When a prospective student applies to Ceiba Nova, both the student and their adult(s) complete a series of thoughtful survey prompts designed to help us understand learning styles, support needs, and personal interests. After submission, we schedule a family interview and school visit — during which the student is invited to play, explore, and engage in hands-on activities while caregivers tour the space and ask questions.​

 

Once a student is accepted, parenting adults complete the official enrollment process, which includes reviewing the Ceiba Nova guidebook, policies, and available resources. New students are then welcomed for a tailored intake and orientation experience.This orientation period includes a series of critical assessments that help us understand each learner's current strengths, support needs, sensory preferences, learning styles, and foundational academic knowledge. These assessments are empirical and standards-based — but designed to minimize pressure and stigma. They may be spread over two days or two weeks, and in some cases, completed at home by arrangement, depending on student needs.

 

​Using the combined insights from: application and survey responses, caregiver and student interviews, diagnostic assessments, and observed interactions during play and exploration, we build a wireframe for the student’s MAP — Mentored Adventure Plan. This includes a mix of learning challenges, supports, accommodations, and purpose-aligned goals that focus not only on academics but also on developing agency, self-direction, and executive functioning skills.​This draft is reviewed with the student and their family. Their feedback helps refine it into a flexible, evolving plan.

 

Like an IEP or 504, the MAP tracks individualized goals and supports — but unlike those models, the MAP is updated more frequently and dynamically. If a student masters a goal early, we work together to raise the bar or shift direction. If new needs emerge, modifications are made in real time.

 

​Learning at Ceiba Nova moves through two rhythms: Phases are structured, shared blocks of time (approximately 9 weeks) where all students explore a common theme or anchor project, each engaging at their own level. Cycles are personal — they reflect each student’s natural rhythm of exploration, mastery, and creative flow.​

 

The MAP includes goals tied to both phases and cycles: product goals, engagement goals, and standards-aligned academic goals. It serves as a mutual commitment, a curricular map, and a tool for tracking progress across time.​ Once the MAP is finalized, the student begins their learning journey — gradually or all at once, depending on their needs. The MAP is reviewed regularly and formally updated at least once per year (typically two to three times) to ensure it continues to reflect and serve the learner’s growth.