How One Missouri Mom Created A Microschool Serving 200 Students
Jan 10, 2025
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Kate Brockmeyer, founder of Off the Page Co-Learning, shares her journey of establishing a successful microschool in Missouri that serves nearly 200 students. She discusses the rise in homeschooling and microschooling since the pandemic, the importance of personalized learning, and innovative programs like career and technical education for teens. Kate highlights the role of community engagement and adaptability in her school's growth and emphasizes the entrepreneurial spirit needed to thrive in educational entrepreneurship.
The founder of Off the Page Co-Learning recognized the need for a flexible educational model that empowers students' individuality and creativity.
The microschool's rapid expansion showcases a growing demand for alternative education options that emphasize hands-on learning and parental involvement.
Deep dives
The Journey to Alternative Education
The importance of re-evaluating traditional education methods is highlighted through the journey of a parent who transitioned from conventional schooling to a microschool environment. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for this shift, exposing the limitations of the existing schooling system, particularly in how it fostered a lack of agency and individuality among students. In seeking new opportunities for her children, the founder of Off the Page Co-Learning recognized the need for a more flexible and responsive educational model that met the unique needs of each child. By advocating for freedom of choice and creating a collaborative learning environment, she paved the way for a transformative educational experience dedicated to personal growth and innovation.
Innovative Learning Approaches
The microschool employs a hands-on, project-based approach to education, allowing students the freedom to explore their interests and develop their skills outside of traditional curricula. Parents play a collaborative role in the learning environment, which emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application over standardized testing. Programs such as career and technical education provide practical experiences, combining academic subjects with essential life skills. This environment nurtures students' passions and encourages them to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering confidence and self-discovery.
Growth and Community Building
From its inception, the microschool has rapidly expanded, attracting families seeking alternative education options that align with their values and needs. Strategies such as social media engagement and community outreach have contributed to its growth, allowing the school to build connections with homeschooling families and promote its unique offerings. The school now serves nearly 200 students, demonstrating a significant shift in parental interest in alternative educational models post-pandemic. The founder emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive community where families can share resources and experiences, enhancing the learning journey for everyone involved.
Meeting the Needs of Boys in Education
The discussion underscores the growing awareness of how traditional educational systems often fail to meet the needs of boys, leading to disengagement and low self-esteem. The microschool aims to provide a solution by tailoring its curriculum and teaching strategies specifically to address these challenges, emphasizing hands-on learning and emotional support. Students have reported significant improvements in their confidence and ability to tackle new challenges since transitioning from conventional classrooms. By fostering a nurturing environment that values individuality and collaboration, the microschool stands out as a beacon of hope for families seeking a path that honors and empowers their children.
Kate Brockmeyer is the founder of Off the Page Co-Learning, a microschool located just outside of St. Louis, Missouri that now serves nearly 200 students, ages 4 to 17. Kate launched her microschool in the fall of 2022 and has seen the program’s popularity soar since then. She’s attentive to the needs and wants of the homeschooling families she serves, and is continually adding and adapting programming, including introducing a new career and technical education (CTE) program for teens 13 and up.
