How microschools are sharing instructors and building community across the US
Dec 31, 2024
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Sara Casey Taleff, founder of Cottonwood Communities, and Jenna Hill, co-founder of CASCO Learning, discuss the microschool movement and their new initiative, CoLearnCo, aimed at fostering community. They share insights on the evolution of microschools, highlighting their focus on self-directed, project-based learning. The conversation also explores how technology enhances personalized education, connects families, and builds community engagement. Listeners will be intrigued by their vision of creating a cohesive online learning environment.
Microschools are rapidly expanding in response to demand for flexible, personalized education while striving to maintain community engagement and core values.
The creation of CoLearnCo as a virtual campus for microschools highlights the importance of collaboration and connections between students across various locations.
Deep dives
Growth of Micro Schools
Micro schools are experiencing significant growth and adaptation to meet the needs of families. For instance, one micro school started with 12 learners and has expanded to nearly 50 in just five years, demonstrating a pressing demand for flexible learning models. These institutions continue to navigate the challenge of scaling while maintaining their core values of personalized education and community engagement. Notably, they are exploring options for expanding physical spaces without compromising the small, intimate learning environment that makes them unique.
Innovative Virtual Learning
The establishment of CoLearnCo represents an innovative approach to creating a virtual campus for micro schools, designed to foster connections among students across different locations. By leveraging a digital platform modeled after physical learning spaces, it provides opportunities for peer interaction and collaborative projects across communities. This allows students to engage with a larger network while maintaining personalized learning experiences. The virtual campus enables educators to share their expertise, enriching the learning environment for all participants.
Community and Collaboration
The emphasis on community and collaboration is paramount to the success of micro schools and platforms like CoLearnCo. These networks provide students the chance to build relationships with peers beyond their immediate surroundings, which is particularly important for older students seeking larger social circles. The initiative also highlights the value of in-person meetups and immersive experiences, strengthening connections among learners and fostering a sense of belonging. This community-driven approach attracts families seeking an educational environment that combines personalized learning with broader social opportunities.
Sara Casey Taleff has been involved in education for more than 20 years, working in public schools in New York City as well as at the state Department of Education in Montana. For the last 10 years, Sara has lived between Montana and New York creating innovative learning environments. She founded and directs the nonprofit, Cottonwood, which operates learning centers Helena and Brooklyn.
Jenna Hill is an experienced Montessori educator and co-founder of CASCO Learning, a microschool in St. Louis, Missouri. We had Jenna’s microschool cofounder Maria Casco on the show back in 2022 to talk about her founding journey.
Jenna and Sara are working to create CoLearnCo, an interactive virtual campus that aims to connect microschools and build community.
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