I have been a teacher at a small private Christian School for many years. I have been asked by 15 families to homeschool their children, beginning in the fall. I have agreed. I purchased your books and read them (so helpful!!) I have done quite a bit of work already, but after filling out half of the 501(c)(3) form, have decided that I really want to make sure this is all done right and am requesting your help.
-S
Dear S,
Homeschooling the children from 15 families is not really homeschooling. Perhaps forming a microschool be a better option.
What’s a microschool?
According to Meridian Learning, a resource and advocacy organization for grassroots micro-schools,
a micro school is a purposely small school led by a trained professional and focused on meaningful, sustainable, whole student learning.
Microschools are also called the modern-day one-room schoolroom.
Microschools are not the same as homeschool co-ops, tutorials or programs. Micro schools are registered schools in their states and meet the compulsory attendance requirements of the state. Instead, homeschool programs supplement the main teacher, the parent, with classes and extra curricular activities, but the students are homeschooled under their state laws for homeschooling.
It’s a lot of work to set up a microschool so learn more about starting a running a micro school at Meridian Learning. Meridian will be hosting virtual training sessions this summer (2017) on topics such as:
- Teacherpreneur
- How to Start a Microschool
- Montessori for Business
I will be presenting information at the Teacherpreneur 101 and How to Start a Microschool classes.
Also, please visit this Facebook page on Grassroots Microschools to meet other people running microschools.
I’m committed to helping homeschool leaders, but sometimes other options may work better for some people. I hope S. finds a program that meets the needs of the students and parents.
Carol Topp, CPA
