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Empowering Founders

California Microschool Collective

The Founders’ Home Rooted in Purpose and Growing Through Community

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Together, We Rise.

The California Microschool Collective (CMC) is a vibrant, community-driven organization dedicated to empowering microschool founders across California. CMC provides essential resources, expert mentorship, and a strong network of innovative educators, supporting founders in their journey to create transformative, student-centered learning environments. Through collaborative networking, engaging events, specialized workshops, and personalized consulting, CMC equips both current and aspiring microschool founders to thrive, fostering impactful and thriving microschool communities. Believing in the power of collaboration and innovation, CMC is reimagining education across the state—one microschool at a time.

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Upcoming Events

Nov

9th
  • 10:00 am

Kidpreneurs Marketplace hosted by Ellemercito Academy and Connected Curiosity

Ellemercito Academy Tour
  • 12:00 pm

Nov

18th

Foundersgiving Dinner - In Person

Join with fellow founders for an evening of gratitude, connection, and celebration as we come together for a relaxed Friendsgiving-style gathering! We’ll enjoy great food and company in a cozy, stress-free setting. Come connect with like-minded leaders, exchange ideas, and draw inspiration from the shared journey of edupreneurship.

  • 5:00 pm

Nov

21st

Virtual Collective Conversation - Cultivating Support: Developing a Donor Program for Your Microschool"

  • 5:00 pm

Dec

11th
Discover All Events

Meet the CMC Founders

Lizette Valles, M.Ed.
Co-founder

Lizette Valles is a visionary educator, Latina leader, and co-founder of the California Microschool Collective, founded in 2024. She also founded Compass Educators and Ellemercito Academy, a non-profit Los Angeles-based microschool that reimagines education through experiential and place-based learning. A first-generation college graduate who holds a Master’s in Education, Lizette has dedicated over 17 years to empowering students to think critically, develop a growth mindset, and foster empathy. She regularly speaks nationally about microschooling and raises awareness about school choice, advocating for personalized, trauma-informed learning environments that allow all children to thrive.

From her early days as a middle/high school teacher to organizing the largest free virtual summer camp in the U.S. during the pandemic, Lizette has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional education. She’s published a bilingual children’s book, served as the California & Spanish-speaking Field Coordinator for a national nonprofit, and has been recognized as a fellow of the ASU Prep Microschool Entrepreneur Fellowship and recipient of the VELA Next Step and Getting Smart’s Learning Innovation Fund grants. Her work has been featured at Harvard’s Emerging School Models Conference, 74 Million, Cato Institute, and more.

Lizette is a dedicated advocate and community builder, creating nurturing spaces not only for students and families but for founders as well. She believes learning should be natural, joyful, and limitless, and she fosters environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Her vision is to empower others to recognize that they are not defined solely by what they produce; rather, they possess intrinsic worth. She sees learning as a deeply personal journey with the power to break generational cycles and transform limiting patterns. By nurturing agency, personal growth, and the embrace of unique talents, she inspires students and founders alike to contribute meaningfully to their communities, igniting a cycle of inspiration that encourages them to look beyond the possible and envision what can be.

Oscar Valles
Co-founder

As a first-generation Latino college graduate, Oscar Valles knows firsthand the importance of education as a pathway to opportunity. His personal journey fuels his dedication to fostering spaces where students can grow, achieve, and feel seen—especially those navigating similar experiences. With over 15 years of experience, primarily serving K-8 students, Oscar has transformed classrooms, athletic fields, and communities through his commitment to character-building and experiential learning.

As the lead educator and CFO for Compass Educators, co-founder of the California Microschool Collective, and a former athletic director and coach, Oscar believes that genuine connections are essential for impactful learning. His experience as an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher reflects his passion for helping students reach their full potential, particularly those adjusting to new cultural and school environments.

Now serving as the principal and lead teacher at Ellemercito Academy, Oscar’s enthusiasm for microschooling and project/place-based learning has created a space where students not only thrive academically but also develop strong character and curiosity. His dedication to educational innovation has led him to speak at national conferences, such as the Aurora Institute Symposium and the Hospital Educator and Academic Liaison Association Conference. Through his work, Oscar inspires educators, families, and founders nationwide to reimagine education as a transformative journey—one that builds character, unlocks potential, and champions student-centered, agentic learning. He believes every student deserves the opportunity to take ownership of their growth and uncover their unique strengths, setting them on a path to flourish.

Andy Moeck

I want parents to know that Mr. & Mrs. Valles are the real deal. My son was well prepared for high school after his middle/high school microschooling experience at Ellemercito Academy. He has a newfound confidence & seemingly difficult challenges that he had are no longer an issue. He's focused and takes initiative for his own learning now!

Valerie Godbout

Ellemercito Academy has been a great experience for our family. We love the hands on learning environment and a more catered curriculum for our child. Our son is very athletic and traditional school is not really a good fit for him. The teachers at Ellemercito are making great efforts to connect with him on subjects that he finds interesting, so that he develops a love for learning more about what is important to him!

Gabrielle Cisneros

Lizette Valles is a wonderful teacher, librarian, and tutor! She not only sees what students' academic needs are, but she has a gift of seeing students' heart needs as well. Both of these are so necessary for total student success. So thankful for her gifts and talents!

OUR TESTIMONIALS

What our parents say!!

Our parents’ experiences and stories inspire us daily. Here’s what they have to say about their journey with us, sharing insights, positive transformations, and heartfelt moments that make our community truly special.

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OUR LATEST BLOG

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Ready to join our supportive community?

Join a community where founders experience collaboration, inspiration, and unwavering support. You support your students and staff—let us help support you. From inspiring microschool visits to workshops, collective conversations, and in-person gatherings—find your founder’s home here. Connection is everything, and you’ve found your village. Reach out today to learn more!

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Copyright © 2024 CA Microschool Collective. All rights reserved.

Joining the California Microschool Collective (CMC) means becoming part of a vibrant community of practice dedicated to reimagining education across California. Together, we learn, innovate, and support one another as we strive to create transformative, student-centered learning environments. As a member, you gain access to essential resources, expert mentorship, and a strong network of forward-thinking educators who are committed to making an impact in microschooling.

 

Founders Collective Membership includes:

  • Connected Community of Practice: Be part of a collaborative network of educators and microschool founders across California, where shared knowledge, innovation, and mutual support fuel growth and inspire new ideas.
  • Exclusive Learning Experiences: Attend specialized workshops, hands-on events, and expert-led sessions that equip you with proven strategies and fresh insights tailored to the unique needs of microschool founders.
  • Extensive Microschooling Resource Library: Access a rich collection of resources specifically for microschools, including funding opportunities, best practices, growth strategies, and tools for your learning environment.
  • Exclusive Discounts and Group Bundle Offers: Enjoy members-only discounts and special bundle pricing on select resources, services, and products designed to enhance your microschool operations.
  • Personalized Guidance and Mentorship: Receive one-on-one mentorship and consulting from seasoned founders, offering guidance and advice tailored to your specific challenges and goals.
  • Interactive Forum for Continuous Learning: Engage in a dynamic online platform where members actively share ideas, celebrate milestones, and tackle challenges together—enriching the community of practice with every interaction.
  • Member and Microschool Spotlights: Stay informed with in-depth content highlighting the journeys of fellow founders and successful microschools, along with new resources and practical advice to fuel your microschool’s success.
  • Blog and Article Writing Opportunities: Showcase your insights on microschooling trends and contribute to the national conversation. Share your experiences, innovative ideas, and thought leadership through our platform, positioning yourself and your microschool as part of the movement shaping the future of education.

Become a Member of the CA Microschool Collective

Visionary Educator Member

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