Best Microschools Podcasts (2024)

1
In Nebraska, demand is high for this former public school teacher’s new microschool 30:52

12h ago30:52

30:52

Today's guest is Hannah Holguin, founder of Masterpiece Academy located just outside of Omaha, Nebraska. Hannah was a public school teacher for nearly a decade, mostly teaching mathematics. She has also worked as an adjunct professor with a local community college, and founded Masterpiece Academy in August of 2022 as a K-12 microschool for homescho…

1
289: Back To School: How Do I Stay Organized and Efficient? Mastering Systems & Processes As You Build and Grow Your Microschool 24:44

3d ago24:44

24:44

Welcome to part two of our back-to-school series! In this episode, we dive into the essential systems and processes that will help you get organized and streamline your micro school or homeschool hybrid. Are you familiar with classroom management and procedures? Well, these business terms are just as crucial for your educational venture. We’ll expl…

1
Season 1 Top 10 | #4 Nurturing Resilience. A Conversation with Lael Stone. 53:39

3h ago53:39

53:39

We're continuing summer break with #4 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. Join Kaity and Adriane as we discover how to nurture emotional resilience in children with guest Lael Stone, an expert in emotional intelligence. In this episode, she shares invaluable insights, from staying calm during emergencies to fostering emotional well-being, illustrated …

1
Why a college professor helped to launch a self-directed school in Philadelphia 31:13

34m ago31:13

31:13

Today's guest is David O'Connor, a college lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania for many years and a longtime theatre director and designer. David is a cofounder of Philly ALC, a self-directed school in Philadelphia that also has part-time programs for homeschoolers. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at…

1
A California Classical Christian Homeschool Collaborative Sees Enrollment Climb 30:09

1h ago30:09

30:09

Ally Adair-Chung is the founder of Beachcities Classical, a Classical Christian homeschooling collaborative based in Huntington Beach, CA. It launched in the fall of 2021 and today serves about 250 students. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.…

1
288: Back to School Series: Start the Year Right: Setting Personal Foundations and Preparing for Teaching Success 32:22

2h ago32:22

32:22

Welcome to the first episode of our Back to School Amazing Series! As we gear up for a fantastic school year, we focus on what it takes to succeed as educators, parents, and entrepreneurs. Discover the essentials of preparing for a new academic year and why August feels like the true beginning of the year. In this episode, we dive deep into persona…

1
Season 1 Top 10 | #5 Dive Into Inquiry. A Conversation with Trevor MacKenzie. 1:04:32

2h ago1:04:32

1:04:32

We're continuing summer break with #5 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. Ever wondered how transforming education from within can ignite a child's natural curiosity? Kaity and Adriane chat with Trevor MacKenzie, an experienced teacher, author, keynote speaker, and inquiry consultant, about this question and more. Trevor shares his journey of reshapin…

1
Why two longtime public school teachers launched a Missouri microschool 47:29

1h ago47:29

47:29

Jill Brown and Susan Deakins are both longtime public school teachers who quit their jobs and, in 2021, launched the Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (CALE), a JK-12 microschool in Columbia, Missouri that has experienced remarkable growth. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.…

1
Professor Andreas Widmer on Principled Entrepreneurship 44:20

31m ago44:20

44:20

Andreas Widmer is an Associate Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America’s Busch School of Business. His most recent book is The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship: Creating Enduring Value. In this episode, Professor Widmer shares his perspectives on entrepreneurship and offers advice for education entrepreneur…

1
287: Cultivating Success: The MOST IMPORTANT LAW of Starting and Growing Your Micro School ! 28:37

2h ago28:37

28:37

Imagine standing at the edge of a fertile field, ready to plant the seeds of your dream micro school. In this episode, we delve into the parallels between teaching and farming, exploring how to nurture your vision amidst challenges and doubts. Discover the most important law for building and growing a thriving micro school, and uncover five essenti…

1
Season 1 Top 10 | #6 What’s the real goal? What’s your real role? 1:01:28

1h ago1:01:28

1:01:28

We're continuing summer break with #6 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. What would it mean for your child to be described as resilient, empathetic, and self-assured? This episode offers you a roadmap to nurturing those very qualities. Discover the transformative power of shifting from a carpenter to a gardener mentality, among other paradigm shifts,…

1
A Montana microschool with booming enrollment: Former public school teacher Lindsey Vose on launching Wild Wonders 55:22

1d ago55:22

55:22

Lindsey Vose is a former public school teacher who launched Wild Wonders out of her garage in Belgrade, Montana in 2022. She opened with four students, including her two children. Today, Wild Wonders is located on a five-acre farmstead property near Vose’s home. It has 22 K-6 students who attend the mixed-age, drop-off program Monday through Thursd…

1
An eco-conscious Montessori microschool in South Florida: Why founder Priscilla Yuill opened Casa Ranch Montessori 39:59

10d ago39:59

39:59

Priscilla Yuill is the founder and educational director of Casa Ranch Montessori , an eco-conscious Montessori homeschool cooperative program that is educating for sustainability and cultivating environmentally-conscious global citizens. Priscilla has been a passionate Montessori educator for more than 10 years, with early childhood and elementary …

1
286: The Ultimate Planning Guide for Microschool Leaders: Transforming Uncertainty into Clarity and Planning for Your Upcoming School Year! 28:40

24d ago28:40

28:40

Imagine this: It’s the night before the first day of school, and you’re staring at your planner. You have a vision in your mind of how the year will unfold, but the blank pages seem daunting. Your heart races as you think about everything that needs to be done, and you wonder, “How will I get it all together?” Does this scenario sound familiar? Pla…

1
Season 1 Top 10 | #7 Collaborative Problem Solving 53:49

4d ago53:49

53:49

We're continuing summer break with #7 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to address challenging behaviors in children without resorting to punishment? On this episode of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane revisit a groundbreaking conversation about collaborative problem-solving. Their conversation di…

1
From 10 students to over 2,000: How Chesterton Schools grew from one microschool to a network of 70+ high schools 31:14

8d ago31:14

31:14

Dale Ahlquist is the cofounder of Chesterton Academy in Hopkins, Minnesota. What started in 2008 as a microschool with 10 students, including some of his own children, has grown into a flagship location with over 150 high schoolers, as well as a global network of over 70 Classical Catholic Chesterton Schools educating more than 2,000 students. *** …

1
A middle school teacher in NJ gets ready to launch her microschool 34:54

11d ago34:54

34:54

Amanda Lucas, founder of Lucas Literacy Lab, a middle school microschool in Middlesex County, New Jersey opening this fall. She taught in charter and private schools across New York City for nearly a decade before becoming an education entrepreneur and joining the KaiPod Catalyst microschool startup accelerator program. *** Sign up for Kerry's free…

1
285: How Do We Know If Our Students are Really Learning in Microschools? Assessing Learning Outcomes! Our 3 Tiered Approach to Redefining Success: Measuring What Matters in Micro Schools 26:31

1M ago26:31

26:31

Many educators have transitioned from public and private sectors, challenging the standard approach to student learning and outcomes. They have embraced a different path, one that is not confined by traditional measures. This episode explores the topic of "Measure What Matters Most, Determining Learner Outcomes," as discussed at the VelaCon confere…

1
Season 1 Top 10 | #8 Giving Children More Control. A Conversation with Bill Stixrud. 47:09

11d ago47:09

47:09

We're continuing summer break with #8 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. Can freeing your child from the shackles of constant parental control lead to a happier, more successful future? Kaity and Adriane unlock the secrets to self-driven learning with Dr. William R. Stixrud, a renowned clinical neuropsychologist and co-author of "The Self-Driven Chil…

1
How to scale a successful homeschool program: Elmarie Hyman on serving hundreds of homeschoolers 48:46

20d ago48:46

48:46

Elmarie Hyman is the founder of Learn Beyond the Book, a California-based secular homeschool resource center for students in pre-K through high school. Young people can attend Learn Beyond the Book’s in-person classes in three locations in the greater Los Angeles area, or take advantage of additional live virtual classes. Students who attend are ei…

1
“I was too innovative. I didn’t follow the rules.” A longtime public school teacher decided to become a school founder 36:37

20d ago36:37

36:37

Benita Gordon was a longtime public school teacher who is now the founder of Miami MicroLearn Hub, a microschool focusing on rising 6th to rising 12th graders in South Florida opening this August. Benita also founded the educational consulting company, Global Education Concierge. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education tr…

1
284: Pioneering a New Way of Education! Insights from VELACon to Empower You as an Educational Entrepreneur Building Microschools and Nontraditional Education Models 34:21

1M ago34:21

34:21

We are so proud of you for stepping out into new frontiers, pioneering a new way of education. If you have yet to create your dream school, it's okay. We're here to support you along the way. On this journey, many educational entrepreneurs may feel isolated in their efforts to innovate within a traditional education system. Today, I'm sharing my ex…

1
Season 1 Top 10 | #9 Emotional Regulation and Gentle Parenting. A Conversation with KJ Althoff. 50:52

18d ago50:52

50:52

We're continuing summer break with #9 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. On this episode, Kaity and Adriane chat with KJ Althoff, Director of Content for Big Life Journal. This episode is all about navigating a child's emotions and how it can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves. KJ shares her insights into gentle parenting and fostering emoti…

1
Whole Foods Market co-founder John Mackey on entrepreneurship 49:40

1M ago49:40

49:40

John Mackey is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. In 2022, he stepped down from his 44 years as CEO of the natural and organic grocer. He is now launching a new startup, Love.Life. Mackey is the author of several books including the just-released The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism. *** Sign up for …

1
“It’s a virtually untapped market.” Why this former teacher and founder thinks we’re only at the beginning of the innovative education movement 40:27

1M ago40:27

40:27

In Stillwater, Minnesota, Amy Marotz launched Awakening Spirit microschool to serve the distinct needs of gifted and neurodiverse learners. After earning an education degree and teaching at a Minneapolis charter school early in her career, Amy began homeschooling her own children and saw a need for a dedicated program to address neurodiversity with…

1
283: What Season Are You In? Embracing Change In Your Teaching Journey and Stepping Into Leadership as a Microschooling Career 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

Do you know what season you are in? Have you been able to settle down yet as summer has slowly or quickly moved its way into your life? This episode takes you through thought-provoking questions to help you settle into this new time of your life, whether you've just left your teaching position, started your micro school, or are pivoting your homesc…

1
Season 1 Top 10 | #10 The Power of Agency. A Conversation with Ian Rowe 46:45

29d ago46:45

46:45

We're starting off the summer break with #10 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. Ever wondered how personal agency can transform lives? In Episode 11 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane welcome author and educational expert Ian Rowe. Ian, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, co-founder of Vertex Partnership Academies, and CEO of…

1
Unbundling education at the REALM in Santa Monica, CA 42:20

1M ago42:20

42:20

Jessica Slayback and Victoria Forsman launched the REALM, Redesigning Education And Living Meaningfully, in 2010 as a microschool with one student and since then they have served 3,000 students with both full-time and part-time learning options. Located in Santa Monica, California, REALM currently enrolls 134 students ages 4 to 14 each semester, wi…

1
“I need to serve children.” Former public school teacher Denice Dixon on becoming a school founder 40:41

2M ago40:41

40:41

Denice Dixon is a former public school special education teacher and founder of TREAD Academy, a K-12 microschool serving neurodivergent and neurotypical in Atlanta. Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.By Kerry McDonald

1
Announcing... Summer Break! Season 1 Recap & What's Next. 2:59

1M ago2:59

2:59

What if stepping out of your comfort zone could transform your life? As we wrap up the remarkable first season of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity and Adriane reflect on this incredible journey and the amazing guests who made it unforgettable. This season has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and meaningful conversations that have enriched not …

1
282: Summer Marketing Strategies for Microschool Success- Even When You are Juggling ALL OF THE MOTHERLY THINGS! 23:41

1M ago23:41

23:41

Welcome to our special summer series dedicated to marketing your microschool! In this episode, we dive into effective strategies to keep your marketing game strong during the bustling summer months. Whether you're juggling family vacations, summer camps, or preparing for the upcoming school year, we've got you covered with practical tips to make yo…

1
Utah’s first Wildflower Montessori microschool 27:53

2M ago27:53

27:53

Chip Reichanadter is an experienced Montessori educator and cofounder of Pinyon Montessori, a PreK-6 microschool in Salt Lake City that opened in November 2023 and is the first Wildflower Montessori school in Utah. Founded in 2014, Wildflower is a national network of dozens of teacher-owned Montessori microschools fostering child-centered learning.…

1
Why is this Christian microschool near Phoenix so popular? Former public school teacher Coby Aldana on founding Refresh Learning Center 39:37

2M ago39:37

39:37

Former public school teacher Coby Aldana is the founder of Refresh Learning Center, a Christian microschool for kindergarteners through high schoolers near Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in August 2023 and focuses on small classes and personalized learning. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.…

1
281: Balancing Motherhood and Building a Microschool: A Journey of Summer Resilience and Success 27:09

2M ago27:09

27:09

In this episode, recorded from the comfort of my car on a scorching day in Florida, I delve into the intricate dance of managing motherhood while building and growing a microschool. June 1st marks a pivotal moment as I share my personal experiences, strategies, and the emotional highs and lows that come with this dual journey. Discover how to balan…

1
Episode 50: Igniting Greatness. A Conversation with Howard Glasser. 1:09:26

2M ago1:09:26

1:09:26

What if you could change your children's lives for the better by simply shifting your focus? Howard Glasser, the brilliant mind behind the Nurtured Heart Approach, joins Kaity and Adriane for a milestone celebration on our 50th episode of The KindlED Podcast. In this special episode, we dive deep into the Nurtured Heart Approach and its transformat…

1
From a Montessori pod to three Acton Academy campuses: Virginia founder Jackie Hill 31:48

2M ago31:48

31:48

Jackie Hill is the founder of Acton Academy Hampton Roads in the southeast part of Virginia. A mom of 5 and a Montessori teacher, Jackie wanted a different educational experience for her own children. In 2008, she created a little Montessori learning pod in her living room that kept growing and growing and eventually evolved into a democratic schoo…

1
Magatte Wade on entrepreneurship and human flourishing 38:30

2M ago38:30

38:30

Magatte Wade is an entrepreneur and author renowned for her dynamic approach to business and her dedication to fostering economic development in Africa. Born in Senegal, Magatte is the founder and CEO of SkinIsSkin.com, a skincare company providing high-quality, ethically sourced products. Magatte’s entrepreneurial journey began with Adina World Be…

1
Episode 49: The Importance of Sleep. A Conversation with Lisa Lewis. 52:05

2M ago52:05

52:05

What if your teenager could excel in school and be happier and healthier, all by just getting more sleep? Lisa Lewis, a renowned parenting journalist, author, and advocate for adolescent sleep, joins Kaity & Adriane to explore the importance of sleep for teenagers' physical and mental well-being. Tune in to uncover how understanding and addressing …

1
280: Summer Strategy: Avoiding Burnout and Hire the Help You Need Even If You Don't Think You Can Afford It! My Greatest Lessons Learned and Easiest Ways to Get Started! 34:28

2M ago34:28

34:28

As you embark on the journey of building or growing your micro school, time management becomes a crucial factor. In today's episode, we delve into the challenges of balancing your dreams and responsibilities, especially as a mom with summer just around the corner. Learn from my past mistakes and discover the strategies that have empowered me to mak…

1
Why this new farm school is in such high demand 36:42

2M ago36:42

36:42

Located on beautiful 400-acre organic farm in Smyrna, Tennessee, about 20 miles outside of Nashville, Bloomsbury Farm School began in 2020 with one teacher, Kaiti Dewhirst Monroe, and five homeschooled children, including farmer Lauren Palmer’s own five-year-old. Today, it is a Reggio Emilia-inspired K-5 farm school, with additional parent-child pr…

1
Episode 48: Navigating the Teen Brain. A Conversation with Dr. Dean Burnett. 1:12:44

2M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

Have you ever wondered about the hidden mechanisms of the teenage brain and how understanding them can shape a more empathetic and supportive environment for our youth? Dean Burnett, a neuroscientist and author, joins Kaity & Adriane to delve into the complexities of adolescent brain development and the critical role of parental influence. What to …

1
The enduring legacy of the Alternative Education Resource Organization 40:08

2M ago40:08

40:08

Founded in 1989 by alternative education advocate Jerry Mintz, the Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO) continues to provide resources, support, and community for parents, teachers, and learners interested in alternatives to traditional schooling. AERO's Peter Berg joins me today to talk about the organization's enduring legacy and it…

1
279: Managing Day to Day Activities and Parent Engagement: 5 Tips and Practical Strategies To Build Positive Relationships to Support Your Microschool for Student Success! 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

You want to start a microschool and keep it growing and sustainable- not just financially but with positive relationships and support. You don't want to do all the heavy lifting yourself. But how can this be done with the responsibilities you have? Today we unravel 5 Tips to cultivating a strong, nurturing community within your micro school. This e…

1
Why one founder decided now is the time to launch a new school in Iowa 33:05

3M ago33:05

33:05

Robert Kimble is the founder of Dream Academy in Dubuque, Iowa. A project of the Dubuque Dream Center, an afterschool program that Kimble cofounded in 2013, Dream Academy is opening this August as a faith-based, K-7 private school with plans to grow through high school by 2029. More than 50 students have already enrolled, and all are attending tuit…

1
Corey DeAngelis on The Parent Revolution 29:26

2M ago29:26

29:26

Corey DeAngelis is a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children and a visiting fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. He is the author of the new book—out today—entitled: The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends …

1
278: Mastering Time Abundance: Transforming Teacher Time Poverty in Your Microschool for Sustainable Growth ! 24:04

2M ago24:04

24:04

Teacher Time Poverty could be having detrimental effects on your micro-schooling efforts, therefore, today we will discuss strategic ways to break free from it! Uncover the downsides of operating solo in education entrepreneurship, such as reactive decisions and short-lived solutions. Shift your mindset from time poverty to time abundance. Harness …

1
Episode 47: Non-violent Communication. A Conversation with Morris H. Ervin Jr. 1:05:00

3M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Have you ever wondered how the way we communicate can transform our relationships and communities? Morris H. Ervin Jr., an expert in Non-Violent Communication (NVC), joins Kaity & Adriane to explore the profound impact of empathy and honest expression in building meaningful connections. What to listen for: What is Non-Violent Communication (NVC), a…

1
Unschooling at The Dandelion Project, where learner agency is key 40:26

3M ago40:26

40:26

Hannah Mackey and Lauren Umlauf are former teachers who cofounded The Dandelion Project, an unschooling community in Philadelphia that offers daytime programming for homeschoolers as well as after school programs and summer camps that emphasize self-directed education. They also do homeschooling evaluations for homeschoolers throughout Pennsylvania…

1
Blending neurodiversity & learner-driven education at Acton Academy Red Rock 44:24

3M ago44:24

44:24

Amy Novak is a former teacher who in 2021 launched Acton Academy Red Rock in southern Nevada. Acton Academy Red Rock is part of the fast-growing Acton Academy network of learner-driven microschools that was founded in 2009 and now includes more than 300 schools serving thousands of learners. Amy's program is intentionally inclusive of neurodiverse …

1
277: Top Tips for A Positive Marketing Mindset in Your Microschool! Attracting More Students by Creating Effective Marketing Plans and Strategies 27:46

3M ago27:46

27:46

We all know the feeling of desperation, fear, doubt and questioning whether our idea or program will actually attract and retain students. This can be such a paralyzing fear that we potentially never start what we set out to do! Our desire is to help you cultivate an abundance mindset and believe that with the right marketing strategies, attracting…

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Microschools Podcasts

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