National Microschooling Center's Thursday Bulletin
Hello Microschooling Community!
It’s been another busy week here at the Center! Don, just back from talking microschooling in the Nation's Capital, headed to Central Florida to share about microschools and the best policies to support them, and why, at the State Policy Network (and is thrilled to be visiting some microschools while he’s there!), Ashley has been working on new ways to help more families and communities understand microschooling, including some exciting conversations and resources we’ll be sharing soon, and the rest of our incredible team is busy building and implementing resources designed to support founders across the country!
We know founders all over are just as busy as first weeks continue across the country! For those that are getting ready to start their school year, we know so much of the invisible work is happening right now: finalizing rosters, creating and saving usernames and passwords for learning tools, last minute curriculum decisions, texts from parents checking in before the start of the year, wrapping up staff development and training and so much more that goes into making the first week a success. The Center is here for you every step of the way!
Don’t forget to join us for two timely webinars next week - author event with Mickey Revenaugh discussing her new book School’s Out: Why Families Are Choosing Unconventional Education and learning about microschool-friendly accreditations with Middle States’ Association with their application deadline fast approaching.
In this edition: Microschools in the news, an article offering insight into navigating accreditation, a new blog on how much digital learning is happening in microschools, have you met Tiffany Blassingame and more!
Microschools in the News
The Dallas News published, “What to Know About Microschools in Texas” this week, an article that happily shares some depth of understanding by a reporter who invested the time. Lately a good deal of Texas media coverage of microschools has been dedicated to well-known provider networks, so it was nice in the spirit of pluralism of paths forward to see this piece by the Dallas News Education Lab observe here, "Microschools can also operate independently, meeting in homes, commercial spaces or churches. Partner microschools work with businesses, local governments or religious institutions to educate students."
Discussing how microschools fit into Texas’ ESA school choice program and its testing requirement, the article adds, "But some microschools may be hesitant to trade the autonomy that has long defined the movement.... Some microschool leaders believe such tests do not accurately capture learning growth."
The Arkansas Gazette Democrat, meanwhile, covered the unfortunate sudden disappearance of a Hot Springs microschool’s founding team just prior to its scheduled opening, and the difficult position that placed its families into. NMC was grateful for the chance to emphasize the value of prioritizing building relationships, especially at the beginning of the microschooling experience, “So many families and so many educators that come to microschools haven't actually experienced (them) before. It can take a while to really get a feel for how that can be optimized."
That messiness can lead to greater trust and a deeper joint understanding of the expectations surrounding a given school, though, Soifer said.
EdChoice Study Surveys Prenda Guides
This new study published by EdChoice this week, What We Learned About Prenda Microschools: A Survey of Prenda Guides, illustrates that the leaders running individual Prenda microschools like their work – 76% of guides said they are “very” satisfied, while another 21% felt “somewhat” satisfied. Also, 71% of guides indicated they would be highly likely to recommend becoming a Prenda guide to others.
Blog on Accreditation from Middle States
Interested in accreditation for your microschool? This new article by Middle States Association’s microschool guru Jake Galloway has lots of the information you’ll want to know to proceed. And join the information session with Jake and NMC September 2 (registration link at the end of the article). Be advised, you’ll have to move quickly if you want to receive your Middle States Accreditation during this school year - the applications are due September 15.
How much digital learning really happens in microschools?
Digital learning is less common in microschools than you might think, according to NMC’s research with founders, as Don Soifer discusses in his latest article on the Center website. With so much media coverage lately about AI-driven microschool models, it is informative to see that more microschools report no digital learning at their microschool (19 percent), compared with only 12 percent reporting digital learning comprising more than half of their teaching.
Meet the Team: Tiffany Blassingame
Have you had a chance to connect with Tiffany Blassingame yet? Founder of the Ferguson School in Georgia, Tiffany is an incredible resource for microschool founders across the country. She is a skilled ecosystem builder and connector. We are thrilled she’s a part of the Center team!
Reminder! Hot Topic: September Book Talk with Mickey Revenaugh
Join us Tuesday, September 1 at 4pm PT/7pm ET for a discussion with the author of School’s Out: Why Families Are Choosing Unconventional Education by veteran innovation expert Mickey Revenaugh.Read an excerpt from School’s Out here on the Center website. Register here!
Microschool Accreditation Through Middle States Association Deadline Fast Approaching
The National Microschooling Center is hosting an information session with Jake Galloway, Middle States Association's Vice President of Member Success on Wednesday, September 2 at 7pmET/4pmPT.
Please note that the deadline to submit your application for potential approval during the 2026-27 school year is this September 15. That comes up quick but it's totally achievable if you start now. NMC can even help as you go. Join us for this valuable information session to learn more. The session will not be recorded, so we hope to see you.
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 theAccess Point, the ultimate place for gathering discounts, deals and info!
Events You Need to Know About
Take a look for virtual trainings, conferences, local meetups and more!
Hot Topic Webinar, September Book Talk with Mickey Revenaugh, Tuesday, September 1st | 4pm PT/7pm ET
Information and registration are above in newsletter
Informational Session, Microschool Accreditation Through the Middle States Association: A Briefing with the National Microschooling Center, Wednesday, September 2nd | 4pm PT/7pm ET
Information and registration are above in newsletter
Regional Meetings
Virtual Alabama Microschools Meetup: Tuesday, September 8th | 4pm PT/7pm ET
For prelaunch and currently operating founders and leaders! Join Tiffany Blassingame to connect with Alabama microschools! Email Tiffany@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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