What Is a MicroSociety School?
The MicroSociety School is an innovative design where children create a microcosm of the real world inside the school. Each student has a role in running that world. Young entrepreneurs produce goods and services, elected officials establish laws, CrimeStoppers keep the peace, judges arbitrate disputes, and reporters track down stories. All citizens earn wages in the school’s "Micro" currency, invest in product ideas, deposit and borrow money from "Micro" banks, and pay taxes, tuition and rent. Classroom connections are made throughout the day.

How Does the Program Work?
The MicroSociety program has been implemented in kindergarten through 8th grade, from every geographic and socioeconomic community. Typically, students K-8 attend regular academic classes and apply what they learn "on the job" for one hour a day during Micro Time. MicroSociety schools integrate these real-world concepts and skills into curriculum and instruction throughout the day.

"Why Do I Need to Know This?"
It’s a question students ask every day. Many children see little connection between their school work and the outside world. And for many students, good grades just don’t offer sufficient incentive to succeed.
In the MicroSociety program, rewards are immediate and tangible. Mastery of basic skills becomes necessary to excel as a lawyer, banker, legislator, or entrepreneur. Social and financial rewards transform students from passive learners to active participants in their own development. Self-esteem improves with a new sense of accomplishment.

Reading and Writing to Succeed
Modern economy depends on a literate work force, as well as literate consumers. The MicroSociety program provides a context that makes reading functional and fun. In the courtroom, marketplace and newsroom; reading, writing, and communication skills spell the difference between success and failure. With MICROSOCIETY’s reading program, The Reading Industry, students create an entire industry of literacy-related businesses and services.

Math As a Survival Skill
Hundreds of transactions occur during "Micro" time each day. Math and basic economics are elevated to survival skills. Students recognize that financial literacy skills are necessary to buy and sell, create budgets, maintain a checkbook, and calculate taxes. They need geometry to measure floor plans or design jewelry. They apply algebra and statistics to create financial reports and spreadsheets.

Living Social Studies
The MicroSociety program turns social studies into a living lesson in citizenship and government. Students forge a social contract during a Constitutional Convention. They learn how government works in legislature and debate social issues in town meetings. Coached by teachers, children learn to resolve conflicts, negotiate, persuade, and defend their actions in court.

Science In Action
Science lessons come to life when students design new storefronts, when entrepreneurs use technology to invent or manufacture products for the marketplace. "Micro" government researchers apply principles of ecology to promote recycling campaigns and design gardens.

A Nationwide Movement
The MicroSociety program has been adopted by hundreds of schools in 40 states. The program has received national recognition as a comprehensive school reform model. Schools look to MICROSOCIETY to help them solve problems with student learning and achievement, motivation, attendance, behavior, and school climate. The MicroSociety program also helps students find meaning in school and ignites their sense of purpose and work ethic in order to compete in their chosen profession. They gain an understanding of why work is fulfilling and how it helps them tap into their innate skills and talents and discover their own leadership potential. the MicroSociety program helps students find a purpose in their education and prepares them to become active citizens.