LiberatED Podcast

Tonya Kipe was an elementary school teacher in Florida public schools for over a decade before launching Kipe Academy, a microschool in Polk City, Florida. She grew her microschool from one student in January 2024 to 26 students today, including those with special learning needs. Read more about Tonya's microschool in Kerry's latest article at The 74. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.   

Today's guest is Latoya Nelson, founder of The Attuned Community School, a hybrid homeschool program in Warner Robins, Georgia. Latoya is an experienced educator who taught in public schools and charter schools for over a decade. She has been especially interested in working with children in foster care, as well as adoptive families. Latoya launched her microschool in August 2022 after participating in the KaiPod Catalyst microschool accelerator program.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

Ashley Soifer and Dawn Soifer, co-founders of the National Microschooling Center, share their insights on the rapidly evolving world of microschools. The duo discusses how their initiative started as a response to educational challenges during the pandemic and has since grown to over 1,300 microschools nationwide. They highlight innovative ways these schools measure student success beyond traditional metrics and delve into how changing regulations are shaping educational choices. Expect predictions on the future impact of microschooling in 2025!

Giselle McClymont knew from second grade that she wanted to be a teacher. She went on to earn an education degree in college and taught in Florida’s Broward County public elementary schools for six years before leaving the system in 2022 to be a stay-at-home-mom with plans to homeschool her daughter. A year later, she learned about microschools and was hooked. Giselle soon launched Tree Stars Learning, a microschool in West Sunrise, Florida. She is now in the process of opening a second location in Coral Springs. Read more about Giselle's entrepreneurial journey in Kerry's latest article at The 74. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.  

Susan Hawes, the founder and Executive Director of Insight Colearning, shares her transformative journey of establishing a learner-centered micro-high school in Durham, North Carolina. She highlights the impact of North Carolina's universal school choice program, emphasizing how state scholarships have enhanced accessibility for families. The discussion covers the challenges of transitioning from homeschooling to a recognized school, the importance of community relationships, and practical advice for aspiring school founders entering the micro-schooling landscape.

Coi Morefield, founder of The Lab School of Memphis and Microschool Masters, shares her insights on professional development for microschool educators. She discusses the strengths of microschools and the crucial need for tailored training to support teachers making the transition from traditional classrooms. Coi introduces her initiative that offers self-paced, online courses, emphasizing the importance of adapting teaching practices. The conversation highlights innovative recruitment strategies, compliance training, and the potential future of microschools.

Melanie Leone, a former public school teacher with a Master’s in Educational Leadership, now runs the Anchor Center for Learning, a microschool in Ohio. She shares her journey from public education to founding a school that embraces student autonomy and personalized learning. Melanie discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, her experiences with educational transformations, and how community engagement has been vital for her school's growth. She highlights the importance of adaptability in education and reflects on her fulfillment as a founder.

Tyler Thigpen, co-founder and CEO of The Forest School and a leader in self-directed learning, dives into transformative education practices. He shares his journey from teaching Spanish to advocating for environments that foster learner autonomy. The discussion highlights the evolution of Acton Academy, showcasing collaborative methods that empower student agency. Thigpen emphasizes innovative models like mastery-based transcripts and addresses the growing demand for alternative education, urging teachers to embrace personalized approaches for deeper learning.

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.

Melissa Borkowski, co-founder of Acton Studios of Rochester, dives into the world of learner-driven education. She shares her journey of launching a new school inspired by personal experiences and the challenges of the pandemic. Melissa discusses regulatory hurdles faced in New York, emphasizing community collaboration in overcoming obstacles. The conversation highlights Acton Academy's innovative educational model, focusing on empowering students through critical thinking and accountability, while fostering a supportive network among micro schools.