Start a Microschool in Alabama
Takes about 3 minutes. Get your Founder Stage and a personalized next step.
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 — now home to founders across Alabama building with Catalyst.
New education funding is creating an unprecedented opportunity for Alabama educators and community leaders to build small, innovative schools. KaiPod gives you the roadmap and support to make it happen.
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 ALABAMA founder
From teacher to school founder — living her own dream.
Yalonda built Legacy Builders Academy, a faith-based microschool in Gardendale, after joining KaiPod’s Catalyst program to turn her teaching experience into a school of her own.
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself because I truly am living my dream.”
— Yalonda Chandler, founder of Legacy Builders Academy • Gardendale, AL
ALABAMA'S CHOOSE ACT
New funding is opening the door for Alabama microschools.
Up to $7,000
per student, per year, toward tuition at a participating school ($2,000/student, $4,000/family cap for home education)
Universal by 2027–28
About 75% of Alabama families already qualify (income cap ~$93,600 for a family of four in 2026–27). That cap disappears entirely the following year — so your pool of eligible families keeps growing.
Ages 5–19
(up to 21 with an IEP or 504 plan). Priority goes to special-needs students, siblings of current recipients, and military-connected families at priority schools.
How KaiPod helps you navigate it
1
Accreditation. To accept CHOOSE Act funds, your school must be accredited — or actively pursuing accreditation — through an approved agency like WASC or Cognia. KaiPod provides a pathway to accreditation through its partnerships with these organizations.
2
Provider registration. Approved schools apply directly through the Alabama Department of Revenue’s CHOOSE Act portal, with a decision typically within about 14 days. We help you prepare a strong application.
3
ClassWallet & compliance. Participating schools process ESA payments through ClassWallet and complete annual reporting, including a yearly academic assessment you choose from an approved list. We’ll help you pick one that fits your school.
4
Financial readiness. Alabama wants to see that your school is on solid financial footing. The budget and financial model you build in Catalyst’s Build Phase covers exactly what’s needed.
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 — vision, families, finances, operations, and curriculum — with live sessions and milestone deliverables.
2
Launch Phase
KaiPod supports your launch: securing a location, enrolling families, meeting compliance (including CHOOSE Act registration), and preparing 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 Catalyst Course is invaluable! It provides the guidance and tools I would not have considered...The support has been phenomenal."
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Good to know before you apply.
MICROSCHOOLS IN ALABAMA
Is "microschool" a legally recognized school category?
Not on its own. Alabama law doesn’t define “microschool” as a distinct category — your school operates under one of the state’s existing options: a private school, a church school (a ministry of a church or churches that doesn’t receive state or federal funding), or, less commonly, a certified private tutor. Most Alabama microschools register as a private school or organize as a church school. Catalyst helps you figure out which fits your situation.
Does my school need accreditation?
Not to simply operate — Alabama doesn’t require accreditation for private schools or church schools. It matters if you want to accept certain funding: CHOOSE Act participating schools must be accredited or actively pursuing it (see below). Church schools specifically are exempt from state accreditation and registration requirements.
Do I need to register with the state or local school district?
It depends on your school’s category. Private schools must register annually (Oct) with the Alabama Department of Education and report basics like enrollment, staff, and tuition. Church schools are exempt from that state registration, but still must file enrollment and attendance documentation with the local school superintendent. We’ll help you figure out which path applies to you.
Do teachers need state certification?
It depends on your school’s category. Teachers at a registered private school must hold the same certification as public school teachers. Teachers at a church school aren’t required to hold state certification. This is one of the first decisions Catalyst helps you think through, since it shapes who you can hire.
KaiPod doesn’t provide legal counsel — confirm your specific situation with a local education attorney, the Alabama Department of Education, or Stand Together’s Education Research Center, which tracks state-specific legal and regulatory information for microschools.
ALABAMA & THE CHOOSE ACT
How much funding can Alabama families receive?
Up to $7,000 per student, per year, toward tuition at a participating school like a microschool. Families using funds for home education instead can receive $2,000 per student, capped at $4,000 per family.
Can microschools participate in the CHOOSE Act?
Yes. Your school needs to be accredited (or actively pursuing accreditation) through an approved agency, register as an Education Service Provider through the Alabama Department of Revenue, and use ClassWallet to process payments. KaiPod walks you through each of these steps for our Catalyst founders.
What are the family income requirements — and will they change?
For the 2026–27 school year, eligible families must have household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level — about $93,600 for a family of four — covering roughly 75% of Alabama households. That income cap disappears entirely in 2027–28, opening the program to all eligible Alabama residents ages 5–19 (up to 21 with an IEP or 504 plan).
Does my school need to be accredited?
Yes — to accept CHOOSE Act funds, a school must be accredited or in the process of becoming accredited through one of the approved agencies (including WASC and Cognia). We help you choose and pursue the right accreditation pathway for your school.
Who gets priority for CHOOSE Act funding?
Priority goes to the first 500 ESAs for students with special needs (under IDEA or Section 504), siblings of students already receiving an ESA, and dependents of active-duty military assigned to a lower-performing (“D” or “F”) school.
Can I combine CHOOSE Act funds with other Alabama programs?
No — students can’t draw CHOOSE Act funds while also participating in the Alabama Accountability Act or the Education Scholarship Program.
ABOUT KAIPOD CATALYST
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 on completing 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.
There’s no revenue share, so as your school grows, you keep more of what you earn to reinvest in your students, educators, and school community.
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 for access to startup funds (typically $5,000+). CHOOSE Act funding, once your school is registered, helps families cover tuition — see above.
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?
Take the 3-minute Founder Assessment — or, if you already know you're ready, apply to Catalyst.