Christian Microschools are on the Rise

The landscape of K12 education in America is fundamentally shifting. From 2016 to 2023 alone, we’ve seen over twenty new school choice programs launch across the U.S. These plans expand student access to innovative learning options. New states are following the trend and by the end of 2024, billions of dollars will be available to families to fund alternative and private K12 learning. 

Education will never look the same. 

Still, doing innovative things requires courage. It takes hard work and fortitude to make countless decisions and proceed with confidence. Thankfully, there are groups that exist to support educational entrepreneurs as they navigate the changing landscape of school choice. They offer their wealth of experience, hard-won knowledge, and tested resources to support school startups across the country and around the world. Let’s look at two of them:

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) began in 1978 and exists to strengthen the Christian school movement and equip Christian educators. Since 2019, ACSI’s mission has focused on three pillars: ADVANCING, ACCESS, and ADVOCACY

ACSI aims to ADVANCE Christian education by contributing innovative thought leadership, sharing professional development opportunities, and providing support services. They are committed to promoting ACCESS to Christian education with a goal of making it available and attainable for more families. And ACSI is ADVOCATING for the future of Christian education by developing public-facing resources and forging strategic relationships. Peruse the ACSI website and you’ll be impressed with what they offer and what they’re up to!

The National Microschooling Center is another hub of resources for educational entrepreneurs. The center identifies as a movement-builder led by real people with boots on the ground. For starters, check out the 2024 Sector Analysis to see stats on over 400 microschools in over 40 states. There is a wealth of information communicated in the report. For example, the biggest needs reported by current microschool operators are “understanding regulatory frameworks (93%),” and “governance and organization (88%).” Do you fall into either of those categories with your endeavor? You’re not alone!

If you’re looking for more than just data, the National Microschooling Center offers myriad ways to connect with like-minded individuals, learn online and at in-person events, and gather resources. If you’ve got an idea about schooling and you’re in the market for advice, tools, and community, their website-hub is the place to start! With a commitment to serve the diverse community of microschool leaders, the National Microschooling Center is open to all the varied types of educational innovation. If you’re a Christian school operator, you can find Soaring Education Services as one of their Affinity Groups. We’d love to help you turn your ideas into an operational school!

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