Best Microschools Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 374: How To Market When You're Shy: A Real Talk and 5 Tips for Introverted & Neurodivergent Microschool Founders 17:44

3d ago17:44

17:44

I used to freeze at the thought of “marketing my school.” I’m not naturally outgoing. I’ve always been more of a behind-the-scenes, let-me-do-the-work-in-peace kind of woman. And for a long time, I thought that meant I wasn’t cut out to grow a successful microschool. All I kept hearing was: “You need to network more,” “You need to post every day,” …

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“So many parents don’t feel listened to.” From middle school math teacher to microschool founder 38:42

9d ago38:42

38:42

Today’s guest is Joanna Cervantez, founder of A Fuller Education Microschool just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which she launched in the fall 2024. Joanna has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education and began her career as a middle school math teacher in inner-city Los Angeles, later teaching in a school for an orphanage in El S…

1
Pedro Bermudez Made $1 Million on Amazon - Here's His Exact Blueprint 55:42

7h ago55:42

55:42

Send us a text Join Rob Pene as he sits down with Amazon FBA expert Pedro Bermudez to explore the dynamic world of e-commerce and selling on Amazon. This comprehensive discussion covers everything from the fundamentals of Amazon's Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program to navigating the challenges of tariffs, product sourcing, and building a sustainab…

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From former elementary school teacher to Phoenix faith-based learning pod founder 40:22

5d ago40:22

40:22

Deja Hillis is the founder of Faithscape Learning Pod, a faith-based K-5 microschool in Casa Grande, Arizona, near Phoenix, which she launched in August 2024. An early elementary school teacher for nearly a decade, Deja has a passion for literacy education and is the author of four children’s books. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsle…

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Ep 373: Feeling Lonely as a Microschool Founder? How to Ask for Help, Build Support Systems, and Stop Carrying the Weight Alone—Even When You Don’t Know Where to Begin 20:02

6d ago20:02

20:02

There were so many days I felt completely alone. I didn’t even know how to ask for help—because I didn’t know what kind of help I needed. I just knew I couldn’t keep doing everything by myself. Maybe you're in that place too. You’re carrying the vision. You’re showing up for everyone else. But deep down, you’re tired… and wondering who’s showing up…

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Down But Never Out: A Journey Through Trauma, Growth, and Human Connection with Amber Fuhriman 38:37

6d ago38:37

38:37

Send us a text Amber Fuhriman: Success Architect, Author, Speaker, Attorney Website: successdevelopmentsolutions.com Social Media: @AmberrayFuhriman (all platforms) Podcast: Break Your Bullshit Box Episode Highlights The Netflix Special Question (1:00) Amber opens up about her challenging year, describing it as "Down But Never Out" - a raw look at …

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Neal Thakkar Lost $10 Million Overnight And His Comeback Strategy Will Shock You 36:52

8d ago36:52

36:52

Send us a text From $10M to Bankruptcy: The Raw Truth About Losing Everything Neal Thakkar built a $10 million supplement company, then lost it all overnight. Bankruptcy, 40 creditors, living at his parents' house at 31. But his comeback strategy will change how you think about failure forever. What You'll Learn: Why being your own worst enemy keep…

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Ep 372: Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment- Letting Go and Letting Others Lead 23:45

10d ago23:45

23:45

Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment As a microschool or homeschool hybrid leader, you’re not just teaching—you’re building a movement. And one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools in your toolkit? Events. Whether you’re welcoming new families, showcasing student w…

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From math teacher to hybrid school founder in Louisiana 34:42

12d ago34:42

34:42

Today's guest is Kate Lundquist, founder and principal of Northshore Prep Academy. A former public high school math and physics teacher, Kate opened her secular K-8 hybrid school in Mandeville, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, in 2015. Today, Northshore Prep Academy has 75 students enrolled. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter …

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Ep 371: From Lonely to Thriving: How to Build a Microschool Community To Decrease Overwhlem and Increase Results (Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start) 28:47

13d ago28:47

28:47

Feeling alone in your microschool journey? Whether you're just starting or several years in, building a microschool community can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, I’m sharing how I went from homeschooling a few students in my living room to leading a thriving micros…

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Revolutionizing PR And The Rise of Raptor with Austin Holmes 27:11

15d ago27:11

27:11

Send us a text In this conversation, Rob Pene interviews Austin Holmes, co-founder of Signal Raptor, a PR agency that aims to make public relations more accessible and efficient. Austin shares insights into his journey from the Navy to the PR industry, the innovative strategies his agency employs, and the importance of community and relationships i…

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From physician to founder, with Barbara Jauregui Wurst of Acton Academy Falls Church 32:48

16d ago32:48

32:48

Today's guest is Barbara Jauregui Wurst, a medical doctor and adjunct professor at George Washington University who cofounded Acton Academy Falls Church in Northern Virginia in 2021. Read Courage To Grow by Acton Academy cofounder, Laura Sandefer. Check out this new article at our Education Entrepreneurship Lab by a recent graduate of an Acton Acad…

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Ep 370: Introducing The Microschool Marketing Blueprint! A Course Designed To Attract, Enroll, and Grow Your Educational Program. A Foundational Marketing Course Designed Just For YOU! 33:07

17d ago33:07

33:07

You didn’t start your microschool to become a marketing expert… But without students, your vision can’t grow. 💔 If you’re unsure how to get the word out, or you’ve tried everything from social media to word-of-mouth with little return, you are not alone—and you are exactly who I created the Microschool Marketing Blueprint for. In today’s episode, I…

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Chris Bolger Was Homeless. 24 Hours Later, He Made $11K Using This. 1:07:19

18d ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Send us a text What if your biggest breakthrough isn’t in a book, a guru, or a new habit... but already inside your head? In this raw, unfiltered episode, Rob sits down with longtime friend Chris Bolger, a world-record-breaking hypnotherapist and mental performance advisor to CEOs, elite sales teams, and everyday people ready for more. Chris shares…

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Pre-launch plans: A former special education teacher prepares to open a new school 24:08

19d ago24:08

24:08

Today's guest is Cassandra Orozco, the founder of Beacon of Hope Academy, a faith-based microschool serving K–5th grade students with special needs in Lake Worth, Florida, set to open this fall. As a certified special education teacher with experience in both charter and private schools, Cassandra is passionate about reimagining education to better…

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Ep 369: Struggling to Find Students in a Small Town? How Becky McNichols Built a Thriving Microschool Business from Her Basement While Homeschooling in Rural Kansas 53:23

20d ago53:23

53:23

Can you really start a microschool in a rural town, homeschool your own kids, and grow an online business—all at the same time? Let me introduce you to Becky McNichols, a former public school teacher from a small town in rural Kansas. After stepping away from the traditional classroom to homeschool her two children, Becky didn’t stop there. She tra…

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Alexandra Batista Rodriguez on creating a microschool for students with special needs 44:02

23d ago44:02

44:02

By Kerry McDonald

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Ep 368: Struggling to Find Students? How Florida Teacher-Turned-Microschool Founder Lori Rubel Grew Bloom Beautiful Academy Into a Thriving Homeschool Hybrid With The Microschool Marketing Blueprint 53:48

24d ago53:48

53:48

If you’ve ever thought: “I know I’m called to this work… but why aren’t families enrolling?”—you are not alone. In today’s powerful episode, I’m introducing you to Lori Rubel, a former teacher and now the successful founder of Bloom Beautiful Academy, a growing microschool and homeschool hybrid in Florida. Lori didn’t start with a marketing degree.…

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Why a former public school teacher launched an Ohio Acton Academy 36:44

26d ago36:44

36:44

Today’s guest is Sara James, a former public school teacher who founded Spark Christian Academy, an Acton Academy affiliate in Harrison, Ohio, near Cincinnati, in 2022. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.By Kerry McDonald

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Ep 367: Marketing in the Unknown: Why You Can’t Wait for Certainty to Grow Your Microschool 27:34

27d ago27:34

27:34

Are you holding back on growing your microschool because you don’t have all the answers yet? In this episode of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, I’m diving into the reality every founder faces—uncertainty. If you’re stuck waiting for a “perfect time” to market, this episode will give you the clarity and push you need to take the next bold step. I’m sh…

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An Apogee Network Micro-High School Takes Root in Texas 37:55

1M ago37:55

37:55

Today’s guest is Sarah Pevehouse, founder of Apogee Dripping Springs Micro High School in Dripping Springs, Texas, west of Austin, which she launched in 2024. With a background in Waldorf and alternative education, Sarah has served as a teacher, administrator, and enrollment director, shaping real-world learning experiences for students. She has ta…

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Ep 366: The Marketing Mistakes I Made, the Organizational Systems That Saved Me, and How to Avoid Burnout Before You Even Begin 30:44

1M ago30:44

30:44

Are you a teacher or parent building a microschool or homeschool hybrid? Overwhelmed by all the tasks, struggling to stay organized, and unsure how to market your school effectively? You're not alone — and this episode is for you. 🎯 In this powerful episode of the Summer of Clarity series, I’m opening up about the real marketing mistakes I made in …

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Why more families of color are choosing homeschooling, with Homeschool Our Way founder, Elan Page 43:12

1M ago43:12

43:12

Today's guest is Elan Page, the founder of Homeschool Our Way based in Dallas, Texas. She created Homeschool Our Way in 2023 to help other families of color avoid the overwhelm she had experienced in starting something new. Homeschool Our Way offers a weekly podcast, an online course called the Homeschool Launch Blueprint, homeschool coaching servi…

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Ep 365: You’re Not a Salesperson, but You Still Need Students! How the Microschool Marketing Blueprint Will Change Everything 34:30

1M ago34:30

34:30

Are you a teacher, homeschool hybrid leader, or microschool founder who feels overwhelmed by marketing your school? You’re not alone—and you don’t need to become a full-time marketer to attract the right families. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the real, raw struggles of building a microschool from the ground up—juggling curriculum, enroll…

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A longtime Florida hybrid homeschool founder reflects on today’s innovative education movement 41:25

1M ago41:25

41:25

Today's guest is Ali Kaufman, a longtime education entrepreneur who began offering tutoring services more than two decades ago and has since built a thriving hybrid homeschool program, Space of Mind, in Delray Beach, Florida that today serves dozens of K-12 students with both full-time and part-time enrollment options. *** Sign up for Kerry's free,…

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Ep 364: Getting Financial Flow: From Financial Fog to Freedom! How Microschool Leaders Can Build Systems That Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Create Sustainable Growth 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

Let’s talk about money—but not in a scary or overwhelming way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I went from financially winging it (and praying the numbers would work) to building a microschool with clear, sustainable financial systems. If you’re a microschool founder, homeschool h…

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Public microschooling gains popularity and support 40:13

1M ago40:13

40:13

Today's guest is George Philhower, Superintendent of the Eastern Hancock Public Schools in rural Charlottesville, Indiana, who is launching and leading the new Indiana Microschool Collaborative, a non-profit network designed to bring the microschooling model into the public education system. Read more about public microschooling in Kerry's latest F…

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Ep 363: When the Building Sells! Legalities 101! How Legalities affect Your Finances! Your First Steps as a Microschool Leader Matter More Than You Think 28:41

1M ago28:41

28:41

Starting a microschool—or even thinking about it—can feel like walking into the unknown. And in May, when reflection, burnout, transition, and anticipation collide, those feelings get amplified. In this episode, I’m sharing the raw, behind-the-scenes truth about what it’s like to start something from scratch as a teacher-turned-entrepreneur. If you…

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A former public school teacher launches a new Mississippi microschool 41:13

1M ago41:13

41:13

Nefertiti Harris is a former public school teacher, mom of five, and founder of Empowered Prep Academy, a microschool located in Jackson, Mississippi for students in grades 3-12 who desire a flexible and more individualized learning environment. As a certified special education teacher, Nefertiti focuses specifically on helping dyslexic students an…

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Ep 362: If You’re Doubting, Dreaming, or Barely Holding On: Why Your First Steps as a Microschool Leader Matter More Than You Think (And How to Keep Going When It Feels Impossible) 17:43

1M ago17:43

17:43

May has always felt sacred to me. It's the bridge between everything I’ve poured into this school year and the dream that’s still unfolding for the next. And if you’re listening today feeling like you’re doubting, dreaming, or barely holding on… I see you. I’ve been you. And this episode is for you. When I started my microschool, I didn’t have a bl…

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Encouraging new educational models in New Hampshire 38:03

2M ago38:03

38:03

Today's guest is Jody Underwood, the founder and president of EdOpt, a platform offering information, support, and connections to New Hampshire families who want to explore their education options. Jody has spent most of her professional life involved in education, including getting a Ph.D. in science and technology education to complement her Mast…

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Ep 361: Why May Planning is the Secret to a Peaceful First Month of School: How Early Planning Sets Microschool Leaders and Homeschool Founders Up for a Stress-Free August 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

May is more than a season of endings—it’s the foundation for your next beginning. If you're a microschool founder, homeschool hybrid leader, or education entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed about next year, this episode will change the way you approach your summer. In today's conversation, Makenzie Oliver shares why May is the most strategic month to …

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Exploring alternatives to college 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

My guest today is Connor Boyack, founder of the Libertas Network, prolific author, creator of the wildly popular Tuttle Twins book series, and now the new president of Praxis, the decade-old apprenticeship preparation and placement program that the Libertas Network recently acquired. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education en…

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Ep 360: How to Manage May Money Panic: Smart Enrollment and Financial Strategies for Microschool Leaders 16:33

2M ago16:33

16:33

May brings a perfect storm of reflection, burnout, transition—and for many microschool founders, serious financial pressure. If you're staring at your re-enrollment numbers, worrying about tuition gaps, or scrambling to figure out summer revenue strategies, this episode is for you. In this practical and encouraging conversation, Makenzie Oliver sha…

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Cayleb Pletos Is The Painting Contractor Marketing Expert 22:40

2M ago22:40

22:40

Send us a text Caleb shares his journey from "glorified freelancer" to business leader, discussing the challenges of building a team and letting go of control. He explains how his agency niched down to exclusively serve painting contractors after noticing their success in this space. Key insights: Personal growth directly impacts business growth Le…

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Who needs college and who doesn’t, with author Kathleen deLaski 45:49

2M ago45:49

45:49

Today's guest is Kathleen deLaski, author of the thought-provoking new book: Who Needs College Anymore? Imagining A Future Where Degrees Won’t Matter. Kathleen spent 20 years as a journalist, including time as an ABC News White House correspondent. In the second half of her career, she has focused on education reform, cofounding or founding several…

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Ep 359: How to Build a Thriving Microschool Without Burning Out: Systems Every Founder Needs Before August to Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Lead with Confidence 21:21

2M ago21:21

21:21

Are you exhausted from trying to do it all in your microschool or homeschool hybrid? You love what you’ve built—but you’re realizing that your dream is starting to feel like a burden. This episode is for the teacher-turned-founder who’s drowning in leadership, overwhelmed by logistics, and ready to build a microschool that runs with systems—not str…

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A former public school teacher shares why she launched a Virginia microschool 38:30

2M ago38:30

38:30

Today's guest is Crystal Goins, a mom of 5 and founder of Heartwise Scholars Microschool in Chesapeake, Virginia. A public school teacher for over 13 years, Crystal joined the Kaipod Catalyst microschool accelerator program to help get her microschool off the ground, and opened her microschool last August. She shares insights and information for pa…

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Ep 358: The Dream is Still Alive (Even If You’re Doubting Everything) Feeling Doubt at the End of the School Year? Why You’re Not Failing—You’re Growing 21:55

2M ago21:55

21:55

May is a whirlwind — filled with reflection, burnout, celebration, transitions, and anticipation. And if you’re feeling a wave of doubt about your school, your vision, or your leadership right now — you’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’m opening up about one of the hardest Mays in my journey building Lighthouse Learning Microschool. Sitting in m…

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Since 2013, the Agile Learning Centers (ALC) network has been a leader in self-directed education 47:26

2M ago47:26

47:26

My guest today is Tomis Parker, cofounder of the Agile Learning Centers (ALC) network that launched more than a decade ago. Since 2014, Tomis has led business operations at ALC Mosaic in Charlotte, North Carolina, and he recently founded a new project called Prism, which is a web application designed to make it easier to document and communicate th…

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Ep 357: I’m a Tired Teacher, But I’m Not Done: How to End the School Year with Peace, Not Panic 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

May is emotional — filled with reflection, burnout, celebration, transitions, and anticipation. And if you’re a teacher, school leader, or microschool founder, chances are you’re feeling all of that at once right now. Today, we’re diving into how to finish your year with purpose — without losing your peace. Have you ever looked up in May and though…

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How two homeschool moms created a North Carolina microschool 41:55

2M ago41:55

41:55

Today's guests are Laura Greene and Angela Ruth, cofounders of Harmony Homeschool Academy, a secular homeschool hybrid solution for middle and high school students in the greater Raleigh-Durham-Cary, North Carolina area. Laura is a licensed psychologist with a background in school psychology. She is also a homeschool parent. Angela is also a homesc…

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356: How to Delegate Curriculum Planning and Teaching in Your Microschool: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Systems, Training a Team, and Scaling Instruction Without Burnout 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

Are you still teaching every subject, every grade, every day in your microschool? Whether you're just starting out and feel overwhelmed, ready to bring in an assistant, or completely done with teaching and ready to build a team—this episode is your roadmap. If you’ve ever thought: 👉 “How do I hand off teaching to someone else?” 👉 “What if my new hi…

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From Broken to Thriving with a Microschool with Jenna Ditsch 32:01

2M ago32:01

32:01

Join me as we listen to the heartfelt story of Jenna Ditsch. The trials, testimony and redemption of a dream. Stay tuned in for the creation of a school like no other! in this episode: Listen to Jenna's Story Connect with her Learning Studio Approach to microschool Learn about her multi-age classroom and how she utilizes her volunteer parents About…

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The enduring popularity of homeschooling among US military families 49:09

2M ago49:09

49:09

Natalie Mack is a homeschooling mom of 5 children who has been serving military homeschooling families for more than two decades. Her husband is a US Navy chaplain who recently retired after 34 years of service. Through her business, Natalie Mack LLC, she offers consultations to homeschoolers. She is also the founder of the nonprofit Military Homes…

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355: Why You Keep Changing Curriculum: How to Teach Multiple Grade Levels Without Chaos Using Layered Tasks, Adaptive Learning Tools, and Multi-Age Curriculum Systems That Actually Work 26:26

2M ago26:26

26:26

Have you changed your curriculum more times than you can count? Do you find yourself saying: “This just isn’t working...” “Maybe I need something different...” “What if this new one is the right fit?” If that’s you, this episode is going to give you clarity and peace of mind. You’re not flaky. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just trying to make i…

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A retired education entrepreneur shares tips for new school founders 52:07

2M ago52:07

52:07

David Jackson is an entrepreneur and longtime executive director and president and CEO of Fairmont Schools, a large, secular private school located in Orange County, California serving students in preschool through 12th grade. Fairmont was founded in 1953 by Kenneth Holt, David’s stepfather, and then David joined the school in a leadership role in …

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354: How to Choose Curriculum for Your Microschool: A Step-by-Step Guide for Public and Private School Teachers Transitioning to Multi-Age Teaching and Building Their Own Education Model 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

Are you a teacher thinking about starting your own microschool or homeschool hybrid—but stuck in a swirl of fear and curriculum overwhelm? You're not alone. One of the biggest questions teachers ask when leaving public or private education is: “How do I know what curriculum to use in a microschool?” “What if I mess it up?” “I’ve only taught one gra…

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Episode 66: Raising Kids With Purpose. A Conversation with Adriane Thompson. 1:02:22

2M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Adriane Thompson, founder of Raising Kids With Purpose, shares her transformative journey from controlling parenting to creating an environment that meets children's developmental needs through intentional family culture. • Shifting from viewing parenting as controlling children to understanding and meeting their developmental needs • Creating stro…

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A Florida farm-based, faith-filled Acton Academy 35:10

3M ago35:10

35:10

Today's guest is Michael Bonifacio, the founder of Acton Academy Estero in Fort Myers, Florida. Part of the global Acton Academy network of learner-driven schools, Acton Academy Estero operates on a 32-acre working farm. It opened in January 2024 with 9 learners, and today has over 40—with more than 60 students projected for this fall. *** Sign up …

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