Start a Microschool—
with the Right Support
KaiPod Catalyst is the largest microschool startup program in the country, designed to help educators and founders move from idea to action—without doing it alone.
Choose Your Next Step
Everyone comes to the idea of starting a microschool from a different place. Choose the option below that best reflects where you are right now so we can point you to the most helpful next step.
How KaiPod Catalyst Works
KaiPod Catalyst guides you through the full process of starting a microschool—breaking a complex journey into clear, manageable phases.
You move through each phase with guidance and flexibility, adapting decisions to your school, state, and community.
Program Structure at a Glance
Catalyst blends live sessions and independent work, with most founders spending about 10 hours per week.
Live sessions & touchpoints
Join live sessions for guidance and feedback, with recordings available.
Independent work time
Apply what you’re learning to your own school between sessions.
Flexible pacing
Follow clear milestones for structure, while flexibility is built in for real life.
Frequently Asked Questions About KaiPod Catalyst
You don’t need to have everything figured out to take the next step. Here are answers to common questions we hear.
What exactly is KaiPod Catalyst?
KaiPod Catalyst is a structured program that helps educators and founders start a microschool—or figure out early and honestly whether that path is right for them.
Do I need to have a clear microschool plan before enrolling?
No. Many people come into Catalyst with just an interest or early idea. The program helps you clarify your vision and determine what kind of school makes sense for you.
Who is Catalyst designed for?
Catalyst is built for educators, school leaders, and community founders who want to create smaller, more personal learning environments for students.
How long does the program last?
Catalyst is designed to guide you through the full early-stage journey, from exploration and planning through becoming enrollment-ready. When you decide to open your school, KaiPod will continue to support you for a small revenue share for two years after you open.
How much does Catalyst cost?
Catalyst costs $249. This includes access to all training, tools, coaching, and community support. When you decide to open your school, KaiPod continues to support you for 2 years for 10% of revenue share.
What happens if I enroll but decide not to open a microschool?
That’s okay. Many participants use Catalyst to gain clarity and decide whether this path is right for them—before investing more time or money.
Is Catalyst self-paced or live?
It includes both self-paced content and live group coaching sessions, so you get flexibility plus real-time support.
How much time should I expect to commit?
Most participants should plan to dedicate about 10 hours per week to the program. This includes working through the lessons, applying what you’re learning to your own school idea, and participating in live sessions. The pace is manageable for educators who are working while planning their school.
Can I do the Catalyst program while working full time or teaching?
Yes. Most founders participate while balancing teaching, family, or other work. The program is structured with clear milestones and flexibility, so you can make steady progress without putting the rest of your life on hold.
Do I have to use a specific curriculum or teaching model?
No. KaiPod Catalyst supports a wide range of school models and educational approaches. You design the learning environment, curriculum, and structure that fit your students and your goals.
Does Catalyst help me with funding?
Catalyst helps you understand the funding landscape for microschools and plan realistically for your situation. You’ll learn about common funding paths, how founders think about budgets and cash flow, and how to assess financial viability early.
While Catalyst does not provide direct funding, it equips you with the tools, frameworks, and guidance needed to plan, pursue, and manage funding options responsibly as you build your school.
Does Catalyst help with enrollment and operations?
Yes. Catalyst includes guidance on both the operational and enrollment sides of starting a microschool. This includes a comprehensive marketing course designed to help founders build an enrollment pipeline for their school, spending about 15 minutes each day—covering positioning, outreach, and practical strategies for reaching families.
You’ll also work through operational considerations like budgeting, timelines, and systems needed to run your school, with tools and support to help you apply what you’re learning to your own context.
→ APPLY BY JAN. 18 FOR OUR NEXT COHORT!
Start Your Own Microschool
With KaiPod Catalyst, we give you a step-by-step program to build the school you’ve always imagined.
More teachers want the freedom to offer a more personal, student-centered way to teach. If you’re considering starting a microschool, KaiPod Catalyst gives you the guidance, tools, and support to turn your school vision into reality.
Sign up to receive alerts about our free, expert-led webinars designed to help you understand the pathway to starting a microschool.
New Microschool Webinar Series!
Sign up to receive alerts about our free, expert-led webinars designed to help you understand the pathway to starting a microschool.
How One Teacher’s Microschool Journey Achieved Big Results
Join award-winning founder and Catalyst graduate Mercedes Grant for a candid look at how she built a thriving 70-student microschool in just two years. She’ll share lessons, surprises, and advice for new founders—plus a live Q&A to help you understand what it takes to launch your own school in 2026.
REGISTER NOW FOR OUR NEXT WEBINAR!
Wed, Jan. 7 at 7:30pm ET (4:30pm PT)
How One Teacher’s Microschool Journey Achieved Big Results
Join award-winning founder and Catalyst graduate Mercedes Grant for a candid look at how she built a thriving 70-student microschool in just two years. She’ll share lessons, surprises, and advice for new founders—plus a live Q&A to help you understand what it takes to launch your own school in 2026.
ENROLL BY OCTOBER 31!
Start Your Own Microschool
KaiPod Catalyst gives educators the training, coaching, and community support to launch a thriving microschool with confidence.
Why Now is the Time to Start
For just $249, you’ll unlock KaiPod Catalyst’s comprehensive training and coaching program
The program is organized into six clear stages, from vision to launch, so we're with you every step of the way.
With expert coaching, ready-to-use tools, and a proven roadmap, Catalyst gives you the skills and confidence to open your doors and lead with purpose by next school year.
Not sure if starting a microschool is right for you?
Get our free Decision Guide with self-assessment, resources, and roadmap to launch—plus exclusive insights into the Catalyst program.
Get the GuideWhat You’ll Get with Catalyst
Live Coaching + Expert Sessions
Professional Learning Library (30+ hrs PD)
Done-for-You Tools & Templates
Enrollment & Marketing Support
Newton Microschool Management Software
National Founder Community
Ongoing Post-Launch Support
Flexible Payment Options
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
Do you think you’re ready to start a microschool?
Take our 2-minute microschool readiness assessment to find out!
Real Stories from Catalyst Founders
