Healthcare Innovation Microschool, in partnership with the Pearl

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is this microschool different from other high school programs, such as an academy or early college?

This microschool offers a fundamentally different learning experience than a traditional academy or early college program. A microschool is a small, independent educational setting with a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for highly personalized instruction. Instead of following a fixed schedule within a large school, students learn through a flexible model that blends coursework with real-world experiences connected to industry partners.

In the Healthcare Innovation Microschool, students engage in a four-year, aligned course sequence supported by guides who help them progress through self-paced coursework, master standards, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Unlike an academy—where students take a subset of themed classes within a comprehensive high school—or an early college that emphasizes college credit with a community college partner, the microschool integrates daily, weekly, and unit-based experiences with The Pearl Innovation District and Advocate (Atrium Health). These partnerships expose students to artificial intelligence, data analytics, and healthcare applications not typically available in traditional programs.

Students’ days are intentionally varied:

• Some days focus on independent coursework, one-on-one guidance, tutoring, and small-group instruction.
• Other days are spent in problem-based learning labs, working on simulations, interdisciplinary projects, or hands-on challenges with community partners.
• Students may also spend full days in field experiences at The Pearl Innovation District—or a comparable site—depending on the unit of study.

Because no two days look the same, flexibility is a central feature of the microschool model. Guides work closely with students to build strong executive functioning skills, including organization, time management, and self-direction. Regular progress monitoring, personalized instruction, tutoring, and explicit skill-building are embedded into daily routines.

Ultimately, this microschool goes beyond academic rigor. It prepares students for any postsecondary path by helping them develop critical thinking, professional habits, and real-world problem-solving skills—competencies essential for success in both college and career settings.

2. How do I know if the microschool is a good fit for my student?

The microschool is an excellent fit for students who thrive in a personalized, self-paced learning environment and are interested in developing strong self-advocacy skills. Because our model blends classroom learning with frequent industry experiences, the most successful students typically demonstrate:

• Strong self-discipline and responsibility, managing their time, expectations, and movement independently.
• Consistent professionalism, including appropriate language, behavior, and etiquette in both school and industry settings.
• Mature decision-making, showing good judgment, independence, and an understanding of when to seek support.
• Effective communication skills, engaging respectfully with peers, teachers, and industry professionals.
• Adaptability and problem-solving, handling new environments and challenges with confidence and calm.
• A career-focused mindset, participating actively and with curiosity during weekly industry site visits.

If your student is motivated by real-world learning, enjoys working at their own pace, and is excited about exploring potential career pathways, the microschool may be a strong match for their learning style and future goals.

3. Who teaches at the microschool and how do they learn the curriculum?

In the microschool, students will complete their courses both online and in-person learning allowing for a flexible and self-paced learning environment.  Certified teachers -also referred to as guides–  are dedicated to assisting students as they progress through their in-person and  online coursework, providing guidance and support as needed.  Training for staff will be offered through the Pearl and community and/or corporate partners.

The Learning Space at The Pearl campus staff include Facilitators that are certified teachers or teachers in training that have the same or similar background screening as CCS teachers.  The Learning Space at The Pearl is not open to the public and students will be supervised by both Microschool staff and The Pearl Facilitators.

4. Can students take additional courses or electives at their traditional high school?

Our flexible schedule is designed to give students timely, real-world learning experiences and to open opportunities for earlier internships and pre-apprenticeship opportunities. By not being confined to a traditional bell schedule, students are able to engage more deeply in authentic industry experiences that prepare them for future careers.

5. How frequently will my child participate in field experiences at The Pearl Innovation District?

Students will participate in field experiences at The Pearl Innovation District each week, or in a comparable field experience depending on the unit of study. While most weeks involve onsite learning at The Pearl, some units may call for alternative hands-on experiences—such as simulations, project-based work or lab-based activities—completed either at the microschool or with community partners.

6. What will my child’s field experience at The Pearl Innovation District look like?

Throughout the year, students will take part in a wide range of immersive learning opportunities at The Pearl Innovation District. These experiences are designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world healthcare, technology, and innovation careers. Students may:

• Work in the STEM Innovation Lab to tackle authentic, real-world challenges—with opportunities to develop and potentially patent their ideas.
• Engage with industry professionals through guest speakers, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations offered by Pearl partners.
• Explore internships and apprenticeships aligned to their interests and career pathways.
• Participate in simulations that introduce them to roles in healthcare, data analytics, research, and technology fields.
• And more—including special projects, collaborative challenges, and additional experiences that evolve as new opportunities emerge within The Pearl community.

These field experiences help students apply their learning, build professional skills, and gain meaningful exposure to high-demand career pathways.

7. What credentials will my child have after graduation?

 Our credentialing program is driven by industry demand. We work closely with our healthcare and technology partners to identify which certifications hold the most value in the current job market. 

In year 1, our students will complete Think First, Stop the Bleed, and CPR certification. We will continue to work with our industry partners for credentialing in AI use and data analytics. 

8. Will students have access to AP coursework?

Students in the Microschool will have access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The number and availability of these courses will depend on several factors, including course requests, student interest, career planning, and scheduling considerations.

In year 1, our students have the option to participate in AP Computer Science Principles and AP World History. 

9. What college majors or future opportunities does this pathway align with?

This pathway is designed to prepare students for a wide range of college majors and careers in healthcare, technology, and innovation. Students gain hands-on experience in AI, healthcare systems, research, and applied problem-solving, which can lead to opportunities in fields such as:

• Healthcare technology and informatics
• Biomedical engineering
• Health administration and policy
• Public health and healthcare research
• Nursing, medicine, or other clinical pathways
• Entrepreneurship and innovation in healthcare
   

By combining healthcare knowledge with technology and real-world application, the program equips students with skills and experiences that are valuable in college and in emerging career fields, giving them flexibility to explore many future paths.

10. If my child is accepted into the microschool, will they be able to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities, including clubs, at Jay M. Robinson High School?

In our current model,  students accepted into the microschool will be enrolled as Jay M. Robinson High School students and are eligible to participate in athletics, clubs, and all extracurricular activities. They continue to have full access to sports teams, student organizations, arts programs, and after-school activities. 

In Their Words

Dr. John Kopicki, Superintendent, Cabarrus County Schools:

“The Healthcare Innovation Microschool at Robinson represents the next evolution of public education in Cabarrus County. By connecting students directly with industry experts and real-world problem solving, we’re ensuring they graduate ready for both college and career.”

Dr. Richard Cox, STEM Program Coordinator, The Pearl:

“By connecting young people with health and science careers they might not have known existed, we’re preparing them not only for the workforce of tomorrow but inspiring them to lead it.”

Sarah Reeves, Chief Academic Officer, Cabarrus County Schools:

“We’re thrilled to bring high school students and industry leaders together to explore the power of artificial intelligence in health care. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, community, and the future of work.”

Healthcare Innovation Microschool, in partnership with The Pearl

Point of Contact

Kiera Parker, Program Director of Microschool

kiera.parker@cabarrus.k12.nc.us