Microschool Makers Series
Real founder stories and free resources for educators exploring starting a microschool — as featured on Kerry McDonald’s LiberatED podcast.
A collaboration between the Education Entrepreneurship Lab and KaiPod Learning
EPISODE 1
Developing Your Vision
Every microschool starts with a clear vision — and the clearest ones sit at the intersection of what a founder is uniquely good at, what their community actually needs, and what can grow into something sustainable.
In this episode, Kerry talks with Amar Kumar, Founder & CEO of KaiPod Learning, and three founders who had different visions for building their schools.
Stay tuned for episode 1 coming September 11!
COMPANION RESOURCE
The Founder Assessment
Could starting a microschool be your next step?
EPISODE 2
Building a Sustainable School
A strong vision needs a model that can last. This episode explores how founders validate demand, navigate tuition and funding, manage costs, and make practical decisions that allow their schools to grow and sustain themselves over time.
Episode 2 airs September 18
COMPANION RESOURCE
EPISODE 3
Leading a Thriving School
Opening the doors is only the beginning. As a microschool grows, the founder’s role changes too—from educator and entrepreneur to school leader.
In this episode, hear how three successful founders have grown into confident leaders, navigate the challenges of running a school, and lean on community and coaching to build schools that thrive.
Episode 3 airs September 25
COMPANION RESOURCE
Coming soon!
KEEP GOING
Microschool Founder Resources
Every companion piece above lives inside a bigger library of guides, courses, and tools for microschool founders at every stage.
Founder Resources Hub
Straightforward, no-cost resources to help you make informed decisions and take meaningful action, wherever you are in the journey.
Microschool Basics Course
A free, self-paced 5-module course for learning all the foundational elements of opening a school.
Start a Microschool
The full overview of how KaiPod Catalyst supports microschool founders, from early vision to opening day.
YOUR HOSTS
Meet Kerry & Amar
Kerry McDonald
Host • Director, Education Entrepreneurship Lab at FEE
Kerry is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and Director of its Education Entrepreneurship Lab. She hosts LiberatED, a podcast with 400+ episodes exploring alternative and entrepreneurial approaches to education, and has spent years reporting on the modern homeschooling and microschool movement.
Amar Kumar
CEO & FOUNDER, KAIPOD LEARNING
Amar founded KaiPod to give students and educators a more personal alternative to the traditional classroom experience. Since then, KaiPod’s Catalyst program has helped founders open microschools in 100+ communities across the country.
Ready to find your next step?
Take the 3-minute Founder Assessment — or, if you already know you're ready, apply to Catalyst.