Could starting a microschool be your next step?
Answer five quick questions to see where you are in the journey to starting a school — and exactly what to do next.
✓ Your current Founder Stage
✓ A recommended next step based on where you are
✓ Resources chosen for your stage today
✓ The chance to apply for Catalyst if you’re ready
FREE WORKSHOP
Before You Apply: Inside the Catalyst Application
A free workshop for aspiring microschool founders. Learn what we look for, strengthen your responses, and get your questions answered live.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7 • 6PM ET / 5PM CT / 3PM PT
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
HOW IT WORKS
Five quick questions. One clear picture
The assessment looks at where you are today — not whether you have it all figured out. Based on your stage in the journey to starting a school, we’ll provide practical action steps for what to do next.
Your commitment
Your intended timeline
Your current progress
Community connections
Interested families
FIND YOUR PATH
Three paths. One assessment tells you which is yours.
JUST EXPLORING
Learn the fundamentals
"I'm curious about microschools and want to know what's really involved."
Your move: Master the basics with our free Microschool Basics course — no cost, no commitment.
BUILDING YOUR IDEA
Make a plan
"I want to start a school, but my plan isn't fully shaped yet."
Your move: Sharpen your concept, test demand with families, and get ready to apply to Catalyst.
READY TO START
Learn the fundamentals
"I know what I'm building and I've already taken steps to make it real."
Your move: Apply to Catalyst — our program for founders ready to build their school.
WHAT IS KAIPOD?
Keep your independence. Get expert support.
KaiPod is the nation’s fastest-growing network for independent microschools. You keep full control of your school — the vision, the model, the students. We bring the expertise, tools, and community to help you open it, and keep it thriving.
Expertise
Guidance from founders and operators who have launched real schools.
Tools
Tested frameworks and templates, plus Newton, our microschool management platform.
Community
A national network of hundreds of founders building alongside you.
KaiPod Catalyst: The premier program for launching a microschool.
Catalyst is KaiPod’s selective program for serious founders ready to turn their plans into a viable, launch-ready school. Over a 12-week Build Phase and the launch work that follows, you build your actual school — vision, families, finances, operations, curriculum, and opening day — with proven systems and expert guidance.
FORMAT
Cohort-based, virtual
A 12-week Build Phase in six two-week cycles, plus launch support.
COMMITMENT
~10 hours a week
Weekly live sessions, lessons, and real school-building milestones.
OUTCOME
A school ready to open
You finish the course phase ~80% ready to open. Not just a plan on a shelf.