule at Masterminds is built to reflect how learning happens in life: dynamically, through experience, conversation, and collaboration. Students move between core academics, public speaking, debate, creative projects, and global learning. Instead of gamified simulations, they tackle authentic challenges, such as building sustainable prototypes or presenting research to peers.
This active, project-rich model ensures that students are not only prepared for tests, but also for life beyond the classroom.
Backed by Neuroscience, Informed by Data
In partnership with the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, Masterminds Academy is investigating the impact of daily exposure to music, language, physical activity, and social-emotional learning on cognition. Through data-driven assessments and published outcomes, the school is shaping an evidence-based approach to student growth.
It’s not just about making bold claims. It’s about proving that a well-rounded education can have measurable, long-term benefits for a child’s development.
More Than Just Academics: A Full-Service Model
Tuition at Masterminds ranges from $64,500 to $75,000 annually, but that investment includes far more than classroom instruction. The school offers:
- Daily academic and advanced coursework
- Music, languages, arts, and debate led by specialists
- Athletics, including tennis, sailing, and golf
- Healthy, gourmet meals and snacks
- Personalized transportation services
- Global field learning and real-world projects
- Individualized learning plans based on cognitive assessments
This is a full-service model designed to support every aspect of a child’s growth.
Future-Ready, Today
Rather than training students to simply perform, Masterminds nurtures their ability to think critically, create solutions, and lead with purpose. In a world that changes quickly, these are the skills that endure.
To explore what a personalized, research-based education could look like for your family, visit Masterminds Academy.
Enrollment is open for Preschool through Grade 8, with Founding Family tuition locked for three years.
Masterminds isn’t just preparing students for school; it’s preparing them for everything that comes after.
