One Maricopa microschool just celebrated its largest commencement yet.  

Field of Vision Academy honored their 8th grade graduates Thursday, moving commencement from the founders’ backyard to Central Arizona College’s Maricopa campus this year.

Founded by Terra Gallagher and her husband, Matthew, in 2023 with just 15 students, the microschool currently operates out of two classrooms at CAC. Today, the school has 41 students taught by six teachers. 

The school’s small size inspired the founders to think differently about the commencement program. For example, rather than read a list of names, Gallagher gave a personalized message to each of the eight graduates.  

“I hated the graduations where you go and you just feel invisible,” she told InMaricopa. “At the end of the day, the basic human need is to want to know that your life mattered, that somebody noticed you.” 

The school began with the goal to help students who have fallen behind academically. Elizabeth Felix said she saw a drastic improvement in her grandchildren’s grades since enrolling them at Field of Vision.  

“[My granddaughter] was getting in a lot of trouble, and just not really concentrating on school at all,” she said. “I took her out and put her over here, and it’s the best damn thing I ever did.” 

Gallagher called the growth of the school “absolutely incredible.” 

“We had three graduates [in] year one, five graduates [in] year two [and] eight graduates this year,” she said. “Next year, we’ll have a class of eighth graders and our first class of 12th graders graduating, which is going to be phenomenal.” 

Field of Vision Academy co-founder Matthew Gallagher delivers speech to attendees at the microschool's 8th grade commencement ceremony on May 14, 2026. [Ryan Tafoya]

A graduate walks over a ceremonial bridge at the Field of Vision Academy 8th grade commencement ceremony on May 14, 2026. [Ryan Tafoya]

Field of Vision Academy co-founder Terra Gallagher hugs a graduate at the microschool's 8th grade commencement ceremony on May 14, 2026. [Ryan Tafoya]

Field of Vision Academy co-founder Matthew Gallagher delivers speech to attendees at the microschool's 8th grade commencement ceremony on May 14, 2026. [Ryan Tafoya]

Poster board highlights of graduates at the Field of Vision Academy 8th grade commencement ceremony on May 14, 2026. [Ryan Tafoya]