Episode 87: Innovating From Within: Public Microschools. A Conversation with Victoria Andrews.

We explore how joy, autonomy, and real-world experiences transform learning from third grade to high school, and how microschools inside and alongside public systems meet students where they are. Victoria Andrews shares the question that changed her career and the playbook that’s guiding leaders forward.

• third grade classrooms built on autonomy, stations, and projects
• high schoolers engaged through internships, externships, and community partners
• logistics and impact of running a hundred field trips in a year
• exposure as a driver of curiosity, confidence, and purpose
• the catalytic pause after being asked do you love it
• building and supporting microschools as responsive community tools
• public district partnerships, declining enrollment, and agile design
• student dignity, choice, and culturally relevant practices
• historical roots of microschools in indigenous and freedom schools
• practical ways educators can propose microschools within districts

About our guest
Victoria recently served as the Assistant Director for an International Baccalaureate School and guided students and staff through virtual and in person learning. Previously, she served as a Dean at Energy Institute High School, a magnet school with a project-based learning focus on energy. Here, Victoria paired students with summer programs based on their unique interests, developed an internship program for multiple grade levels, created experiential learning opportunities, coordinated field trips, and worked closely with the community and industry partners. Victoria is passionate about serving as a connector and collaborator for underrepresented communities while supporting unique learning environments. 

Connect with Victoria
Victoria Andrews
Getting Smart Microschools Initiative

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About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

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We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!

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