Let’s Reimagine Education.
Welcome to the most exciting
movement in American education.
Seismic shifts are shaking the landscape of K–12 education. Public school districts across the US have lost over a million students since 2020.
Meanwhile, novel educational models— such as microschools and hybrid homeschooling—have more than doubled their enrollments. Over the last decade, the one-room schoolhouse has seen a resurgence and it’s not slowing down.
Explore Our Impact
100+ students served
across programs
2,640 hours
of outdoor learning
26,136
locally-sourced,
scratch-cooked meals served to students
4,800 lbs of produce
grown by students
11,500 student hours
of learning in arts + music
Pasture Raised Kids began in 2018 with a group of visionary parents who imagined a more innovative approach to education. Today, we are proud to be a leader in helping catalyze a movement in revolutionizing education across the nation.
Our story shines through the children’s lives we change.
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Micro Courses:
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Module 2:
Developing Your School’s Vision and Mission ($350)
If you’re like me, you want to jump right in and get started. But, it’s critical that we pause here to really evaluate your values and establish a strong vision and mission. These will guide your decisions well into the future and help you stick to your “why” when things get tough (and they will!). Here we will establish your school’s core values, philosophy, pedagogy, and long term goals. Buckle up.
What You'll Learn in This Lesson: Identifying Your Core Values and Educational Philosophy
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Understanding the Role of Core Values: Learn how core values serve as the foundation for your school’s mission, culture, and educational approach.
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Defining Your Educational Philosophy: Explore different educational philosophies and how they influence teaching methods, curriculum design, and the student experience.
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Aligning Core Values with Your Vision: Understand how to align your core values with your long-term vision for your school, ensuring consistency and authenticity.
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Reflecting Your Values in Daily Practice: Discover how to integrate core values into the everyday operations of your school, from classroom activities to student interactions.
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Communicating Your Values to Families: Learn how to effectively communicate your core values and educational philosophy to prospective families, helping them connect with your school’s mission.
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Incorporating Feedback: Gain strategies for gathering feedback from families, staff, and students to refine and strengthen your core values over time.
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Building a Values-Driven School Culture: Understand how to create a school culture that embodies your core values and fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
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What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Setting Long-Term Goals for Your Farm School
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The Importance of Long-Term Vision: Understand why having clear, long-term goals is essential for guiding the growth and sustainability of your farm school.
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Defining Your School’s Future: Learn how to create a compelling vision for the next 5-10 years, focusing on areas such as curriculum development, facilities, and community impact.
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Identifying Key Growth Areas: Discover how to set goals in critical areas like enrollment growth, financial stability, staffing needs, and program expansion.
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Setting SMART Goals: Gain insights into using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework to set realistic and actionable long-term goals.
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Planning for Resources: Learn how to identify the resources (financial, human, and physical) needed to achieve your school’s long-term objectives.
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Tracking Progress Over Time: Discover how to create milestones and checkpoints to measure progress and adjust your goals as your farm school grows.
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Involving Your Community in Goal Setting: Understand how to engage staff, families, and community members in shaping the future of your farm school and ensuring collective ownership of its success.
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What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Creating a Vision that Attracts Families and Students
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Understanding the Importance of a Clear Vision: Learn why a well-defined vision is critical for attracting like-minded families and building a strong community around your school.
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Identifying Community Needs: Discover how to assess the needs and desires of families in your area and align your school’s vision with what they are looking for in alternative education.
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Crafting a Vision That Reflects Your Values: Explore how to ensure your school’s vision authentically reflects your core values and educational philosophy, creating a meaningful connection with families.
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Communicating Your Vision Effectively: Gain insights on how to tell your school’s story in a way that resonates with families, using emotional connection and clear messaging.
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Translating Vision into Action: Learn how to turn your vision into tangible daily practices, from curriculum design to classroom environment, ensuring consistency and credibility.
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Building Trust with Families: Understand how to foster long-term relationships with families by living your vision through every aspect of your school’s operations.
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Involving the Community in Your Vision: Discover strategies for engaging families, staff, and the community in shaping and supporting your school’s long-term goals and mission.
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Module 3:
Legal Considerations
and Compliance ($350)
Don’t be scared. It’s the part that deters so many people from even starting, but it doesn’t have to be terrifying. Let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle some of the nuts and bolts that can either set you up for success or…not. We are going to dig into regulations, insurance, and some best practices for health and safety for your Farm School.
What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Understanding Regulatory Frameworks
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Navigating Local, State, and Federal Regulations: Learn how to identify and comply with local, state, and federal regulations that apply to your learning center, co-op, or microschool.
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Understanding Zoning and Land Use Laws: Gain insights into zoning laws and permits that may affect where and how you operate your school or outdoor learning center.
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Exemptions for Non-Traditional Models: Discover how some learning centers and co-ops fall outside traditional school regulations and what exemptions might apply.
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Health and Safety Compliance: Learn the necessary health and safety codes for non-traditional education settings, including sanitation, facility safety, and outdoor space guidelines.
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Employment and Labor Laws: Understand labor law requirements for hiring staff and working with volunteers, including wage laws and background check policies.
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Licensing and Permits: Explore whether your learning center or co-op needs to obtain specific licenses or permits, depending on the number of students, location, and activities.
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Protecting Student Privacy: Learn how to comply with privacy regulations like FERPA, ensuring the protection of student records and data.
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What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Governance/Organizing Your Entity
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Choosing the Right Legal Structure: Learn about the different legal structures (non-profit, for-profit, co-op) and how to select the best fit for your school.
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Establishing Your Governing Body: Understand how to form a board of directors or advisory team and define clear roles and responsibilities for effective governance.
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Defining Key Roles: Learn how to assign and structure leadership roles, including executive directors, administrative teams, teachers, and parent committees, to ensure smooth operations.
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Developing Policies and Procedures: Discover how to create governance frameworks, including bylaws, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution procedures.
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Ensuring Legal and Financial Compliance: Gain insights into your legal responsibilities, including fiduciary duties, labor laws, insurance requirements, and record-keeping.
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Financial Oversight and Sustainability: Learn how to manage finances responsibly, including budgeting, fundraising, financial reviews, and establishing reserve funds.
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Building Organizational Culture: Explore how to foster an inclusive, collaborative organizational culture that reflects your school’s mission and values.
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Scaling Governance for Growth: Understand how to evolve your governance structure as your school expands to ensure continued success and accountability.
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What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Health & Safety Protocols for Farm Schools + Insurance
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Establishing Hygiene and Sanitation Protocols: Learn how to create and maintain clean, safe spaces through proper handwashing, surface disinfection, and restroom maintenance.
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Outdoor and Farm Safety Measures: Understand how to manage outdoor and farm-based risks, including animal safety, farm machinery, and outdoor learning spaces.
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Encouraging Risky Play vs. Hazardous Play: Discover how to safely encourage risky play for developmental benefits while avoiding unsafe or hazardous activities.
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Staff-Student Interaction and Supervision Protocols: Learn the importance of supervision, implementing the two-adult rule, and conducting background checks to ensure student safety.
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Health and Emergency Preparedness: Gain insights on preparing for medical emergencies, setting up first aid kits, and creating emergency response plans.
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Types of Insurance You’ll Need: Understand the essential insurance coverage your school needs, including general liability, property, and workers’ compensation.
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Farm-Specific Insurance Considerations: Explore additional insurance needs for farm-based schools, such as farm liability, accident coverage, and umbrella policies for added protection.
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Creating Safe Spaces and Ensuring Legal Protection: Learn how to develop clear health and safety protocols, implement medical consent forms, and secure waivers to protect your school from liability.
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Module 4: Financial Sustainability ($350)
In this module, we talk all things money. You are running a business, no matter how you structure your formation, you want to be able to be resourced enough to weather the seasons and last the test of time. We’ll go over budgeting, cashflow, pricing, revenue streams, grants, donors, and fundraisers to make sure your operations are financially supported and you’re poised for growth.
What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Budgeting for Startup and Ongoing Operations
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Identifying Startup Costs: Learn how to calculate the initial costs of launching your school, including facility expenses, licensing fees, equipment, and marketing efforts.
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Planning for Ongoing Operational Costs: Understand how to budget for long-term expenses like staff salaries, program supplies, facility maintenance, and insurance.
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Creating Cash Flow Projections: Gain insights on forecasting cash flow, understanding when revenue will come in, and managing expenses throughout the year.
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Building a Contingency Plan: Learn how to prepare for unexpected expenses by creating an emergency fund and budgeting with flexibility in mind.
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Tracking and Monitoring Your Budget: Discover tools and strategies for regularly reviewing your budget, tracking income and expenses, and making adjustments as needed.
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Budgeting for Growth: Understand how to plan for future expansion, including enrollment growth, new programs, and staffing needs, while maintaining financial stability.
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Using Budget Templates and Tools: Learn how to use budgeting software, templates, and financial tools to organize your school’s finances and plan effectively.
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What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Identifying Funding Sources: Grants, Donations, and Fundraisers
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Researching and Applying for Grants: Learn how to find and apply for education, environmental, and community development grants from local, state, federal, and private sources.
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Cultivating Individual Donors: Discover how to build relationships with individual donors, set up recurring donation programs, and leverage online fundraising platforms for targeted campaigns.
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Creating a Fundraising Plan: Learn to develop annual giving campaigns, event-based fundraisers, crowdfunding efforts, and in-kind donation drives to generate consistent funding.
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Planning Successful Fundraising Events: Gain strategies for hosting impactful fundraising events such as galas, auctions, community dinners, and student performances that engage supporters and raise funds.
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Partnering with Local Businesses: Explore how to establish partnerships with local businesses for sponsorships, collaborative fundraisers, and in-kind contributions to support your school.
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Building Recurring Revenue from Fundraisers: Learn how to create consistent revenue through annual events, monthly giving programs, and ongoing merchandise sales.
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Tracking and Managing Fundraising Efforts: Understand how to track your fundraising progress, engage donors and sponsors with follow-up communication, and demonstrate the impact of their contributions.
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What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Creating Sustainable Revenue Streams
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Establishing Tuition and Family Fees: Learn how to set tuition rates and family fees based on costs, market comparisons, and value, while offering flexible payment options or financial aid.
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Calculating True Costs per Student: Understand how to break down fixed and variable costs to determine your true cost per student and build a sustainable pricing model.
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Exploring Creative Revenue Streams: Discover innovative ways to generate additional income, including offering workshops, summer camps, facility rentals, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs.
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Fundraising Events for Steady Income: Learn how to plan and host fundraising events such as galas, auctions, and community dinners to raise funds and engage your supporters.
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Leveraging Grants and Donations: Gain insights on applying for local, state, and private grants, cultivating individual donors, and setting up recurring donation programs.
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Building Local Partnerships: Explore how to partner with local businesses and community organizations to support your school financially through sponsorships, in-kind donations, and shared fundraising efforts.
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Offering Value-Added Services: Learn how to create premium offerings, such as enrichment programs, private lessons, and extended care, to generate additional revenue.
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Module 5:
Let’s Start This Damn Thing ($350)
This is it! Are you feeling ready to start taking your first learners? In this module we talk about how to build your initial leadership circle, find your people, create policies for enrollment, and build solid schedules so that you can officially open your doors (or gates, as it may be).
What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Building Daily, Weekly, and Seasonal Schedules
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Designing a Daily Schedule: Learn how to create a balanced daily rhythm that includes academics, experiential learning, and unstructured play.
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Structuring Your Week: Discover how to plan thematic days, specialty classes, and project time to create a cohesive weekly schedule.
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Adapting to Seasonal Changes: Understand how to align your school’s activities with the natural cycles of the seasons, from planting in spring to harvest in fall.
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Managing Transitions and Breaks: Gain insights on planning for smooth transitions between activities and incorporating rest and meal breaks.
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Balancing Structure and Flexibility: Learn how to maintain consistency while allowing room for flexibility and student-led learning.
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Family Engagement: Explore strategies for involving families in the scheduling process and offering flexibility through extended care options.
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Tools for Time Management: Get practical tips on using scheduling software, paper calendars, and time management tools to stay organized.
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What You'll Learn in This Lesson:
Creating Policies for Enrollment and Expectations
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Crafting a Seamless Enrollment Process: Learn how to design a clear and efficient enrollment process, from applications to pre-enrollment discussions.
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Setting Family Expectations: Understand how to align families with your school’s values by communicating behavioral expectations, attendance policies, and family involvement guidelines.
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Developing a Family Fee Agreement: Get insights on structuring tuition, payment options, late payment policies, and additional costs such as field trips or extracurriculars.
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Legal Protection Through Waivers and Medical Consent: Learn the importance of medical consent forms, liability waivers, and collecting emergency contact information for student safety.
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Using the Family Handbook: Discover how to create and utilize a family handbook as a core resource for school policies and expectations.
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Aligning Policies with Legal Requirements: Ensure your enrollment policies comply with state laws and homeschooling/independent study regulations.
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Effective Communication and Implementation: Gain strategies for regularly communicating and enforcing policies, from orientation meetings to ongoing family support.
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What You'll Learn in This Lesson: Calling in Your Founders
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Building a Strong Founding Community: Learn the importance of founding families and how they shape your school’s vision and future.
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Sharing Your Vision Early: Discover how to start conversations with friends, networks, and prospective families to build excitement and gather feedback before officially launching.
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Finding Your Founding Families: Gain strategies for identifying and engaging families who align with your mission and are excited to help build your school.
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Forming an Advisory Committee: Learn how to select a diverse advisory team that provides expertise, support, and guidance during your startup phase.
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The Importance of a Pilot Year: Understand the benefits of running a low-risk pilot year to test operations, gather feedback, and make improvements before a full launch.
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Developing a Community Before Launch: Explore ways to foster strong connections among families and stakeholders through community events, communication, and shared goals.
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Creating Buy-In and Commitment: Learn how to build momentum, engage families in decision-making, and create long-term commitment from your founding community.
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Farm School Infrastructure
& Setup (Coming Soon)
- Designing Outdoor and Indoor Learning Spaces
- Tools and Equipment Needed for Farm-Based Learning
- Structuring School Gardens and Animal Care
- Basic Farm School Classroom Systems
Food and Nutrition in Farm Schools (Coming Soon)
- Developing a Whole Foods Menu for Students
- Integrating Culinary Education into the Program
- Sourcing Local and Organic Ingredients
Marketing and Enrollment Strategies (Coming Soon)
- Creating a Website and Social Media Presence
- Developing Enrollment Pipelines through Local Outreach
- Hosting Open Houses and School Tours
Curriculum Design for Farm Schools (Coming Soon)
- Building a Thematic and Experiential Curriculum
- Integrating Nature-Based, Garden-Based, and Project-Based Learning
- Designing Multi-Age Learning Experiences
- Using Existing Curricula or Design Your Own
Making Learning Visible: Authentic Assessment
(Coming Soon)
- Establishing Learning Outcomes
- Capturing Learning through Documentation and Reflection
- Using Portfolios, Journals, and Performances of Understanding
- Assessing Learning in Non-Traditional Education Settings
- Engaging Students and Parents in the Assessment Process
Staffing and Volunteer Management (Coming Soon)
- Hiring Teachers and Facilitators with the Right Skills
- Managing Parent and Community Volunteers
- Creating a Supportive Culture for Staff and Families
Community Engagement
and Partnerships
(Coming Soon)
- Building Relationships with Local Farmers, Schools, and Organizations
- Integrating the School into the Local Economy and Ecology
- Hosting Community Events and Field Trips
Be brave. Forge ahead.
Module 1: Introduction to
Microschools & Farm Schools
(free)
You’re here because you have a dream and a vision - to reimagine school as we know it. Congratulations, your courage to step outside the box, to be a part of the movement to revolutionize education, reduces the cost of courage for everyone else. In this module, let’s take a closer look at the microschool movement in the United States; its rapid growth, the epic models that exist, and why integrating the outdoors into your model is critical for the health of the next generation.