Today we’d like to introduce you to Candy Chambers.
Hi Candy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Top Scholars Microschool from a place of love, frustration, and determination. Over the years, I cared for my grandchildren, foster children, and other children who struggled in traditional school environments. I saw how children of various abilities began to feel overlooked, misunderstood, unsafe, or discouraged in classrooms that simply were not built for the way they learned.
These children didn’t need to be “fixed” — they needed an environment that truly saw them, supported them, and allowed them to thrive.
Top Scholars Microschool was born from a vision to create a safe, nurturing, and personalized learning environment. It has grown into a vibrant learning community where children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, build confidence, and feel comfortable being themselves. We focus not only on academics, but also on emotional growth, life skills, kindness, communication, creativity, and hands-on learning experiences.
Along this journey, we’ve built meaningful community partnerships, received support through the VELA Education Fund, expanded educational opportunities through our partnership with Nyla Nova STEMversity, and been uplifted by local community supporters such as Black Bear Diner, whose fundraising partnerships have helped support programs for our scholars. We continue to grow through the support of families and community members who believe in what we are building.
Today, Top Scholars Microschool serves students who may not thrive in traditional school settings, and my vision continues to grow far beyond where we started. My goal is to eventually expand throughout the Valley and continue creating spaces where children feel safe, valued, inspired, and excited to learn.
This journey has not been easy, but it has absolutely been worth it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has strengthened my purpose and vision.
One of the biggest struggles has been building and growing a non-traditional learning environment while navigating systems that are often designed around more traditional models of education. Even things like grading scales, report cards, and grade-level expectations required me to rethink how student growth and success should truly be measured in a more personalized learning environment. There were moments where resources were limited, funding was uncertain, and I still wear multiple hats at once — educator, administrator, planner, marketer, caregiver, and sometimes even maintenance staff all in the same day.
Another challenge has been helping people understand what a microschool truly is. Many families are used to traditional classrooms, so introducing a smaller, more personalized learning environment sometimes requires education and trust-building within the community.
There have also been emotional challenges. When you genuinely care about children and families, you carry their struggles with you. Seeing children come in feeling defeated, anxious, or unsupported can be heartbreaking. But watching those same children slowly rebuild confidence, smile more, participate, and begin enjoying learning again reminds me why this work matters so much.
Despite the obstacles, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Every challenge has helped shape Top Scholars into what it is today. The support from families, community partners, and organizations that believe in our mission has kept us moving forward, and I believe we are only at the beginning of what this vision can become.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats, and I believe every experience has helped shape the work I do today. Before founding Top Scholars Microschool, I owned businesses in the beauty and wellness industry. I also worked in education as a massage therapy instructor and student services advisor, where I developed a deeper understanding of mentorship, guidance, and individualized support.
In addition to education and entrepreneurship, I’ve worked in customer service, insurance, caregiving, and even held a CDL and drove tractor trailers. While those experiences may seem very different on the surface, they all taught me valuable lessons about people, communication, resilience, patience, problem-solving, and leadership.
What I specialize in now is creating safe, supportive, and personalized learning environments for children who may not thrive in traditional school settings. Top Scholars Microschool focuses on meeting children where they are academically, socially, and emotionally while helping them build confidence and develop a genuine love for learning.
I’m most proud of the environment we’ve created. Families often tell me their children feel seen, heard, safe, and excited to learn again after struggling elsewhere. That means everything to me.
I believe I’m most known for genuinely helping people and building meaningful connections with children. Caring for and supporting others has been a consistent part of my life, both personally and professionally, and children have always naturally gravitated toward me. I believe that trust, compassion, patience, and consistency are a huge part of why families feel comfortable placing their children in my care.
I believe what sets me apart is that my work is deeply personal. My experiences as a caregiver to grandchildren, foster children, and my elderly mother have strengthened my compassion and understanding of the importance of patience, flexibility, and emotional support. I don’t just approach education from an academic perspective — I approach it from a human perspective.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was actually very quiet and reserved, although I definitely had another side to me too! I loved showing everyone the latest dance moves and was very good at it. Looking back, I think that was one of the few ways I naturally felt comfortable expressing myself and coming out of my shell. Maybe that’s the Gemini in me lol. At the same time, I was academically strong and emotionally aware from a young age. I cared deeply about people and naturally paid attention to how others felt,
When I was very young, I thought I wanted to become a nurse because I loved helping people. But once I learned about the more “gory” side of the job, I quickly realized that path probably was not for me. Even then, though, the desire to care for and support others was still there.
I also grew up during a time when many children were taught to “be seen and not heard.” Because of that, I became someone who observed a lot and listened carefully. Ironically, one of the things that really stayed with me growing up was the television show “Kids Are People Too”. Seeing children encouraged to express themselves and use their voices opened my eyes in a meaningful way. It helped shape how I viewed myself, my own child, and children today. It reinforced my belief that children deserve to be heard, respected, and understood.
As a child, I felt very comfortable and connected within my neighborhood and community. Moving to a different city was difficult for me emotionally, but I adapted, stayed focused, finished high school, and eventually earned my associate degree.
Looking back now, I think many of those life experiences helped shape the environment I created at Top Scholars Microschool — one where children feel safe, valued, supported, and comfortable being themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://topscholarsedu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/top.scholars
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GCbuMnQ3U/
