Start a Microschool
Learn what it takes, find out where you stand, and get clear on your next step.
From the nation’s fastest-growing network of microschools — and the first to build a complete program for launching one.
Takes about 3 minutes. Get your Founder Stage and a personalized next step.
Catalyst is the first choice for education entrepreneurs wanting to start a microschool
Founders who have participated in the program since inception
The success rate for founders launching a microschool compared to the national average
We support Founders for 2 years after their microschool launches, helping ensure their fullest potential
a real founder
She didn't want to leave teaching. So she built her own school.
Frustrated by the constraints of public education, Mercedes set out to give children a joyful place to learn — and created one, starting in KaiPod’s very first Catalyst cohort.
“The KaiPod Catalyst team not only helped me launch my microschool, they helped me sustain and grow. Their guidance has been vital to the success of my program — and to my own development as a leader in innovative education.”
— Mercedes Grant, founder of Path of Life Learning • Yorktown, VA
KAIPOD CATALYST
The proven path from plan to open doors.
Catalyst is our selective program for serious founders. Over three phases, you build your actual school, open it, and keep growing — guided by people who’ve done it.
1
Build Phase
Over 12 weeks, you design and build your school’s foundation. Each two-week cycle includes a live session, lessons, and milestone deliverables that move your school forward.
2
Launch Phase
After the Build Phase, KaiPod supports your launch. You secure a location, enroll families, meet compliance requirements, and prepare for opening day.
3
Grow Phase
Once you open, you join the KaiPod Network — with technology, coaching, resources, and community to run and grow a sustainable school.
"The most valuable part has been access to experienced people who've already opened a school. Learning from other founders has helped me avoid mistakes and think through challenges from different perspectives."
CATALYST IS SELECTIVE
You don't need it all figured out. You just need to be ready to build.
Catalyst is for founders who are genuinely ready to do the work — you don’t have to have every answer. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. We help you shape the rest.
The drive to build
Initiative, persistence, and a willingness to learn as you go.
A community to serve
Families or a community you’re excited to build a school for.
Time to commit
Room in your life to do real building over the coming months.
"I think KaiPod is amazing for founders just getting started."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Good to know before you apply.
What will I actually build? (the Catalyst curriculum)
Each two-week cycle includes two live virtual meetings: an all-cohort Theme Meeting on that cycle’s topic, and a small-group Launch Team Meeting for more personalized guidance. Between meetings, you’ll work through framework lessons and complete milestone deliverables that move your school forward.
1.
Kickoff & School Vision
Define who you’re building for and why — your school vision, ideal student profile, and founder story.
2.
Marketing
Craft parent-facing messaging and set up your web presence, lead capture, and follow-up to enroll families.
3.
Financial Model
Build your financial model — tuition, capacity, expenses, staffing, and break-even — plus entity structure and ESA funding.
4.
Location, Compliance & Operations​
Evaluate a real space, navigate your state’s compliance, and set up the systems a school needs to open.
5.
Educational Philosophy & Curriculum
Turn your learning philosophy into a model, schedule, and curriculum — and explain it in a way families get.
6.
Getting to Day 1​
Work the pre-launch checklist — families signed and paid, systems live, first week readiness — then transition to your Partner Success Manager.
What's included?
- Expert-led sessions led by school-launch specialists.
- Small Launch Teams led by experienced founders.
- Tested templates, frameworks, and planning tools.
- Marketing and enrollment guidance.
- Location, compliance, and operations guidance.
- Newton, our microschool management platform.
- Curriculum library and partner discounts.
- Weekly events like webinars, office hours, and founder networking.
- A listing on our Microschool Directory.
- Two years of KaiPod Network support under your agreement.
What does it cost?
$149/month during the Build Phase. After your school opens, the KaiPod Network fee is $149/month plus $30 per enrolled student. Your agreement includes the Build Phase and two years of Network support.
Does KaiPod fund my school?
No. KaiPod provides guidance, not startup funding — we don’t provide grants, loans, or facility costs. Most founders should plan to access startup funds (typically $5,000+). We can help you explore third-party funding options, including grants and, in ESA states, family scholarship funds.
What makes a strong applicant?
You don’t need a finished business plan. The strongest applicants show a clear drive to build, a community they want to serve, and the time to commit. It also helps to have a sense of your school concept and early conversations with families — but if you don’t yet, that’s exactly what Catalyst helps you develop. The Founder Assessment will show you where you stand.
When are the cohorts?
| Cohort | Program dates | Weekly meeting | Apply by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort 9 | Oct 13 – Jan 17 | Tuesdays, 7:30pm ET | Oct 5 |
| Cohort 10 | Nov 11 – Feb 20 | Wednesdays, 7:30pm ET | Nov 3 |
| Cohort 11 | Jan 21 – Apr 11 | Thursdays, 7:30pm ET | Jan 13 |
| Cohort 12 | Mar 2 – May 23 | Tuesdays, 7:30pm ET | Feb 22 |
How does selection work?
Apply and describe your school and the work you’ve done so far. KaiPod reviews your concept, timeline, commitment, and any other information you provide. Selected founders receive an invitation to the best available cohort. Not sure you’re ready? Take the Founder Assessment first.
What if I'm not ready to apply yet?
Many strong founders start with our free Microschool Basics course and Founder Resources, then apply once they’ve made more progress. Take the Founder Assessment anytime to see your stage and your recommended next step.
Ready to find your next step?
"If not for Catalyst, I'd probably be doing group tutoring and feeling unfulfilled. Catalyst has made my dream school a reality for dozens of families."
—Tom Dowell, Moreana Boys Academy (AZ)
Take the 3-minute Founder Assessment — or, if you already know you're ready, apply to Catalyst.