Lighting the path to lifelong learning

Our Mission

At Little Light Academy, our mission is to provide a nurturing, Christ-centered learning environment where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to reach their God-given potential. Through personalized instruction, hands-on learning, and meaningful relationships, we inspire a love of learning while building strong academic foundations, confidence, character, and life skills. We partner with families to cultivate curious minds, compassionate hearts, and lifelong learners who are equipped to shine their light in the world.

Every child has a light to share

Meet the Staff

Personalized instruction, hands-on learning, and meaningful relationships, from teachers who truly know each child.

Shelby Figueroa, Founder and Educator

Shelby Figueroa

Founder & Educator

Hi, I'm Shelby! As a certified educator with more than 15 years of combined tutoring and teaching experience, I've had the privilege of teaching students with a wide range of learning styles and abilities. I created Little Light Academy because I believe children thrive in small, relationship-centered classrooms where they are truly known. My goal is to combine strong academics with practical life skills so students grow into confident, capable learners.

Sarah Whitney, Educator

Sarah Whitney

Educator

Hi! I'm Sarah, a certified teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and an SEI endorsement. I have 10 years of teaching experience. Early childhood education truly has my heart, and I especially love working with students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. I offer personalized tutoring that meets each child where they are while making learning engaging, encouraging, and fun.

What Makes Us Different

  • Certified teachers with 10–15+ years experience
  • Personalized learning plans
  • Math, literacy, science & social studies
  • Low student-to-teacher ratio
  • Life Skills Lab
  • ESA accepted
Academics with purpose. Life skills for the future.

Our Services

Two ways to learn with us: a small-group microschool and one-on-one tutoring. Choose what fits your family.

With Shelby

Microschool

Tuesdays & Wednesdays

A personalized microschool for students who thrive in a small-group, relationship-based learning environment. Students receive instruction in all core subjects, ELA, math, science, and social studies, through engaging, hands-on, project-based learning. Our program is designed to foster academic growth, critical thinking, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Life Skills Lab Optional, highly encouraged

Families can choose to extend the school day with our Life Skills Lab, where students take part in practical, real-world experiences such as cooking, financial literacy, STEM challenges, teamwork, problem-solving, and other hands-on enrichment that builds confidence and independence.

Follows the 2026–2027 microschool calendar below.

With Sarah

1:1 Tutoring

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Individualized tutoring tailored to each student's unique learning needs and goals. Our tutors are certified teachers who provide one-on-one support in reading, math, writing, and other academic subjects to help students build skills and confidence.

Microschool Calendar

Key 2026–2027 dates for Shelby's microschool

Aug 11First day of school
Oct 13–14No school (fall break)
Nov 11No school
Nov 24–25No school (Thanksgiving)
Dec 16Last day before winter break
Dec 21–31No school (winter break)
Jan 12Back to school
Mar 16–17No school (spring break)
May 19Last day of school
Jun 8–29Summer program
No school First / last day Tuition due (1st of month) Summer program

Contact

Now booking for 2026–2027!

623-853-3127

littlelightacademyaz@gmail.com

Microschool (Shelby): Tuesday & Wednesday
1:1 Tutoring (Sarah): Tuesday & Thursday, 9 AM – 3 PM
Serving Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, and surrounding areas