Meet Stephanie Lindsey of Wickenburg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Lindsey.

Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a teacher of Special Educator of 25 years, I began to realize that not only do identified students with an IEP need individualized instruction for academic success, many other students could benefit and grow in an alternative environment. My teaching experience includes teaching in Idaho, Utah and Arizona.

When moving to Wickenburg, Arizona in 2016 I noticed very quickly many families with school aged children wintered in the “Team Roping Capital of the World” to my surprise, I learned these families homeschool their students. Although many of these families spent most of the winter months in Wickenburg, they were unable to attend the public school because they could not prove residency (a district requirement to enroll) or chose the homeschool model.

In 2018 I casually began my research to learn more about homeschooling, private schooling and charter schooling in Arizona. I was shocked at the high percentage of Arizona families chose to home school or some alternative setting.

The school year of 2020-2021 I taught 8th grade Math and LOVED it! That spring when we moved to remote teaching, I quickly discovered a pattern. Many of my students who struggled in school academically and/or behaviorally were succeeding when taught remotely. This inspired me to get moving and attempt a plan that could meet the individual academic needs of families and their students. And JMLearning was founded in 2021.

Many wonderful aspects of JMLearning set us apart from other learning institutions. At the initial development of this school, JMLearning was the only online, accredited private school that offered and education with daily classes, meeting through a Google Meet, building a personal relationship with each student and their families. JMLearning provides a researched based curriculum that aligns with state standards nationwide while individualizing instruction for students who need it.

I am most proud of the students’ success at JMLearning. Student growth and ownership of their education has by far surpassed my initial expectations.

Behind every brand there is a story is an iconic statement because the name of JMLearning was derived from my grandfather’s cattle brand. He was an exemplary educator that I have always aspired to be like by fostering the love of lifelong leaning in my students.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The process of founding, organizing and starting up JMLearning has been unbelievably smooth. The parents and students at JMLearning have been nothing short of amazing. With thier faith in us and placing thier most precious gift in our hands to educate only fueled the fire for our passion and love for the path we were on and off we went and here we are!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At JMLearning we stand for The Pledge of Allegiance, we speak freely of God, we have daily devotionals. We say “Thank you, Good Morning, How’s your day?. Yes ma’am and sir and it’s okay.” We encourage, we are invested in others’ lives all while holding a high standard for academic progress, fostering the love for life long learning, empower students to take responsibility for their education with developing self-advocacy skills. All this while acknowledging the importance of high standards, integrity and living a Godly life.

Any big plans?
Our future plans are to continue walking through doors as they open. Four years ago, JMLearning started with an enrollment of 7 students. As we prepare for the 2024-2025 school year we are at current enrollment of 142. We project continual growth. Our goal is to never turn a student away and do what we can to continue providing a unique and solid educational setting to meet the needs of our students and their families.

Contact Info:

• Website: jmlearningaz.org
• Facebook: JMLearning