OptimaEd has partnered with KaiPod Learning, the country's largest owner/operator of microschools and learning pods. We are seeking entrepreneurial educators, parents, and other leaders who are interested in launching their own microschools using the knowledge and infrastructure KaiPod has built, along with the curriculum available through Optima Academy Online.

The name KaiPod is based on the Greek word ‘kairos’ meaning ‘the right time to act.’ It applies to parents who stand up and take charge of their children’s learning.

Microschools are a unique entity that evolved out of homeschooling and are in between private schools and homeschools. Microschools are becoming increasingly popular as an education alternative. because they offer a more personalized, flexible and convenient option for families looking for a quality educational experience.

The KaiPod Catalyst Program is a part-time (5-10 hours a week) program designed to support teachers, parents, or community members in launching their own microschool. The next cohort of KaiPod Catalyst runs for 18 weeks starting in March 2024 and the goal is for fellows to launch their own financially viable microschool in September 2024.

WHO IS THIS FOR

This fellowship is for educators who are interested in launching a microschool in September 2024 but are not sure how and where to start.

More specifically:

• Entrepreneurially minded educators who love teaching and working with children but want to do it outside the bounds of the traditional classroom and education system.
• A classroom teacher who is craving autonomy, wants to work for themselves, and spends more of their time doing things they view as important for student success.
• Parents who use homeschooling or online school resources and want to create dynamic learning spaces in their communities.

Opening and operating a microschool is both demanding and rewarding and will require a significant amount of community outreach and conviction on behalf of the fellow.

HOW KAIPOD CAN HELP YOU LAUNCH A MICROSCHOOL

As a KaiPod Fellow you will be equipped with everything you need to launch a microschool for the 24-25 school year. This includes:

• Support in finding an ideal space to operate your microschool.
• Support in understanding the regulatory environment you are operating in.
• Support in marketing your microschool and enrolling enough students such that it is financially viable.
• Direct assistance in writing grant applications in order to fundraise to cover initial start-up costs.
• KaiPod’s core curriculum resources include learning platforms that have proven to be effective in a microschool model, a bank of enrichment lesson plans for all ages, facilitating dynamic enriching free play for all students, and strategies for whole child development.
• Free access to KaiPodOS - an online platform designed to support you with all of your microschool’s data, student information, and parent communication needs.

MORE ABOUT HOW IT WORKS

What is the Fellow’s relationship with KaiPod?

The microschool you launch will be independently owned and operated by you. KaiPod Learning will be a highly invested partner in its success. We will share all of the knowledge, information, and resources we have in order to help caring educators replicate our model. We provide support, not only in the initial planning and launch years, but for the first three years of operation. We charge a student fee in order to sustain our operations. After the initial three years, you can determine if you want to continue the partnership.

How much autonomy do I have?

You have complete autonomy over every aspect of your microschool. Our role is to support you with expertise, resources, and tools to help you be successful.

What is the time commitment?

The program runs for 18 weeks. Fellows attend a virtual training once a week for two hours. These sessions are focused on providing fellows with the skills and knowledge critical to their success. Fellows should expect to work for another 3-8 hours per week following up on takeaway action items, engaging the community, and other tasks related to planning for the launch of their school.