Thinking of becoming an Educational Entrepreneur?

I’ve been doing a good deal of research lately into what is available to help educational entrepreneurs start new programs. Starting a new business is pretty much always overwhelming, and I’ve come across quite a range of models and options that help those on the search for support.

I knew about Classical Conversations, which has been around for more than 20 years, has thousands of communities, and offers a very specific curriculum and model geared specifically to homeschoolers. Groups meet once a week for a shortened school year (24 weeks, I believe) and parents can serve as the ‘tutors’ or teachers and the model seems to be a cooperative (parents do not drop the kids off but volunteer in some capacity). Directors are ‘licensed’ and CC is an LLC. As nearly as I can tell, tuition runs between $400 and $800 per year, plus curriculum, and tutors and directors are paid enough to cover the costs of their own children’s tuition plus sometimes a little more.

Many people love the classical aspect, others do not, and its biggest draw seems to be the social community and the fact that parents know exactly what they are getting academically.

On the other end of the spectrum are multiple newer networks and businesses specifically geared toward the founding of microschools. KaiPod, Acton, and Prenda seem to be the businesses with the most traction. They often appeal to teachers looking to continue teaching, but in their own business and on their own terms. Costs to founders range from nothing (families pay fees), to a percentage per child once launched, to an up-front cost and a percentage per child. In exchange, teachers receive training, resources, and other support ranging from curriculum to infrastructure platforms.

The only option I know of specific to the hybrid school model is National Association of University Model Schools. This network has also been around for a couple of decades and specifically is geared toward 2 and 3 day programs. Application and accreditation are required to belong, and the network provides resources and trainings.

When I first started this site in 2023, my goal was to put together some guidance on things I learned along the journey of starting as a lone grassroots program with no network or resources (or money!). I put together stuff I wish I’d known. What would I tell my younger self in 2016 that would have eased the path?

It’s not too shabby for general guidance, but I have learned a lot about course creation since! The new course will be much more robust and will walk users step by step through a 9 month process from 0 to launch day.

am looking for a group to join the Beta launch this summer and fall. I’d love to get 10-20 people willing to walk through launching their program for fall of 2026. Make sure you get on the mailing list for more updates!