National Microschooling Center's Thursday Bulletin
Hello Microschooling Community!
As we commemorate Independence Day, we remember that one of America's greatest strengths has always been the willingness of ordinary people to build extraordinary things. When communities see a need, they don't wait for permission to solve it. Local leaders roll up their sleeves, gather their neighbors, and create. It’s these local leaders that shape our country, these are the local leaders that communities look to for guidance.
That same spirit is alive in the microschool movement.
Across the country, founders are local leaders designing learning environments that reflect the unique strengths, values, and dreams of the families they serve. They're proving that innovation happens everywhere. Sometimes it starts around a kitchen table, in a church basement, inside a storefront, or in a small classroom with a big vision.
Every new microschool is a reminder that educational freedom is not only about having choices for children, it's about local leaders having the opportunity to create a solution that didn't exist before.
In this edition: A look at microschooling in Arkansas, Microschools and competitive sports, Google Workspace for Education licenses available, Back to Microschooling night and more!
Microschools in the News
As Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts program enters its fourth year, participation is soaring. So too are innovative, nontraditional schooling options, as ourDon Soifer and EdChoice’s State Policy Director Cooper Conway write in The Center Square. “Arkansas’ EFA program has allowed families to choose high quality education with fewer barriers and restrictions,” they quote Ar’Jillian Gilmer, founder of Foundation Christian Microschool in Pulaski County describing. “That's what students and families love about the freedom to choose microschooling as an extension of homeschool.”
Kerry McDonald’s latest Forbes column, “Why More Microschools Are Building Sports Teams,” discusses microschools offering competitive sports teams. She highlights Expression Prep Academy in Huntington, West Virginia, a microschool which has emerged a basketball powerhouse in a region where high school basketball enjoys massive popularity, and The Forest School, an Acton Academy and The Forest School Online where students compete in volleyball and basketball.
What is your favorite Center resource?
Listen in as our CEO, Don Soifer, and members of the National Microschooling Center team share out about their favorite Center resources available to prelaunch and currently operating microschool founders across the country.
Google Workspace for Education
Have you been trying to get Google Workspace for Education? We have heard this need loud and clear and for the second year in a row, we are partnering with Educational Collaborators (an authorized third party reseller) to bring you access to managed Google licenses! In addition, Educational Collaborators also offer the option to lease devices!
Take a look at the informational slideshereand the FAQhere.
The enrollment window is now open, if you are interested in learning more, purchasing these licenses or leasing devices pleasefill out this information formASAP to connect with a member of the Educational Collaborators team.
Please note, this offer is valid for Center members only. Have questions about membership?Take a look here!
Back to Microschooling Night!
Join Don and Ashley on Thursday, July 16 at 4:00 PM PT for an exclusive look at the trends reshaping the microschool movement. Discover what today's founders are doing differently, where the movement is headed next, and the strategies that can help you start the school year with confidence.
Whether you're opening your doors for the first time, preparing for another successful year, or simply curious about the future of education, this is one session you won't want to miss.
Access Point: All the Need-to-Know info about Learning Tools and Providers
The Access Point Catalog
Have you checked out the Access Point catalog yet? This is your go-to for learning tools and providers. Search for the tools you need and then connect with our team to learn more!
Virtual: National Microschooling Center: Sneak Peak: Monday, July 6th | 4pm PT/7pm ET
Whether you are currently operating, planning to launch, or dreaming of launching in a year or two, the National Microschooling Center is here to provide you with the support and resources you need to succeed - not to mention the invaluable community of fellow founders. Join our Zoom with Dr. Erin Flynn to hear everything we have to offer you!
Virtual Office Hours, Currently Operating Founders: Thursday, July 9th | 3pm PT/6pm ET
Join Alex for monthly conversations about struggles, joys, and other general support for running your microschool. We can all work together to suggest resources, celebrate wins, and create a nationwide community of school leaders.
Virtual: Using AirTable to Track Learner Progress: Wednesday, July 15th | 8am PT/11am ET
Join the Center's Chief Program Officer, Katie Elliott, to learn more about the ways to use AirTable to track and organize learner data and tell your microschool's impact story.
Virtual Texas Microschools Zoom Meetup: Wednesday, July 15th | 3pm PT/6pm ET
Join founders from across Texas to connect, ask Texas-specific questions and share resources. Contact Dr. Erin Flynn at erin@microschoolingcenter.org to learn more.
Have a question? Want to share an idea or resource? We love hearing from you, reach out any time!
Ashley & Don Soifer
and the team of the National Microschooling Center
