People & Community

Primer's mission is to help the next generation of students become more ambitious, more creative, and more confident in thinking for themselves.

Everything we do is guided by three core commitments:

• Take Kids Seriously: We believe students are capable of taking ownership of their learning when they're given the right support, structure, and opportunities.
• Build strong foundations in math and literacy: Personalized instruction helps every student develop the essential skills they need to succeed.
• Provide meaningful, project-based learning: Students apply what they're learning through hands-on projects that encourage creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving.

These principles shape every part of the Primer experience, from classroom instruction to our learning environment and school culture.

Every Primer educator meets established qualification requirements and brings the knowledge and skills needed to support student learning.

Educators must meet at least one of the following qualifications:

• Hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Have three or more years of K–12 teaching experience.
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge, skills, or expertise relevant to teaching K–12 students through professional experience, certifications, or other documented training.

In addition to meeting these qualifications, Primer educators receive ongoing coaching and professional development to continue growing in their practice and providing high-quality learning experiences for students.

Primer is designed to help every student learn at the pace and level that's right for them. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all model, our approach focuses on mastery, personalization, and meaningful collaboration.

Here's what makes Primer different:

• Mastery-based progression: Students move forward when they demonstrate understanding, not simply because the school year advances.
• Subject-specific learning levels: A student's level in one subject doesn't determine their level in another, allowing them to progress independently across different subjects.
• Technology that supports personalized learning: Technology helps teachers provide instruction that meets students where they are, making it possible to support a variety of learning paths within the same classroom.
• Skill-based learning across our network: Students have opportunities to learn alongside peers at similar skill levels across Primer campuses, creating more personalized learning experiences.

To learn more about Primer's educational approach, visit our Approach to Learning page.

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Families often describe Primer as welcoming, supportive, and built on strong relationships. Parents appreciate knowing their children are truly known by their teachers and surrounded by a caring community.

"Our experience as a family with Primer has been absolutely stress free. MarQuis enjoys school and finds it nice that everyone knows him so well. His teacher takes the time to personalize, and that is important to him." — Michelle Lee Gambaro

"Primer is the first school that has genuinely felt real, like a true partnership. The communication, the warmth, and the way everything is done with such clear intention has created an environment where my boys can be themselves, feel understood, and thrive." — Danielle Masback

Many students say they enjoy the welcoming community at Primer. They value having time to connect with classmates throughout the day and appreciate learning in an environment where they feel respected, included, and safe.

Primer educators describe a collaborative environment where feedback is welcomed and ideas are quickly put into action.

"Our team's culture of collaboration and genuine care pushes me to show up as my strongest, most inspired self." — Apryl Shackelford

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Many parents say one of the biggest surprises has been how excited their children are to attend school each day.

"Hudson absolutely loves school. He is begging every day to do after-school care. I have never seen a child so excited about school." — Alexis Lanier

"We're on Thanksgiving break day two and she is ready to come back to school. I am loving her motivation and improvement." — Patrice Patterson