National Microschooling Center's Thursday Bulletin

Hello Microschooling Community!

Over the next few weeks we're excited to be publishing two major new research studies.

Why do we maintain this commitment to research?

Education research isn’t always useful. And for innovative and nontraditional educators, it can be annoying, or frustrating, or worse.

The first of our studies you’ll see shows important impacts microschools deliver for students that they, and their families, value [spoiler: immensely].

The second presents actionable and under-the-hood analyses connected to microschools’ finances, and depicting real implications of policy details that affect families.

Media has already shown interest. We bet, and hope, you will too.

Microschooling doesn’t believe in a quiet week, does it? This week is no exception!

In this week's edition: Microschools in the news, a new member cohort, Access Point spotlight with Unlock Math, plus events!

Microschools in the News

Professor Daniel Hamlin has had a busy year, and that’s proving to be a good thing for microschools. In between his responsibilities as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education and now Dean of the University of Texas College of Education, he led pioneering research as independent evaluator for the much-anticipated National Microschooling Center’s report, “Measuring the Microschool Experience: A National Analysis of Student Experiences, Parent Perspectives and Learning Outcomes.”

The report will be published next week, watch this space for the link. Meanwhile, as Professor Hamlin discusses with Paul Peterson, the Kennedy School of Government’s eminent Director of Education Policy and Governance in Education Next, the new analysis offers a lot microschools can be excited about.

"I’ve done a lot of school climate analyses of school climate surveys over the years,” Hamlin explains, “including student perceptions of their school climate. And I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such positive results from students when reporting on the climate of their school."

Special thanks to all of the microschools around the country who made time to participate in this important study. You can watch Professor Hamlin and Don Soifer brief these and all of the Center’s latest research findings online Thursday, September 17 at 3:45 PM ET at the Kennedy School of Government’s Emerging School Models Conference, details and registration here.

Exclusive Center-member Cohort

The Center is thrilled to kick off its 2026-2027 cohorts with this special, power-packed 6-week course led by Kait Feriante, CEO of Redwood Literacy. From learning how to spot and instruct students with dyslexia in the small microschool classroom to understanding different interventions and how/when to access interventionists, Kait will offer her expertise in this members-only, virtual cohort. Seats are limited to 15 participants. Sign up in Heartbeat if you're a member, and if you're not a member, don't let that stop you—join today to participate in this and the many other offerings available for Center members!

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

Considering learning tools, curriculum or other services for your microschool this year? Then you won’t want to miss the Access Point, the ultimate place for gathering discounts, deals and info!

Provider Spotlight: Unlock Math

Unlock Math offers microschools a turn-key, customizable math curriculum for grades 6-12 that functions like an on-demand certified teacher, making it easy to support multi-grade classrooms. Self-paced, bite-sized lessons allow educators to easily manage mixed-ability groups while continuous automated grading minimizes administrative work. By reducing the burden of daily prep, it gives leaders more time to focus on individual student growth and mentorship.

If you're a microschool leader interested in learning more about Unlock Math, visit our Access Point Directory and complete the form linked at the top of the page so we can introduce you! Discounts available for Center Members.

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

Office Hours, Currently Operating Founders and Facilitators | Thursday, Sept 10th, 3pm PT/6pm ET

Join Alex Roosenburg 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!

Regional Meetings

Virtual Texas Microschools Meetup: Wednesday, September 16th | 3pm PT/6pm ET

For prelaunch and currently operating founders and leaders in Texas! Join Dr. Erin Flynn and microschools across Texas! Email 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

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