FOUNDER RESOURCES
Practical guidance for building a microschool.
Straightforward, no-cost resources to help you make informed decisions and take meaningful action — wherever you are in the journey.
START HERE — TWO FREE RESOURCES
Not sure where to begin? These are the best first steps.
"Is Starting a Microschool Right for You?"
Our most-downloaded resource walks you through what a microschool is, considerations for starting a school, understanding benefits and challenges, and practical steps to shape your path. Includes worksheets, self assessment, and more.
Microschool Basics Course
A free, self-paced course that walks you through the decisions every founder makes — five modules, real activities, and a readiness packet you keep. The best way to learn what it takes before you commit.
BROWSE BY TOPIC
Find what you need next.
Understand Microschools
Learn how microschools work and explore different models — from Montessori and classical to nature-based and faith-based. See how a microschool compares to charter, private, homeschool, and learning pods.
Plan Your School
Clarify your vision, the students and families you’ll serve, your timeline, and your priorities — the raw material of a strong Catalyst application.
Learn from Founders
Hear what experienced microschool founders have learned from building real schools — the wins, the surprises, and the advice they’d give their past selves.
"The most valuable part has been access to experienced people who've already opened a school. Learning from other founders has helped me avoid mistakes and think through challenges from different perspectives."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Good to know before you apply.
What will I actually build? (the Catalyst curriculum)
Each two-week cycle includes two live virtual meetings: an all-cohort Theme Meeting on that cycle’s topic, and a small-group Launch Team Meeting for more personalized guidance. Between meetings, you’ll work through framework lessons and complete milestone deliverables that move your school forward.
1.
Kickoff & School Vision
Define who you’re building for and why — your school vision, ideal student profile, and founder story.
2.
Marketing
Craft parent-facing messaging and set up your web presence, lead capture, and follow-up to enroll families.
3.
Financial Model
Build your financial model — tuition, capacity, expenses, staffing, and break-even — plus entity structure and ESA funding.
4.
Location, Compliance & Operations
Evaluate a real space, navigate your state’s compliance, and set up the systems a school needs to open.
5.
Educational Philosophy & Curriculum
Turn your learning philosophy into a model, schedule, and curriculum — and explain it in a way families get.
6.
Getting to Day 1
Work the pre-launch checklist — families signed and paid, systems live, first week readiness — then transition to your Partner Success Manager.
What's included?
- Expert-led sessions led by school-launch specialists.
- Small Launch Teams led by experienced founders.
- Tested templates, frameworks, and planning tools.
- Marketing and enrollment guidance.
- Location, compliance, and operations guidance.
- Newton, our microschool management platform.
- Curriculum library and partner discounts.
- Weekly events like webinars, office hours, and founder networking.
- A listing on our Microschool Directory.
- Two years of KaiPod Network support under your agreement.
What does it cost?
$149/month during the Build Phase. After your school opens, the KaiPod Network fee is $149/month plus $30 per enrolled student. Your agreement includes the Build Phase and two years of Network support.
Does KaiPod fund my school?
No. KaiPod provides guidance, not startup funding — we don’t provide grants, loans, or facility costs. Most founders should plan to access startup funds (typically $5,000+). We can help you explore third-party funding options, including grants and, in ESA states, family scholarship funds.
What makes a strong applicant?
You don’t need a finished business plan. The strongest applicants show a clear drive to build, a community they want to serve, and the time to commit. It also helps to have a sense of your school concept and early conversations with families — but if you don’t yet, that’s exactly what Catalyst helps you develop. The Founder Assessment will show you where you stand.
When are the cohorts?
| Cohort | Program dates | Weekly meeting | Apply by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort 9 | Oct 13 – Jan 17 | Tuesdays, 7:30pm ET | Oct 5 |
| Cohort 10 | Nov 11 – Feb 20 | Wednesdays, 7:30pm ET | Nov 3 |
| Cohort 11 | Jan 21 – Apr 11 | Thursdays, 7:30pm ET | Jan 13 |
| Cohort 12 | Mar 2 – May 23 | Tuesdays, 7:30pm ET | Feb 22 |
How does selection work?
Apply and describe your school and the work you’ve done so far. KaiPod reviews your concept, timeline, commitment, and any other information you provide. Selected founders receive an invitation to the best available cohort. Not sure you’re ready? Take the Founder Assessment first.
What if I'm not ready to apply yet?
Many strong founders start with our free Microschool Basics course and Founder Resources, then apply once they’ve made more progress. Take the Founder Assessment anytime to see your stage and your recommended next step.
Not sure what resources you need first?
Take the three-minute Founder Assessment and we'll point you to the right ones for your stage.