Essentials

• Google for Nonprofits

  Find Google Workspace for Nonprofits, YouTube Nonprofit Program, and more

• Microschool in a Box

  practical, step-by-step resource that helps aspiring founders design, launch, and operate a microschool by bringing essential startup guidance, tools, and systems into one place

• CultivatED Ops Hub

  all-in-one back-office operations platform designed to help learner-centered schools and microschools manage the systems, workflows, and administrative tasks needed to run sustainably

• Carlos Builds Your Remote Team

  Remote Team Builder helps microschool founders hire skilled remote professionals to support operations, administration, marketing, and other behind-the-scenes needs as they grow.

• Microschool Solutions

  services to help you design, launch, and sustain a successful microschool. Microschool Solutions provides support and guidance to help you overcome obstacles and build a thriving learning community. Explore their Microschool Academy programs to discover how they can help you make your microschool vision a reality.

• Spark Your School

  all-in-one school management platform that combines learning management, student information, enrollment, billing, attendance, assignments, family communication, and student/guardian portals in one system designed for microschools and other alternative education programs

• Illumine

  all-in-one childcare and school management platform that helps programs manage enrollment, attendance, billing, parent communication, student records, and day-to-day operations from one system

• NCG Insurance

  Please contact homeschoolsupport@ncginsurance.com to learn more.

• Next Insurance

  recommended by several microschool leaders

• Pine Valley Bookkeeping

  affordable small business bookkeeping and experience with microschools

• Omella

  Omella makes it easy for mission driven organizations to collect and manage money on one seamless product.

• BAND

  is the free communication app for groups trusted by team leaders around the world. Create a free and secure space for your group to communicate better.

• Nonprofit Education Solutions

  Becky Abrams helps microschool founders structure their schools, learning centers, etc. as nonprofits.

• MySchool+

  Find discounts, free curriculum resources, and more tools with MySchool+

• Survey forms

  Qualtrics & TFA Forms

• Ludus

  Event ticketing simplified

• Clarity Schools

  platform many private schools use for financial aid

• HeyClients

  All-in-one platform to help scale businesses.

• YourEDU — Henry Hill-Gorman

  An all-in-one homeschool management platform designed to help families and alternative education programs manage the administrative side of learning. YourEDU supports things such as learning records, transcripts, course descriptions, school profiles, and other documentation. Henry Hill-Gorman is listed as a co-founder, and California records list him as Head of School at YourEDU Academy.

• TrustED Solutions — Jaime Martinez

  A school enrollment growth and marketing partner that helps schools manage lead generation, family outreach, enrollment pipelines, CRM, automated SMS/email follow-up, marketing, and enrollment systems. TrustED was founded by Jaime Martinez, M.Ed.

• Scout — Noah Fichter

  A school technology platform designed to give schools more flexibility to innovate by reducing administrative/compliance workload and supporting personalized, adaptable learning models. Noah Fichter is the co-founder and CEO. Scout is currently live in California and Oregon.

• Optio — Tanner Bowman

  An alternative education platform centered on learning through real-world projects, interests, and passions. Optio documents students' work and connects evidence of learning to academic credit. Its current Academy offers a WASC-accredited K–12 pathway, with licensed teacher review, transcripts, and credit. Tanner Bowman is the founder/Head of School.

• Hallcraft School Studio — Graham Frey

  A creative school studio that helps communities start and operate non-traditional schools. Hallcraft supports the process from developing the initial school concept through launch, academic programming, school culture, operations, and continuous improvement. Graham Frey is the founder.

• Kairos Learning Solutions / Learning Co/Lab — Vanessa Gilbride

  A shared learning space in Salinas created by Kairos Learning Solutions and APEX, designed to bring alternative learning opportunities into one community-based environment. Venessa Gilbride is a director at Kairos and helped create the Learning Co/Lab. Kairos itself provides homeschool support, tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment classes.

• EQL Tech — Liam Rahman

  A recruitment firm specializing in finding talent for innovative, technology-driven organizations. EQL offers retained recruitment, contingent search, and interim/fractional talent leadership. Liam Rahman is Founder & CEO and has experience in education, technology, workforce development, and executive recruitment.

• SharedWorks / Adaptive Real Estate

  Shared-space model that connects education operators with flexible community/commercial spaces, offering a potential solution for microschools looking for affordable, adaptable facilities. The list specifically identifies shared properties and adaptive real estate as a need for learning models.

• Equal Teaching — Liam Rahman

  Recruitment platform focused on helping alternative education providers find and hire talent. The founder specifically describes Equal Teaching as “hiring for alternative ed providers.”

• EQL Tech — Liam Rahman

  Recruitment firm providing talent acquisition for engineering, go-to-market, and other specialized roles. Best for microschools or education organizations hiring operational/technical talent.

• CultivatED Education Partners

  Developing back-office operations technology for school builders, with a focus on helping microschools manage administrative systems and workflows. The organization is actively seeking microschool beta users.

• Schoolscope

  An emerging platform focused on real estate, back-office support, and parent navigation for microschools and alternative education. Currently positioned as a beta/emerging resource.

Marketing

• Carlos Gonzalez of Microschool Studio

  (carlos@microschoolstudio.com) of Microschool Studio, an all-in-one marketing platform (automations, SEO optimization, etc.) for microschools, built both my microschool and educational services center websites and functions as our fractional CTO. Please let him know Lizette Valles referred you.

• Anne Trinidad

  for Email marketing and social media management - Please let her know Lizette Valles referred you.

• Tress Learning

  Marketing, administrative assistance, & parent communication

• Microschool Business Bundle

  examples of how I have used it are here under “Resources for Parents.”

• My School at Home

  MySchool helps you find, connect with, and learn alongside other homeschooling families near you. Email Justin @ justin@myschoolathome.io for a free promo video. Watch an example video here & check out the website for more info.

School Models

• Courtney Klein — All One ThingSUNSCHOOL

  A community-centered education model that brings together learning, coworking, and community spaces. Courtney Klein’s work through SUNSCHOOL and All One Thing explores flexible, distributed learning environments that use community spaces and partnerships to create new ways for families to live, work, and learn.

• Dalena Wallace — AIM Educational Collaborative / Heartland Education

  Supports founders and organizations developing Autonomous, Innovative, and Missional education models. AIM provides assistance and coaching for launching microschools and homeschool co-ops, as well as support with strategy, policy, and program growth. Dalena also operates a hybrid microschool and has experience building networks of education entrepreneurs.

• Julie Liu — INCUBATOR SCHOOL

  An innovative K–12 school model centered on project-based, passion-driven learning, entrepreneurship, student agency, and real-world problem solving. Julie Liu is the Executive Director and brings an education-entrepreneurship background to the school.

• Aashna Mago — Purpose Schools

  A Montessori-inspired PreK–8 school model focused on creating joyful, affordable learning environments where children develop strong academic foundations, independence, curiosity, and purpose. Aashna Mago is the founder and school leader.

• Akshit Dewan — Creekhouse

  A mixed-age K–5 microschool in Berkeley built around self-directed learning, curiosity, community, and small-group learning. The founders describe the model as supporting children in following their interests while learning alongside peers and engaged adults.

• Tanya Sheckley — UP Academy

  Founder of UP Academy, an inclusive microschool model built around project-based learning, collaboration, STEAM, and neurodiversity/inclusion. Tanya also provides professional development and speaks on microschools, project-based learning, inclusion, and reimagining education.

• Kelsey Achtenberg — The Innovation School

  An example of an innovative school model emphasizing hands-on, inquiry-based, project-based, multi-age learning, student curiosity, collaboration, and wellness. Kelsy Achtenberg has served as an educator and wellness teacher at the school.

• Andrew Lee — Vita Schools of Innovation

  An innovative microschool model that focuses on purpose, life skills, and innovative approaches to secondary education. Vita developed its model through school-creation and innovation fellowships and piloted its Purpose and Life Curriculum before expanding its school model.

Organizations

• California Microschool Collective

  CMC is a dynamic community of practice dedicated to empowering microschool founders across California, offering expert mentorship, essential resources, and a vibrant network to foster innovative, student-centered learning environments.

• Learner-Driven Education Alliance (LDEA)

  LDEA is a collaborative community dedicated to transforming education by supporting microschool founders, educators, and innovators who prioritize student agency and personalized learning. Through resources like AI tools, and a supportive network, LDEA empowers members to build and grow learner-driven educational environments that foster autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

• Freedom To Choose Schools

  is a non-partisan organization that champions fair access to quality school options for all students —recognizing this as a key driver of economic empowerment and educational opportunity.

• EdChoice

  U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nonpartisan education reform organization that works to advance educational freedom and school choice so families can choose the learning environment that best fits their children’s needs.

• InEd Network (Florida)

  “ The Innovative Education Network is a collective of passionate edupreneurs united by a common goal: to cultivate an environment where students thrive by thinking outside the box and acquiring the skills essential for success. Through collaboration and shared expertise, we harness the power of collective innovation to elevate educational practices.”

• Microschool America

  “Our mission: To reclaim our children from the current education-industrial complex by training, equipping, and empowering one million Americans to launch their own Microschools.”

• National Microschooling Center

  An empowering hub for pioneering small learning environments providing learning tools, curriculum discounts, networking, etc.

Training & Fellowships

• Transcend Network’s Project Upstream

  venture-building engine co-created with Stand Together that helps founders launch, fund, and scale innovative school networks and learning ventures by providing year-round support, capital, and opportunities to prototype new education models with families, founders, and funders.

• AI in Educational Leadership Catalyst

  a joint initiative with the Center for Black Educator Development and Latinos for Education, is designed to empower PK-12 school, district, and government education leaders with foundational knowledge and skills to leverage AI in transforming teaching and learning.

• The Education Reimagined Learner-Centered Ecosystem Lab

  is a national initiative helping community leaders and educators prototype, learn from, and scale learner-centered ecosystems that expand where and how learning happens, build the infrastructure and relationships needed for transformation, and share insights to inform broader education system change.

• The Institute for Self Directed Learning

  offers several PD opportunities and courses including the Microschool Accelerator, Creating Pathways for Innovation, New School Models Design Lab, and ongoing services to help support founders

• Microschool Masterminds

  ongoing enrollment - Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing!

• Microschool Solutions

  Self-paced learning modules for your microschool growth

• Edupreneur Academy Online Course

  Earn a certificate and/or college credit in Edupreneur Leadership through their online course. Learn about cultivating an edupreneur mindset as well as how to create value with your educational model. “Finally, put it all together by walking through exercises to identify your target market and the right operational model to reach your goals.”

• Healing Centered Engagement Training

  “Flourish Agenda has developed an online certification course for youth development workers, teachers, and school administrators that can be taken anywhere, at any time. The course is self-paced, and includes videos, animated scenarios, interactive and reflective learning activities, as well as supplemental learning resources.”

• Herzog Foundation

  “ The Herzog Foundation Institute exists to catalyze and accelerate the development of quality K–12 Christ-centered education through investments in the leaders of the Christian education movement. Our training events are best-in-class transformational learning experiences designed to sustain growth in the Christian education sector. The Institute is comprised of three training series: the Leadership Development Series, the Organizational Development Series, and the Teacher Development Series.”

• Reed Charitable Foundation

  “We make best-in-class literacy training, implementation support and educational events financially & geographically accessible, because every child deserves to feel empowered and have a teacher who can confidently teach them how to read.”

• ASU Prep Microschool Entrepreneur Fellowship

  Applications closed. - If you have an innovative idea for a microschool focused on K–12 learners ASU Prep can help you get started. This year-long fellowship program will give you access to robust training, proven curriculum resources, teaching methodologies, and ongoing support. Parents, educators, existing school leaders and entrepreneurs are eligible to apply.

• Leading School Transformation (UPenn GSE Certificate)

  currently closed-Develop the skills and strategies to motivate stakeholders, drive innovation, and implement transformative change in your learning organization. Learn how to cast vision, build staff capacity, and manage the changes required to catalyze improvement and innovation that will lead to your organization’s success.

• F.R.E.E. Fellowship

  Applications closed. - The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is offering an exclusive fellowship for K–12 educators, providing the opportunity to engage with policy research and collaborate with experts. This program offers mentorship and access to a vibrant intellectual community, empowering educators to influence public discourse and shape the future of education.

• Korda Institute for Teaching — Doris Korda

  A nonprofit that equips K–12 educators with teaching methods focused on project-based learning, real-world problem solving, student agency, collaboration, and 21st-century skills. They offer educator training, coaching, professional development, and on-demand courses for designing and teaching projects. Doris Korda is the Founder & CEO.

• CultivatED Colorado — Shaina Belton

  An education innovation ecosystem that connects school founders, educators, communities, researchers, policymakers, and funders to help new learning models move from ideas to implementation. Their work includes school-model design, innovation labs, systemic coaching, capacity support, resources/templates, and community partnerships. Shaina Belton is identified as a strategic connector and impact-focused leader supporting education founders and innovative partnerships.

• Moonshot Partners — Juan Lagrange

  A technology and AI company that provides custom software development, AI transformation consulting, and hands-on AI training. Juan Lagrange is a Co-Founder. Their education-related work includes custom education software and AI-powered learning/operational solutions.

• SEED SPOT

  Social-impact entrepreneurship organization providing founder training, mentorship, business-building tools, and a network for entrepreneurs developing ventures that create positive community impact.

• SEED SPOT Impact Accelerator

  An 8-week accelerator for impact-driven founders focused on strengthening business models, financial strategy, revenue growth, fundraising readiness, and pitching through training and mentorship.

• SEED SPOT Launch Camp

  Early-stage founder program focused on customer discovery, problem-solution fit, business models, prototyping, and pitch development—useful for founders developing or refining a microschool concept.

• SEED SPOT Connect / Founder Resources

  Collection of founder resources and recorded workshops covering entrepreneurship topics such as branding, business development, relationships, pitching, and building sustainable ventures.

Community & Media

• Getting Smart Podcast

  The Getting Smart Podcast covers trends, innovations and insights in K-12, higher ed, lifelong learning, leadership, investing and more.

• Teacher, Let Your Light Shine

  Mastermind Vault

• Kerry McDonald

  of the LiberatED Podcast and Forbes contributor is a great resource and microschool/alternative schooling advocate.

• The Future of Education with Michael Horn Podcast

  Stay up to date on the innovations, changemakers, & trends to transform learning & education worldwide so that all individuals can build their passions & fulfill their potential.

• Founder 2 Founder with Felicia Wright

  Video series featuring microschool founders who are women of color

• Wild + Free

  community of amazing homeschooling mamas

• Entrepenista 100

  Entreprenista’s exclusive award program is back to recognize and celebrate trailblazing women in business who are changing the world!

• Rebel Educator Podcast

  Tanya Sheckley deconstructs world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents.

• Grow Beyond Grades with Fabiola Torres Podcast

  conversations with educators who challenge the culture of grading and testing in schools. Find timely, practical advice from educators who are deemphasizing grades and putting the focus on feedback and growth.

• Ed. Talk Podcast hosted by Tamyra Telles

  Join Tamyra as she interviews educators and discusses the future of education.

• Forget What You Learned Podcast hosted by Cory Greenberg

  a place for families to thoughtfully evaluate the contemporary educational landscape

• Ask The Kids Podcast by Transcend Education

  A podcast that centers student voices to explore what school is for, what makes learning meaningful, how students experience innovative learning environments, and how education can become more rigorous, relevant, and joyful.

Learner Opportunities

• Hack Club

  is a global nonprofit network of student-led coding clubs where teenagers learn programming by building real projects, collaborating with peers, and participating in hackathons and tech programs. Its mission is to help young people become creators—coders, makers, and innovators—through hands-on computer science experiences and a supportive global community.

• MottMillion.org

  closed February 27, 2026- hosts the Mott Million Dollar Challenge, a national pitch competition that invites K–12 students across the United States to submit innovative ideas that solve real-world problems or improve their communities. Participants submit short video pitches and compete for a share of $1 million in prizes while building creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving skills.

Mastery & Credentials

Competency or Mastery-based LMS

• CompetenceSee

  is a mastery-based student information system that moves beyond traditional grades to track and visualize individual learner competencies, providing educators, students, and parents with transparent insights into progress and growth.

• Mastery Transcript Consortium - Symposium

  Working with member schools, MTC has co-designed and built a software platform that members use to create scalable, flexible learning records— Mastery Transcripts and MTC Learning Records. Members publish Mastery Transcripts or MTC Learning Records for their learners and deliver them securely to college admissions readers and/or employers.

• Headrush Learning

  Discover Headrush Learning LMS, transforming education through student-led, project-based, and competency-based learning.

• Building21

  Unlock the potential for students to grow and progress toward college and career readiness with the Building 21 Competency Framework.

• One Stone's Growth Transcript

  The Growth Transcript is a research and design initiative that will bring One Stone’s innovative growth-based assessment model to scale, enabling organizations and schools to assess a wide-range of hard-to-measure 21st century competencies.

• International Big Picture Learning Credential

  (BPL is based in Australia but has an international presence).

• reDesign’s Future9 Competencies

  “Years in the making, reDesign’s Future9 Competencies have been informed by a wide range of education and learning sciences research, and shaped by over a decade of design, field-testing, and competency implementation work alongside school, district, and state partners.”

• Beacon

  Student learning and assessment platform recommended for documenting, tracking, and communicating whole-child growth and progress.

• Otus

  Student assessment and learning platform that can help schools track learner progress and communicate growth to families. It was specifically recommended as a tool for documenting whole-child growth.

Credentialing & Recognition of Learning Platforms

• Credential Engine

  Counting U.S. Postsecondary and Secondary Credentials

• Credly

  Digital credentials and skill validation

• LivedX

  Transform lived experiences into validated evidence of learning

• SchooLinks

  College and career readiness platform for K–12 students

• Modern Campus

  Lifelong Learning and Digital Credentials

• Getting Smart

  Expanding Access, Value, and Experiences Through Credentialing

• HCM Strategists + Lumina Foundation

  Short-Term Credential State Funding Report (PDF)