The Three Phases on Building an Alternative Schooling Program
This blog post is AI-generated from the transcript of Episode 9 of my podcast Hybrid School Builders.
Phase One: Are You (and Your Market) Ready?
This is the heart work. Before you start looking at buildings or websites, you need clarity on two things:
Your vision – Why are you doing this? What do you want your school to look and feel like? What strengths are you bringing to the table—and where will you need support?
Your community’s needs – Is there interest in what you want to build? What options do families already have, and where are the gaps?
This doesn’t require expensive research or a consultant. A few surveys, conversations with local families, and a little time studying what’s already out there will go a long way.
Give yourself 4–8 weeks for this phase. Enough time to spread the word, hold a few interest meetings, and start shaping your mission statement.
Phase Two: Build Your Infrastructure
Once you know your vision and that families are interested, it’s time to start laying the groundwork. This includes things like:
Securing a location (this can take time!)
Creating a realistic budget
Researching curriculum, supplies, insurance, and other essentials
Building simple systems (website, tuition collection, enrollment forms, communication channels)
Don’t overcomplicate this. A one-page website on Squarespace, a Google Form for signups, and a basic bookkeeping system may be all you need to get started. What matters most is that families feel confident you’ve thought things through and can deliver what you’re promising.
Plan on 3–5 months for this phase, especially if you’re still searching for a facility.
Phase Three: Launch and Enroll
This phase overlaps with the excitement of opening your doors, but it starts before students arrive. Think of it as everything you need to do to make sure your program is truly ready for families:
Finalizing curriculum, schedules, and daily rhythms
Writing handbooks, rules, and safety plans
Hiring and training teachers
Setting up admissions and enrolling your first students
Training your team takes time. You’re not just hiring bodies; you’re equipping them to bring your vision to life in the classroom. That requires planning, coaching, and plenty of preparation on your part.
Expect this phase to take 3–4 months.
Putting It All Together
So what does the timeline look like if you’re starting from scratch?
Phase One (Readiness): 4–8 weeks
Phase Two (Infrastructure): 3–5 months
Phase Three (Launch): 3–4 months
Altogether, about one year from idea to open doors.
Remember, this is for a pilot program—something small, manageable, and sustainable. You’re not building a 500-student school in a year, and that’s okay. Start small, build strong foundations, and grow from there.
