Start a School

There’s never been a better time to become an education entrepreneur… 

Here is where you start!

Families (maybe like yours) are looking for innovative education options that emphasize personalized, joyful learning. Thankfully, entrepreneurial parents and teachers are rapidly building new schools and spaces that families so desperately desire.

To begin your own entrepreneurial journey, and get started on launching a new school or space, follow these steps:

Step 1.

Visit our Lab’s homepage regularly to read fresh articles about how to be a successful education entrepreneur. Also, be sure to listen to the LiberatED podcast for new interviews with founders twice each week! 

Step 2.

Join our Lab’s private Facebook group to chat, connect, and learn from parents and educators on their own start-up journeys.

Step 3.

Check out these excellent resources to help you to build a creative schooling option for your community. Check back frequently for updates and additional resources.

Acton Academy

Acton Academy: Acton Academy is a global network of learner-driven schools founded by entrepreneurs who believe every child is on a hero’s journey. As a founder you will build a tight knit learning community rooted in curiosity, purpose, and independence. Founders commit to upholding Acton’s mission and promises to families. Opening an Acton Academy involves a one time license and orientation fee, plus an annual revenue-sharing agreement, giving you access to a proven framework and a vibrant network of fellow school builders. 

Agile Learning Centers

Agile Learning Centers (ALC) are flexible, self-directed communities built by founders who believe education should adapt with the times to provide the students of today and tomorrow with the tools they need to contribute to society. As a founder, you will join a global network of educators, entrepreneurs, and parents who cultivate spaces where young people can grow through autonomy, collaboration, and real world practice. Agile Learning Centers can take many forms such as full time schools, homeschooling/microschools, or enrichment programs. With access to the ALC Starter Kit, network membership, branding and global collaboration, you will be supported as you build a transformative educational environment for your community. 

KaiPod Catalyst

KaiPod Catalyst is a no cost training and mentorship program designed to help establish and expand your microschool with confidence. Founders receive personalized coaching, a step-by-step launch playbook, marketing support, and access to KaiPod’s school management tools and their national microschool directory. Whether your vision centers on STEM, nature-based learning, or serving neurodiverse students, KaiPod Catalyst will provide founders with the freedom to build a school that reflects their values while also offering the support and community to make it sustainable. Through a small revenue-sharing agreement, founders gain continued operational guidance for three years post-launch and generous financial coaching. KaiPod is a valuable partner for innovative educators ready to reimagine learning in their communities.

Launch Your Kind

Launch Your Kind is a multi-week fellowship created by Kind Academy founder Iman Alleyne and designed to guide passionate change makers to launch innovative, inclusive microschools rooted in community, creativity, and personalized learning. Founders receive live coaching, mentorship from experienced educators, and step-by-step support in finding a location for their school, enrolling families, budgeting, and branding. With flexible payment options and ongoing access to a passionate community, the program is accessible to educators, parents, and individuals who want to help their community. Whether your focus is neurodiverse learners, project-based learning, or a culturally responsive education model, Launch Your Kind will help you build a school that reflects your values and those of the community you serve. 

Liberated Learners

Liberated Learners helps founders create self-directed education centers that support students in the process of exiting traditional schooling environments and finding success through homeschooling and personalized learning. Inspired by the North Star model, these centers offer tweens and teens a supportive, non-coercive community with optional classes, mentoring, and respect for student autonomy. Through their Starter Package and expert consulting, Liberated Learners equips new founders with everything needed, such as curriculum planning, visiting other successful centers, active mentorship, and network access.

Prenda

Prenda empowers individuals to launch learner-centered microschools where kids rediscover a love for learning. With a flexible, research-based model and robust support system, Prenda gives you everything necessary to start strong. Prenda provides training, curriculum support, coaching and tech tools. Whether you are an educator, parent, or community leader, you will be able to guide a small group of K-8 students through personalized academics, hands-on projects, and purpose-driven growth. There are no upfront costs to become a Prenda Guide and most families use school-choice funds to cover tuition. If you are ready to inspire the next generation of self-directed learners, Prenda is here to help. 

Wildflower Schools

Wildflower Schools empower Montessori trained educators to design, launch, and lead small community-embedded schools, grounded in peace, equity, and self-direction. Founders are teacher-leaders who serve both as educators and administrators, shaping every aspect of their school’s vision and operation. Wildflower supports founders through extensive coaching, access to funding (including over $7 million in start up grants and loans), and a collaborative network of like-minded educators. These schools remain intentionally small and deeply rooted in local communities, guided by nine core principles and a decentralized structure. 

More School Starter Resources

Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO) supports education entrepreneurs who want to launch learner-centered alternatives to traditional schooling. Through their School Starters Course, AERO has helped over 100 founders create democratic schools, microschools, homeschool resource centers, and more. AERO offers hands-on guidance from pioneers in the field, as well as peer feedback. They also offer extensive resources on governance, legal issues, community building, and curriculum design. With a global network and decades of experience, AERO provides founders the tools and support to turn bold educational visions into reality. 

Black Minds Matter is a national movement that empowers Black education entrepreneurs to launch and grow high quality, community rooted schools. Founders are supported through advocacy, visibility, and a powerful network focused on expanding school-choice policies and celebrating excellence in education. With tools like a school directory and a platform for elevating bold voices, Black Minds Matter is shifting the narrative and supporting the next generation of change makers.

Chesterton Schools Network supports founders in launching low-cost, Catholic, classically-inspired schools rooted in faith, reason, and virtue. With a rich, integrated curriculum and a strong emphasis on community, the model produces students who are intellectually curious and spiritually grounded. Founders gain access to comprehensive operational support and a global network of like-minded educators. If you are looking to build a high school that embraces faith and a classical, Catholic tradition, Chesterton offers you a proven path forward. 

Drexel Fund Founders Program supports education entrepreneurs who are committed to launching innovative, financially-sustainable private schools that serve low-income communities. Through the Founders Program, Drexel offers a year-long, paid fellowship that guides school leaders through every stage of planning. Including vision and model design, budgeting, governance, staffing, and student recruitment. Founders also gain access to expert coaching, visits to high-performing schools, and the opportunity to apply for significant startup investments. Whether you are building a faith-based or mission-driven school, Drexel provides the resources, network, and capital to help you succeed.

Getting Smart Learning Innovation Fund provides grants and support to education entrepreneurs who are designing the future of learning. Their flagship initiative, A Big Push for Small Schools, funds and connects leaders of microschools. These are small, learner-centered models rooted in personalization and real-world relevance. Founders gain access to technical assistance, a national community, and visibility through Getting Smart’s storytelling and field building efforts.

Herzog Foundation SchoolBox accelerates the growth of high-quality, faith-based K-12 education across the nation. For founders launching new Christian based schools, microschools, or homeschool co-ops, Herzog offers robust support through programs like Schoolbox, a step-by-step resource with expert guidance and mentorship. Founders can also access fully-funded professional development through the Herzog Foundation Institute, which provides in-person training on school leadership, marketing, donor development, and more. With a clear mission to make Christian education accessible and sustainable, Herzog equips faith-driven entrepreneurs to build schools that nurture academic excellence and spiritual formation. 

Microschool Solutions helps aspiring founders open learner-centered microschools that reflect their values and meet the unique needs of their communities. They provide tools for every stage of the process including: coaching, startup guides, interactive courses, supportive founder network, compliance, curriculum design, and culture building. Their Microschool Dream Summit, Blueprint Consulting, and self-paced modules make the process approachable, actionable, and sustainable.

National Association of Black Microschool Leaders (NABML) empowers Black educators and community leaders to launch and grow microschools. Through hands-on support, professional development, funding guidance, and strategic partnerships, NABML provides founders with the skills to build sustainable, high quality learning environments. Members gain access to a powerful national network, advocacy opportunities, and a platform to influence education policy. 

National Hybrid Schools Project (NHSP) at Kennesaw State University in Georgia supports founders of hybrid schools, hybrid homeschools, and microschools by serving as the go-to hub for research, data, and a robust community. By documenting emerging models and connecting educators, NHSP helps leaders understand what works, adopt new innovative learning models, and create and grow schools that blend in-person and home-based learning. Through regular conferences, networking, and access to national thought leaders, founders gain insight, inspiration, and a sense of belonging in a rapidly expanding field.

National Microschooling Center is a nonprofit resource hub built by and for microschool founders. Whether you are just starting or already running a microschool, the center offers hands-on training, policy guidance, and access to research tools to help your school thrive. Founders receive support through live webinars, custom professional development, curated learning tools, and a community of peers tackling similar challenges. The National Microschooling Center focuses on trust, relationships, and real world solutions. They are committed to helping you build a school that aligns with your values and those of your prospective families.

Institute for Self-Directed Learning equips founders with the knowledge, coaching, and tools to design and lead learner-centered microschools rooted in student agency and purpose. Through their Microschool Accelerator (offered online or in-person) founders receive hands-on training, expert guidance, and a blueprint to launch a sustainable and innovative school. The Institute also offers self paced courses, consulting services, and an online academy where educators connect and grow.

VELA is a national philanthropic nonprofit organization and vast founder network supporting everyday entrepreneurs who are reimagining education outside the traditional system, from microschool founders to homeschool co-op leaders. With over $41 million invested and over 4,000 founders, VELA offers early stage funding, practical tools, and access to a national network of education innovators. Founders gain support through live events, virtual meetups, an expansive resource platform, and media amplification to grow their reach and impact. 

Local/Regional Resources

Your area may have Local Founder Communities:

Some state-specific organizations also provide resources and support for new school founders:

Legal & Regulatory Support

Yes. Every. Kid. Foundation. – Offering support for founders as they navigate local laws and regulations related to emerging schooling models.