National Microschooling Center's Thursday Bulletin

Hello Microschooling Community!

Monday brings the first of the first days of the 2026-27 school year for the microschooling movement, and what a year it is shaping up to be –

- The most microschools we have ever seen, as this movement keeps growing;

- More children and families attending, more of them coming to the microschooling movement only having experienced traditional, conventional, public schools;

- The most updated, microschool-friendly framework of laws and regulations yet.

We still have a long way to go in this movement in all of these areas. And our momentum, and excitement about it, are ready. Bring on the new [micro]school year!

In this edition: Supporting children with dyslexia, green light in South Carolina, insights on healthcare plans, the Center’s 1,000th member microschool, and more!

Celebrating the Center's 1,000th member!

We are thrilled that our thousandth member joined the Center early last month! We wanted to give a special welcome to Dr. Sharon King-Dobson, founder of BrightGate Academy, the 1,000th Center member!

Dr. Sharon King-Dobson is the founder of BrightGate Academy, a specialized microschool preparing to open in Fleming Island, Florida. BrightGate Academy will serve students through second grade in a small, supportive, and academically focused learning environment. The school is designed for children with learning differences, students who are academically at risk, and young learners who simply benefit from smaller class sizes, personalized support, and a calmer educational setting.

After more than 20 years in education, as a special education teacher, curriculum and special education administrator, and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Curriculum, Dr. King-Dobson saw firsthand how easily children can struggle or become overlooked in large classrooms. She is launching BrightGate Academy to create a place where children are truly known, where learning gaps can be addressed early, and where students can build both academic skills and confidence.

Dr. King-Dobson holds a doctorate in education and brings extensive experience in special education, curriculum development, instructional leadership, and school administration to this next chapter of her career.

BrightGate Academy’s guiding message is: Every Child's Path to a Brighter Future

To learn more about BrightGate Academy and Dr. King-Dobson, take a look at their website and make sure to follow their socials!

Website: https://www.brightgateacademy.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightGateAcademy

Instagram: @brightgate_academy

Instagram link: instagram.com/brightgate_academy

TikTok: tiktok.com/@brightgate62

Serving Children with Dyslexia in Your Microschool

“There's Probably a Dyslexic Child in Your Microschool. Here's Where to Start,” is the subject of this new article by dyslexia expert Kait Feriante, CEO of Redwood Literacy, a national education company providing comprehensive support for children and adults with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, on the Center’s website.

“To be clear,” she cautions, “no two dyslexic children are the same, and no single approach works for every child.” Feriante, who recently led a popular Center webinar on this subject, lays out steps microschool leaders can take to better prepare them to meet the needs of dyslexic children effectively.

South Carolina Budget Deal Protects Microschoolers in School Choice Program

Following months of angst and undercertainty, a new budget deal by South Carolina lawmakers protects homeschooling families’ ability to participate in the state’s private school choice program, the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, for now, as this new article on the NMC website discusses.

Many South Carolina microschools serve homeschooled children, and in a state where Republicans hold supermajorities in both legislative chambers, some senior lawmakers threatened to block homeschool families from participating in the program through budget mechanisms. This has created major planning uncertainties for microschools looking to serve them, as Don Soifer’s article explains.

What's your favorite Center resource?

Wondering about Health Insurance?

Don’t forget to Save Your Seat while there is still space!

RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DbWYvdhRSUSW5jWy_x2TDg#/

Access Point: All the Need-to-Know info about Learning Tools and Providers

This is your go-to place for all the up-to-date information about the Center's Learning Tool and P3 options! Take a look at the catalog here.

Provider Spotlight:

Have you checked out our Partnership Provider, Prism? Take a look at what they have to say:

“Authentic assessment, at scale

“Authentic assessment isn't a new idea. You come to know a child by observing them closely over time, not by scoring them on a test. It's a practice that asks for real attention; it's also a practice that struggles to survive in the wild. The arithmetic is against it. A shoebox (or Google Drive) of hundreds of observations doesn't add up to anything you can hand a parent, a state, or a funder.

“And yet, in the NMC's recent survey of 1,000 programs, observation-based reporting was the most common way microschools demonstrate impact (68%). The instinct to reach for more humane practices, despite their inefficiencies, is strong.

“Prism is designed exactly for this, authentic assessment at scale. You observe, you document what you know to be true, and when you need structured data, you aggregate up from the truth instead of down from a test. With our newest release, you can now build reports in your own framework: define the domains your program values, use Mastery Transcript or Charlotte Mason as a starting template or create your own from scratch, and generate a report where every assessment cites the actual entries behind it. Run it for one learner, then for your whole pod.

“Learn more at Prism's Open Office Hours.”

Just a reminder: Even if you attend Prism's office hours, be sure to fill out this form on the Center’s website to get the Center intro to Prism and receive the member discount.

Events You Need to Know About

Take a look for virtual trainings, conferences, local meetups and more!

Register for any event here!

Center Meetings & Office Hours

Virtual, Sneak Peek: National Microschooling Center: Monday, August 3rd | 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 and educators. Join our Zoom with Dr. Erin Flynn to hear everything we have to offer you!

Register here!

Hot Topic Webinar: How to Beat Health Insurance Companies at Their Own Game: Tuesday, August 11th | 4pm PT/7pm ET

Stop letting traditional health insurance drain your microschool’s budget!

Join the National Microschooling Center and Dan Cosgrove, CEO of Better Benefits USA, to learn the smart alternative strategies microschool founders are using to access top-tier healthcare at a fraction of the cost, so you can reinvest those savings back into your learners.

RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DbWYvdhRSUSW5jWy_x2TDg

Virtual Office Hours, Currently Operating Founders, Thursday, August 13th | 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.

Register here!

Virtual Office Hours, Prelaunch Founders, Monday, August 17th | 3pm PT/6pm ET

This is an open session for any Microschool founders in the ideation or pre-launch phase. Alex will lead conversations, answer questions, and provide help as you decide on your next steps in your process!

Register here!

Center Regional Meetings

Virtual South Carolina Zoom Meetup: Tuesday, August 11th | 3pm PT/6pm ET

Join us for quarterly meetups to connect with other SC Microschool Leaders! Email Tiffany Blassingame at tiffany@microschoolingcenter.org to learn more!

Virtual Texas Microschools Zoom Meetup: Wednesday, August 12th | 3pm PT/6pm ET

This is our Texas Monthly Meet-up where we discuss our Microschools, Leadership, Current affairs, etc. - hot and spicy; Texas Style! Email Dr. Flynn at erin@microschoolingcenter.org to learn more!

Center Cohorts

Virtual High School Cohort: Monday, August 17th | 4pm PT/7pm ET

For founders leading high school age students and for founders considering expanding to High School. Please come and join for discussions, insights, and any questions you might have! Email Dr. Flynn at erin@microschoolingcenter.org to learn more!

Learning Tool PD

Defined Learning PD: Thursday, July 2rd | 4pm PT/7pm ET

Please note:

• This PD will cover Defined Learning, not Defined Careers. A separate PD for Defined Careers will be on July 30th.

• This PD is only for leaders and staff who purchased Defined Learning for the 26-27 SY.

• It is highly recommended that you have your student rosters uploaded in time for the PD.

The link to join the meeting was sent via email. If you purchased Defined Learning for the 26-27 SY but did not receive the link, please email Sarah at learningtools@microschoolingcenter.org so she can get it to you.

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

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