Learning Kitchen
Hands-on culinary learning connected to nutrition, math, and science.
A Free Public Charter School in Midvale, Utah
Two learning environments. Shared standards.
Designed to help students learn how to learn.
Free Public Charter SchoolSmall Community SchoolDual-Environment LearningAP & CTE PathwaysGrades 1–10 Opening
THE FRAMEWORK
The LEARN Model
Five commitments that shape every PFAL classroom.
Explore the framework in action
01
Literacy
Students work on literacy in every class — reading, writing, spelling, and understanding text. Literacy is the core of our teaching: we work on it all the time, with every student, wherever they are, to bring them to grade level so they can learn better, faster, and more.
02
Equity
Equity means every student, including students with IEPs, has access to high expectations, meaningful support, and more than one way to learn and show what they know.
03
Agency
Students learn how to learn — and own their progress. They also have a voice with their teaching team in choosing which environment (Pathway 1 or Pathway 2) best fits them for each unit of study.
04
Relationships
Small cohorts and continuity across years — Special Education teachers loop with their students through all of elementary, then all of middle school, and then all of high school, so families build a lasting relationship with the same trusted teacher at each level.
05
Neurophysiology
Instruction informed by how the brain learns, grounded in research-based teaching methods including Project- and Community-Based Learning (PCBL), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and mastery-based grading.
Our shared values
These are the values our teachers, staff, students, and families can count on.
We believe great teaching begins with respect, consistency, and the belief that every student is capable of learning at high levels.
LEARNING ACCESS
Learning Access Changes with Environment
Students access learning differently. Rigorous instruction can exist through multiple environments — PFAL expands learning access without lowering expectations.
“Different environments. Shared standards.”
PATHWAYS
What Makes PFAL Different
Pathway 1
Pathway 1: Traditional Environment
Structured, teacher-guided instruction: direct teaching, guided practice, feedback, and standards alignment.
Pathway 2
Pathway 2: Applied Learning Environment
Project-based lessons curated by teachers to teach the same skills and standards in a different way.
MASTERY + ACCESS
Rigorous Standards. Flexible Access.
Mastery learning with formative assessment cycles, AP and CTE pathways, and collaborative planning systems.
Day 5 / Day 10 Cycles
Predictable rhythms for instruction, practice, and feedback.
Mastery Progression
Students move forward as they demonstrate understanding.
AP Readiness
Coursework that prepares students for college-level rigor.
CTE Pathways
Applied, career-connected pathways alongside academics.
Formative Feedback
Frequent, targeted feedback that guides revision and deepens understanding before final assessment.
Interest-Linked Standards
Academic standards anchored to topics of genuine student curiosity, turning interest into a pathway to mastery.
WHY SMALL MATTERS
Small by Design
Smaller cohorts, stronger relationships, quicker responsiveness, and continuity across years build a community-centered school.
PROGRAMS
Program Highlights
- Learning Kitchen
- Cantina
- Maker's Space
- Robotics & Coding
- Seasonal Sports
- AP Coursework
- Business & Entrepreneurship
COMMUNITY
Who We Serve
PFAL serves families whose students need a different learning environment — for any reason.
Academic, sensory, social, emotional, or simply because the current setting is not working.
Students should not have to fail first to get what they need.
PFAL is built for capable learners who need more flexibility, consistency, and care.
Help Us Build PFAL
Add your family to our support list, subscribe for updates, or join our community supporters.
About PFAL
Philip Fox Academy of LEARNing makes rigorous learning more accessible by intentionally designing classrooms for clarity, flexibility, mastery, and belonging.
WHY WE CARRY HIS NAME
In memory of Philip Fox
Philip Fox was a lighthouse in our community — known for teaching the kids no one else wanted to teach. He guided lost students out of their haze, and supported families and teachers in authentic ways. He knew the ropes, and he showed them to everyone: no secrets, no unspoken hierarchy — just compassion and laughter.
He worked in education for 25 years. We lost him in 2001, but we didn’t lose what he taught us. There are thousands of kids in the world who know love because of him, who know how to trust because of him, who know how to learn because of him, who know themselves because of him. And with those three things — anything is possible.
This school carries his name, and his example, forward.
Our Philosophy
We are not trying to create a different kind of student. We are creating different kinds of learning environments so more students can succeed.
Two learning environments. Shared standards. More pathways to mastery.
Why PFAL Exists
Students are not all alike, and learning environments should not be either.
PFAL was designed to provide different rigorous learning environments aligned to the same academic standards, allowing more students to engage in learning, demonstrate mastery, and build confidence.
Barriers in Traditional Systems
Learning environments that do not work well for every student
Too few opportunities for movement, collaboration, or application
Fast pacing with limited individualized feedback
Limited chances to improve work after assessment
Classroom conditions that overlook sensory processing differences and how they shape a student's ability to focus, regulate, and engage
Few opportunities to anchor academic standards to topics of genuine student interest, where curiosity becomes the pathway to mastery
Built for Our Community
Families deserve a school that combines academic rigor, meaningful relationships, and flexible learning environments that help more students access success. PFAL is being built around the belief that when we change the environment, more students can thrive.
How Learning Works
PFAL coordinates two learning environments around shared standards. Students experience both each week.
Pathway 1
Pathway 1: Traditional Environment
Direct teaching, guided practice, consistent routines, and frequent feedback aligned to grade-level standards.
Pathway 2
Pathway 2: Applied Learning Environment
Pathway 2 (P2) is PFAL's Laboratory Learning Environment, where students engage with grade-level standards through integrated, applied, and community-connected learning experiences. Rather than separating subjects into isolated blocks, P2 allows student interests, strengths, and authentic projects to create additional access points to rigorous academic content.
Day 5 / Day 10 Cycle
Instruction unfolds in predictable five- and ten-day cycles. Students receive instruction, practice, formative feedback, and supported opportunities to demonstrate mastery.
05
Day 5 — formative checkpoint with targeted feedback
10
Day 10 — mastery demonstration with multiple supported opportunities
Mastery Progression
Students progress as they show understanding. Feedback drives growth, and learners receive multiple supported opportunities to demonstrate mastery. Recursive, spiraled review brings key concepts back throughout the year so understanding deepens over time.
Feedback-Driven Growth
Teachers and students share a clear picture of progress. Adjustments happen quickly, and effort is directed where it matters most. The Applied Learning Environment uses cross-curricular interests to spark participation and drive learning.
Pathway 2 in Practice
Pathway 2 (P2) is PFAL's Laboratory Learning Environment, where students engage with grade-level standards through integrated, applied, and community-connected learning experiences. Rather than separating subjects into isolated blocks, P2 allows student interests, strengths, and authentic projects to create additional access points to rigorous academic content. A student working toward an ELA standard may demonstrate literacy through a project connected to Science, Math, Art, Business, Culinary Arts, or Engineering. Likewise, Math and Science standards may be reinforced through writing, collaboration, design, presentation, or applied problem-solving. This cross-disciplinary structure allows students multiple structured opportunities to engage with the same grade-level expectations across instructional contexts.
PEDAGOGY
Rooted in Research
PFAL's classrooms are built on two of the most respected frameworks in modern education: Utah's Personalized, Competency-Based Learning (PCBL) framework and CAST's Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines.
Together, they shape a classroom where every student has a clear path to mastery, multiple ways to engage with the material, and the support to keep moving forward.
UTAH PCBL FRAMEWORK
Five components that shape every classroom
01
Culture of Learning
High expectations, strong relationships, and an environment where every learner belongs.
02
Learner Agency
Students help shape goals, pace, and how they demonstrate what they know.
03
Demonstrated Competency
Progress is based on evidence of mastery, not seat time.
04
Customized Supports
Timely, targeted help based on each learner's strengths and needs.
05
Social-Emotional Learning
Skills for self-awareness, relationships, and resilience woven into the day.
Aligned with Utah Code 53F-5-501 and the Utah State Board of Education's PCBL Framework.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING
Designed so more students can access success
The "Why" — Engagement
Multiple ways to spark interest, sustain effort, and build self-direction.
The "What" — Representation
Information presented in multiple formats so students can perceive and understand it.
The "How" — Action & Expression
Multiple ways for students to show what they know.
UDL is why a flexible environment isn't a workaround — it's the design.
"One would be ill-informed to presume the measure of knowledge of another."
Programs
Programs at PFAL connect academic standards to applied learning, leadership, and future pathways.
Cantina
Student-run gathering space that builds responsibility and operations skills.
Maker's Space
Design, build, prototype — applied learning across disciplines.
Sports & Movement
Seasonal sports that build teamwork, health, and resilience.
AP Readiness
College-level coursework that builds rigor and confidence.
CTE Pathways
Career and technical pathways that prepare students for what comes next.
Families
You belong here. Families are partners in the work of learning.
Communication You Can Count On
Every student keeps a portfolio of their work, with 5-day check-ins and 10-day rubrics uploaded so parents can see exactly where their child is on the path to mastery. All standards for the quarter are shared at the start, as downloadable PDFs, so families can follow along, know what their student is working on, and support learning at home. We also offer free classes for parents who want practical tools for working with their kids in academic settings — to help end the yelling, nighttime fights, and meltdowns.
Partnership Philosophy
Parents and guardians are invited to volunteer on a scheduled basis alongside our teachers and staff. We also offer free classes for parents, teaching skills to support students with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Anxiety, and Depression.
Carpool & Community
PFAL will work with families to support safe, reliable transportation through carpool coordination, community connections, and flexible planning as the school grows.
Family FAQ
Enrollment
PFAL is a free public charter school. Enrollment opens before each school year.
Enrollment steps
- 1
Join the Support List
Add your family to receive updates and early enrollment notices.
- 2
Attend an Information Session
Meet our team and learn how PFAL works.
- 3
Complete an Application
A short application secures your family's spot in the process.
- 4
Family Welcome Process
Onboarding designed to set students and families up for success.
Opening Grades: 1–10
Location: Midvale, Utah
Tuition: Free — PFAL is a public charter school
Community
PFAL is built with and for the Midvale community.
University Partnerships
PFAL is building partnerships with universities and educator preparation programs to support teacher development, student teaching opportunities, and ongoing professional learning.
Internships
Middle and high school students will have opportunities to explore career-connected learning through internships, mentorships, and community partnerships.
Governing Board
PFAL's Governing Board includes community-minded leaders dedicated to transparency, student success, and long-term investment in the Midvale community.
Events
From family nights to information sessions and student showcases, PFAL is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for connection throughout the year.
Construction Updates
As our facility process moves forward through state approval and development, families will be able to follow updates on campus planning and construction progress.
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome family and community volunteers who want to support students, classrooms, and school events. Volunteer orientation and training will be provided prior to participation.
Contact
Reach out about enrollment, partnerships, or working at PFAL.
- Proposed location: Midvale, Utah
- Email: hello@philipfoxacademy.org
- Phone: (385) 390-2225 — Ext. 00364