Start an Autism Microschool
Building Bright Futures for Learners on the Autism Spectrum
KaiPod Catalyst, in partnership with the National Accelerator for Autism Charter Schools, can help you start and operate a Microschool tailored to serve the needs of learners with autism.


It's Your Moment to Reimagine Inclusive Learning
Millions of families are seeking specialized education options for their children. Microschools can succeed where traditional school models have fallen short, especially for learners with autism and other forms of neurodiversity.
Have More Impact
Create transformative experiences with personalized education, addressing each student's unique needs.
Realize Your Vision for Inclusive education
Develop a learning environment that embodies your educational philosophy and caters specifically to autistic learners.
Gain Autonomy and Freedom
Take control of the educational process, allowing for creativity and flexibility without the limitations of traditional school systems.
Personal Growth
Enhance your journey by becoming a leader in the inclusive education community.
Career Flexibility
As a Microschool founder, you are both a business owner and a boss, with the flexibility to innovate.
Transform Your Community
Shape the education landscape for autistic learners and change lives in your community.



We Provide All the Expertise You Need to Launch, Run, and Grow an Autism Microschool
Marketing and Outreach
Community Engagement
Finance and Fundraising
School Location
Operations
Hiring
Academic Programming
Student Experience
Why Start a Microchool for Autistic Learners?
- Specialized training in the unique attributes of running a Microschool for students with autism
- Access to mentors who have sucessfully run Microschools for autistic and neurodiverse students
- Eligible for grants through KaiPod.org
- Ongoing professional development for you and your team for three years after your school launches
- Curriculum discounts, a library of student assessments, plus strategic and crisis management planning tools
- A community of Microschool leaders dedicated to inclusive education
Start an Autism Microschool
Ready to Become a Microschool Founder?
Start a Microschool
Not Ready to Apply?
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KaiPod Catalyst FAQ
Am I qualified to be a Microschool Founder?
We welcome creative thinkers passionate about education and eager to build new learning pathways in their community. Ideal candidates include teachers, community leaders, parents, and professionals who share a vision for improving education equity.Â
What do I need to start a school?
Anyone can start a school – but it takes real commitment and capacity to do the hard work. In our experience supporting Founders across America, we have seen that the most successful Founders have:
- 10-15 hours per week to commit to building their school
- Personal savings and/or a supportive partner to rely on for the first year (if the school doesn’t hit full enrollment right away)
- A willingness to take a risk and fail
- 10-15 hours per week to commit to building their school
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If this sounds like you, KaiPod Catalyst will be there with you every step of the way and for three years after. If you commit to this journey, we’ll commit to you.
How quickly can I open a Microschool in my community?
Many of our Catalyst Founders have launched their Microschool within a year of beginning the program. It’s different for everyone, but that’s a reasonable time frame to strive for.
What kind of Microschool can I create?
We’re excited about diverse, personalized learning environments. Whether your idea resembles a broad vision or a school focused on areas like STEM, Nature, or Neurodiverse learners, all microschools share the key values of student-centered learning, parental choice, and engaging environments.
Is there an upfront cost to participate in KaiPod Catalyst?
There’s no up-front cost to join! Once you launch a Microschool, we partner with you for three years and receive ongoing support in exchange for a per-student fee.
How does the program curriculum work?
Our curriculum is developed in partnership with NAACS. Content is delivered in a course format so you can work through it at your own pace,You’ll be a part of a small group, join regular synchronous group meetings, and have access to regularly scheduled webinars, workshops, and coffee chats. In addition, you’ll also receive regular 1:1 feedback and coaching.
What is the time commitment for KaiPod Catalyst?
Initially, expect to spend 10-15 hours per week, increasing as the launch date for your Microshcool approaches. Full-time dedication is anticipated post-launch.Â
Can you help me with funding for my Microschool?
Yes! We help with introductions to funders, grant application support, and recommendations to secure initial capital to get your school up and running.
What services and support will I receive after I launch my Microschool and for the the 3-year support period?
- Personalized support through monthly meetings: You’ll meet monthly with an Account Manager who understands your unique program needs. This includes strategic guidance, administrative support, and ongoing professional development, ensuring you can focus on running your Microschool effectively.
- Professional development: You have access to monthly professional development sessions tailored to your needs throughout the year. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from community building and student assessment to marketing strategies and financial planning, ensuring you have the knowledge and skills to lead your Microschool successfully.
- Microschool curriculum resources: These provide guidance on curriculum selection and development, as well as access to KaiPod’s curriculum discounts. This support ensures you have high-quality educational materials that meet your students’ needs and align with your educational goals.
- Vibrant Community of Microschool Founders: You’ll maintain access to our vibrant community of Microschool founders and experts, including monthly founder coffee chat meetings, and small group support meetings. These activities foster collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support among Microschool leaders.
I've started seeing a lot of programs online for starting a Microschool. How is Catalyst unique?
Great question! KaiPod has been operating its own Microschools (we call them pods) for nearly three years. We quickly realized that our long-term success depends on helping others start their own Microschools. We’re unique because we have the knowledge and experience from operating our own KaiPod Learning locations across the country, and that experience is reflected on the success rate for creating new Microschool Founders. With Catalyst, we’re passing our vast knowledge onto you. The only difference is your Microschool will be entirely your own! We’re also the only program of its kind that continues to support Founders for three years post-launch, with the option for continued support beyond that.
What if I have more questions?
We’re happy to discuss any questions you have. Send us a message at [email protected]