Big Minds Unschool is an attachment-based, community focused unschool designed to give twice exceptional (2e) students the time and support necessary to grow into thoughtful, articulate citizens.
Our focus is on socio-emotional development that supports both cognitive and creative growth.
Students and teachers are continually engaged in a passionate, reciprocal learning process. Our academic work is inquiry-based, dynamic, and follows student interests.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 22 students
- Yearly Tuition: $41,030
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
All Learning Differences Celebrated
Year Founded
2015
Student Body
Total Students
22 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Very flexible to accommodate students sensory needs
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$41,030
Tuition Notes
Individual Family Tuition rates available
% on Financial Aid
93%
Admissions Associate
Rianna Bensing
School Notes
- Big Minds is designed to specifically support a 2e child`s intense drive to learn, differing levels of ability/asynchronous development, overexcitabilities, need for specific social/emotional support, and desire to belong to a community of true peers.Our goal is to help students develop positive self-efficacy, self-advocacy, and self-directed learning and growth. We have an unschooling model that allows for continual choice for our students, encourging them to become autonmous learners. We welcome all 2e children to apply.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Big Minds Unschool cost?
Big Minds Unschool's tuition is approximately $41,030 for private students and $600 for summer students.
When is the application deadline for Big Minds Unschool?
The application deadline for Big Minds Unschool is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Big Minds Unschool also viewed these schools: La Cheim School, Crestmont School, Seneca Family Of Agencie- Catalyst Academy, A Better Chance School/cal Autism Foundation and Spectrum Center - Tara Hills.
The nearest high school to Big Minds Unschool is Fusion Academy Pleasanton (0.9 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Fei Xiang Bilingual School (0.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Stratford School Pleasanton (0.8 miles away)
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Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
La Cheim School
Special Education School
41 Bolivar Drive
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 649-1177
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 649-1177
24.4 miles
Gr: 4-12 | 55 students
6226 Arlington Blvd
Richmond, CA 94805
(510) 237-4164
Richmond, CA 94805
(510) 237-4164
28 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 38 students Avg. class size: 12 students Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
Seneca Family Of Agencie- Catalyst Academy
Special Education School
1060 Manor Rd
El Sobrante, CA 94803
(510) 300-6350
El Sobrante, CA 94803
(510) 300-6350
29.3 miles
Gr: 4-12 | 24 students
A Better Chance School/cal Autism Foundation
Special Education School
4138 Lakeside Dr
San Pablo, CA 94806
(510) 262-1500
San Pablo, CA 94806
(510) 262-1500
30.6 miles
Gr: Inquire with school | 44 students Avg. class size: 8 students Tuition listed
Spectrum Center - Tara Hills
Special Education School
16330 San Pablo Ave
San Pablo, CA 94806
(510) 724-4494
San Pablo, CA 94806
(510) 724-4494
30.7 miles
Gr: 1-12 | 38 students Avg. class size: 8 students
School Reviews
5 10/31/2025
BMU is a very different kind of school in the best sort of way. I believe in mixed-aged learning opportunities and BMU offers this for the K-8 span. Especially for younger students - they've found creative means of supporting their need for sensory/movement stimulation. Admin are very collaborative, communicative and open to parent ideas. School staff teach out of their unique gifts and personalities - which I think adds to the richness of what the kids learn about (e.g., in the spirit of unschooling - being part of a band, creating a home for a found creature, etc). BMU is very PDA-informed, if that matters to you and my child has grown back into his fullest self and made some authentic friendships. BMU has supported these social connections well - in a way that I think other schools often don't have the space/time/priority towards. I'm learning to build back my own trust within a parent community as well.
5 10/31/2025
Big Minds has been a safe haven for our family. My 2E student is able to pursue their interests with the support and enthusiasm of faculty.
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