Start a Microschool in Texas
Takes about 3 minutes. Get your Founder Stage and a personalized next step.
Learn what it takes, find out where you stand, and get clear on your next step.
From the nation’s fastest-growing network of microschools — including founders across Texas building with Catalyst.
Texas just launched the largest school-choice program in U.S. history, creating an unprecedented opportunity for Texas educators and community leaders to build small, innovative schools. KaiPod gives you the roadmap and support to make it happen.
Catalyst is the first choice for education entrepreneurs wanting to start a microschool
Founders who have participated in the program since inception
The success rate for founders launching a microschool compared to the national average
We support Founders for 2 years after their microschool launches, helping ensure their fullest potential
a real TEXAS founder
One teacher took the time to really know her. So she built a school that does the same for every child.
A mother and former daycare educator, Erica Peterson drew on a third-grade teacher who once took the time to understand her to found Endless Possibilities Academy in Humble — building it through KaiPod’s Catalyst program to WASC accreditation along the way.
“KaiPod has helped me feel supported and less isolated as a microschool founder. Through KaiPod, I’ve gained clarity around systems, sustainability, and best practices while still being encouraged to stay rooted in my mission and vision.”
— Erica Peterson, founder of Endless Possibilities Academy • Humble, TX
Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
New funding is opening the door for Texas microschools.
TEFA gives eligible families up to $10,474 a year to spend on tuition at an approved private school — the largest school-choice launch in U.S. history, with demand already far outpacing available funding.
Statewide eligibility
open to K–12 students across Texas — not capped by income or ZIP code
Up to $30,000 for IEP students
a funding tier that rewards specialized and neurodiverse-affirming models
100,000+ on the waitlist
How Catalyst helps you open a microschool in Texas
1
Accreditation & eligibility. TEFA requires accreditation through a TEPSAC- or TEA-recognized agency plus two years of continuous operation. Through Catalyst, you launch under KaiPod Learning’s accredited umbrella and have a faster path to launching your school.
2
Provider registration. KaiPod has partnered directly with Odyssey, the platform that administers TEFA for the Texas Comptroller, to help connect schools like yours to ESA funding. We help you prepare a strong application to get listed.
3
Financial & operational readiness. Participating schools need documented tuition and reporting systems, plus an annual nationally norm-referenced assessment for grades 3–12. Our Build Phase work helps you set up operations that stay compliant and sustainable.
4
Zoning & facilities. Texas’s Learning Pod Act may exempt small, home-based programs that meet its narrow definition of a learning pod from certain local zoning and building-code rules, though it doesn’t cover every model or facility. We help you evaluate whether it fits yours.
*Confirm all current rules directly directly by referencing the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program.
KAIPOD CATALYST
The proven path from plan to open doors.
Catalyst is our selective program for serious founders. Over three phases, you build your actual school, open it, and keep growing — guided by people who’ve done it.
1
Build Phase
Over 12 weeks, you design and build your school’s foundation — vision, families, finances, operations, and curriculum — with live sessions and milestone deliverables.
2
Launch Phase
KaiPod supports your launch: securing a location, enrolling families, meeting compliance (including TEFA registration), and preparing for opening day.
3
Grow Phase
Once you open, you join the KaiPod Network — with technology, coaching, resources, and community to run and grow a sustainable school.
"KaiPod really understands what the process is like."
CATALYST IS SELECTIVE
You don't need it all figured out. You just need to be ready to build.
Catalyst is for founders who are genuinely ready to do the work — you don’t have to have every answer. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. We help you shape the rest.
The drive to build
Initiative, persistence, and a willingness to learn as you go.
A community to serve
Families or a community you’re excited to build a school for.
Time to commit
Room in your life to do real building over the coming months.
Not sure yet? Explore our free Founder Resources or take the Microschool Basics course to learn more about build your foundation before applying.
"I would 100% recommend the KaiPod Catalyst program. I have actually recommended it to three of my co-workers already before I left my job."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Good to know before you apply.
MICROSCHOOLS IN TEXAS
Is "microschool" a legal category in Texas?
No. “Microschool” describes a model, not a legal designation. Each microschool operates under an existing structure — most commonly a private school, or, for smaller home-based programs, a learning pod or homeschool arrangement.
Are there special rules for small or home-based programs in Texas?
Yes — Texas’s Learning Pod Act gives certain small, home-based programs relief from some local rules that otherwise apply to schools and child-care facilities, and a school can qualify as both a private school and a learning pod. Catalyst helps you evaluate whether this applies to your model as you plan your location.
Do my teachers need Texas certification?
No — Texas doesn’t require private school teachers to hold state certification, though your accreditor will typically set its own “highly qualified” standard. We help you build a documented staffing and screening plan regardless.
*Note that KaiPod doesn’t provide legal counsel — confirm your specific situation with a local education attorney or the Texas Education Agency for specifics around compliance- and legal-related questions.
TEFA Funding
How much funding can Texas families receive?
Up to $10,474 per student, per year, toward tuition at an approved private school for 2026–27. Students with a qualifying IEP can receive up to $30,000; homeschool families receive $2,000.
Can a new microschool participate in TEFA?
Through Catalyst, you launch under KaiPod Learning’s accredited umbrella and can participate in TEFA as a new microschool.
ABOUT KAIPOD CATALYST
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 on completing 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.
There’s no revenue share, so as your school grows, you keep more of what you earn to reinvest in your students, educators, and school community.
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 for access to startup funds (typically $5,000+). Texas’s TEFA program, once your school is an approved provider, helps cover ongoing tuition for eligible families — see above.
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.
Ready to find your next step?
Take the 3-minute Founder Assessment — or, if you already know you're ready, apply to Catalyst.