Brainstorming Your Model

This blog post is AI generated from my podcast Episode 4 transcript. Check it out!

Hi there! Today, we’re diving into the fun part of planning your school: brainstorming your model—what your program will actually look like.

If you’ve been following along, you’ve already spent time thinking about your strengths, weaknesses, and your “why.” That foundation is going to be your North Star as you start designing your school.

I specialize in hybrid schools—part-time programs where families are homeschooling. These are usually two or three days a week, drop-off programs. But a lot of what I’m going to share is also relevant to micro schools, which are smaller, more intimate setups—often just a few staff and under 20–30 kids.

Hybrid vs. Micro: What’s the Difference?

Here’s how I usually define them:

• Hybrid schools: Always part-time, generally bigger (50–60 kids or more). They supplement homeschooling.

• Micro schools: Can be part-time or full-time, much smaller, and sometimes run by just a handful of educators.

No matter which path you take, your model should start with your why—your mission and vision. If you have some personal limitations, like young children at home or being more introverted, that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your vision. It just means the structure might look a little different. You might handle more behind-the-scenes or administrative work, and hire talented staff to manage the in-person interactions.

Deciding the Basics: Days, Weeks, and Subjects

If your families are homeschooling, you have flexibility. You can offer as much or as little as you want. Full-time private schools have stricter requirements, but as a homeschool supplement, you get to design your schedule based on:

• Your vision: What’s essential to your mission?

• Your market: What do families want, and what can they realistically pay for?

• Practical considerations: Facility availability, staff, and budget.

Some options to consider:

• Two-day programs: Cover all subjects—math, reading, history, science, art, music, outdoor time.

• Three or four days a week: You could extend the day or focus on specific subjects you’re most passionate about.

• Length of the year: 28 weeks? 36 weeks? Longer programs may cost more, shorter ones can reduce tuition for families.

For example, maybe you love nature study and want kids outside exploring. You might design a program focused on nature, play, and problem-solving while leaving academics for home instruction. Or maybe your passion is classical literature and history—your schedule might focus heavily on humanities.

Matching Your Passion With Your Market

Your why guides the model, but your market influences what’s realistic. Some communities might only support a handful of families interested in your vision. That’s okay—you can start smaller, maybe only serving a specific age range, like 5–8 years old.

Practical considerations like travel time for families also matter. In rural areas, parents may drive 30–40 minutes—shorter programs might not feel worth it, so longer blocks work better. In urban areas, shorter days could be fine because families are closer.

Cost is another big factor. Your program has to be affordable for your market while still sustainable for you. If your community has less disposable income, shorter days or fewer weeks may be necessary to keep tuition reasonable.

Picking the Right Pedagogy

Your educational philosophy is just as important as your schedule. Popular options include:

• Charlotte Mason

• Waldorf

• Montessori

• Classical education

• Traditional models adapted for small or hybrid programs

Even if families aren’t familiar with the hybrid or micro model, a unique educational focus draws them in. Passion and purpose behind your program inspire confidence and excitement—both from families and from you as a founder.

Next Steps

Start by brainstorming your ideal model:

• How many days a week?

• How long is each day?

• How many weeks per year?

• Which subjects or areas are essential?

Write it down. This will be your starting point when we move into the market validation process, where you’ll gather input from families and make sure your ideas are realistic and desired in your community.

Remember: this is your vision. Your why is your guiding light, and your model should reflect what you truly care about—while staying aligned with what your market can support.