What If the Future of Education Doesn’t Look Anything Like the Past?

Reflections from the National Hybrid Schools Conference

Jennifer Kempin | May 2025

Last week, I stood in a room full of visionaries—educators, entrepreneurs, parents, and advocates—each committed to reimagining what school can look like. From forest classrooms to kitchen tables, converted buses to coworking spaces, these are the founders of the microschool movement: people boldly building the future of education across the country.

We had all come together for the National Hybrid Schools Conference, hosted by Kennesaw State University. The energy was electric. Conversations buzzed with innovation. Panels tackled tough questions. And everywhere I turned, I met people—seasoned founders and first-time dreamers alike—who are transforming the lives of children in every kind of learning environment you can imagine.

There were religious schools, secular ones, tech-forward programs, part-time learning communities, and nature-based microschools. Some served three students, others served 300. Some had been operating for over a decade, others hadn’t opened yet. What united us all was a shared belief: families deserve more options, and children deserve education that works for them.

Organizations like EdChoice, the Cato Institute, KaiPod, and yes. every kid. were there, along with curriculum creators, policy experts, and journalists like Kerry McDonald, who continue to amplify the stories of this growing movement.

And make no mistake—this is a movement.

📈 Between 2022 and 2025, interest in microschooling and hybrid education in the U.S. has grown by 220%.
👫 Over 2 million children are now learning outside of traditional systems in microschools, pods, or hybrid models.

This is not a blip. It’s the beginning of a new era in education. And we’re not alone.

Building a Microschool Without Policy Support

At the conference, I had the honor of speaking on a panel titled “Can Edupreneurs Thrive in a Non-ESA State?”—alongside Sharon Sedlar (PA Families for Education Choice), Colleen Hroncich (Cato Institute), and Lynn Swanson (yes. every kid. foundation).

We explored the real challenges of starting and sustaining a microschool in states like Pennsylvania, where no Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) exist and families have little to no state-level support for choosing alternative education options.

In ESA-friendly states, microschools can grow rapidly, driven by parental choice and increased accessibility. But without those supports, founders must build from the ground up—with passion, creativity, and a lot of perseverance.

At Fáilte Waldorf Microschool, we’ve done just that. And I shared how we’ve grown despite the lack of funding or favorable policy. Because kids can’t wait. And if we wait for perfect conditions, we’ll never start.

Strength in Community

One of the most powerful takeaways from this experience? The reminder that none of us are in this alone.

In my own state, I’ve committed to supporting other microschool founders through every stage of the journey. I run a Facebook group for Pennsylvania-based founders, host in-person meetups, and contribute monthly to the PA Families for Education Choice newsletter with stories and strategies from the front lines.

This work matters—not just because we’re shaping schools, but because we’re building community.

Whether you’re just dreaming about opening a microschool, already in the trenches, or somewhere in between—I’d love to connect.

👉 [Join our Pennsylvania founders’ network here.]

Where Do We Go From Here?

The microschool movement is growing because more and more families are seeking something different—something better. And as founders, we are leading the way, one conversation, one classroom, and one child at a time.

You don’t need perfect conditions to start. You just need a vision, some courage, and a few others who believe in you.

Actionable Steps for New Education Entrepreneurs

If you’ve started—or are thinking about starting—a microschool or learning pod, here are some practical steps that can make the journey a whole lot easier:

1. Find Your People

When you’re new, it’s normal to have questions:

  • What insurance provider should I use?
  • How do I find funding for my school?
  • What’s a good student-to-teacher ratio for my model?

The best answers often come from people in your state or region, since rules, regulations, and funding sources vary widely. That’s why it’s essential to plug into a community.

  • Start with Facebook groups:
    Two great national groups to join right away:
    • Microschool 101
    • Teacher, Let Your Light Shine
  • Look for local communities:
    • We’ve created a growing network specifically for Pennsylvania founders, and we’re working to expand! If you’re in PA, I’d love to invite you in.
2. Join Professional Organizations

These take your support network to the next level. Each of the following offers resources, community, and professional development opportunities:

  • VELA Education Fund – Free to join and full of resources for new founders.
  • National Hybrid Schools Project – Offers research-based insights and support; small membership fee.
  • National Microschooling Center – Provides strategic guidance, networking, and policy advocacy.

Even just joining one of these groups can open doors to mentors, funding opportunities, and best practices.

3. Attend a Conference (If You Can)

This one requires a financial investment—but it’s worth every penny.
I attended VELA Con and the National Hybrid Schools Conference in my first year, and they gave me the clarity, connections, and confidence I needed to move forward.

You’ll walk away with:

  • Answers to your most pressing questions
  • Resources you didn’t even know existed
  • Partnerships and friendships that make this work sustainable

If you can swing it, commit to attending at least one conference a year. It will reinvigorate your mission and expand your toolkit in ways that online forums simply can’t.

The future of education is here—and it looks a lot like us.

No matter where you are in your microschool journey, remember this: you’re not alone, and the future is bright. Let’s connect, collaborate, and support each other as we create learning environments where children—and educators—can truly thrive.

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