The Learner-Centered Microschool Accelerator (Virtual – Fall 2025)
A flexible, high-impact virtual experience designed to help you launch or strengthen a thriving learner-centered microschool—public or private—with confidence, clarity, and community.
Because your microschool deserves more than a theory
Why this Accelerator?
Designed for new and existing microschools, this Accelerator brings together The Forest School’s real world experience, the Institute for Self-Directed Learning’s research and expertise, proven business principles and theories, and two courses originally created at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education—all of which have been adapted to provide a real-world approach to launching and leading a learner-centered microschool.
Limited Spots Available – Small Cohort for Maximum Impact
What Makes This Program Unique?
Learner-Centered Focus
Every microschool built from this program will be rooted in student agency, curiosity, and self-directed learning.
Hosted by a Thriving Microschool
Engage virtually with leaders, educators, parents, and students to get an inside look at The Forest School: An Acton Academy, a successful, learner-driven school with 164 diverse learners, sports programs, clubs, and a robust waiting pool, giving you an authentic window into a fully operational learner-centered microschool.
Unparalleled Access to Expertise
The experience is facilitated by Dr. Tyler Thigpen, Penn and Harvard instructor, co-founder of The Forest School: An Acton Academy, and co-author of The Playbook for Self-Directed Learning, joined by members of his team, giving participants direct, unfettered access to experienced leaders.
A Personalized School Blueprint
Over six interactive virtual sessions, participants will design, iterate, and refine their microschool blueprint with expert coaching and peer feedback.
Financial & Business Sustainability Training
Go beyond admissions and marketing to explore alternative funding models, hybrid approaches, and long-term financial strategy.
Culmination Pitch Event
Present your microschool blueprint to a panel of education leaders and families to gain valuable feedback and potential support.
Exclusive Access to Resources & Curriculum
Gain access to the Story Arts archive and sample projects—all made by Forest staff—across age levels to jumpstart your program.
Choose Your Own Adventure Learning
Tailor the experience to your needs by selecting a major and minor in:
Business & Operations
Pedagogy & Instructional Design
Community Engagement & Marketing.
1-Hour Pre-Event Coaching Call
Before the program begins, you'll have a one-on-one coaching call to help clarify your vision and get the most out of the Accelerator.
Real World Learning
As a participant, you’re invited to visit The Forest School: An Acton Academy during Fall 2025 to observe a thriving learner-centered microschool in action, connect with leaders and educators, and engage in authentic conversations with students and families.
Exclusive Access & Experiences
If you choose to visit in person, enjoy…
a behind-the-scenes tour of Trilith Studios,
access to award-winning restaurants, and an
optional boutique hotel stay.
1-Hour Post-Event Coaching Call
After the Accelerator, receive personalized follow-up coaching to refine next steps and gain additional guidance on execution.
Program Format
Built for Flexibility, Rooted in Innovation
While this Accelerator takes place virtually, it’s grounded in the spirit of innovation that defines The Forest School and its home community of Trilith, Georgia—a hub for creators, educators, and entrepreneurs just south of Atlanta. Participants also receive an open invitation to visit The Forest School in person during Fall 2025 for an optional, on-site experience that brings the virtual learning to life.
Format: 6 Live Sessions + Asynchronous Work
Final Product: A fully developed Microschool Blueprint, refined through coaching and peer feedback.
Location
6-12 Months of Personalized Coaching – Ongoing support and expert check-ins to help execute your microschool plan.
Microschool Incubator Experience – Prototype your school concept with real learners before launching.
Certificate of Completion – Earn a certificate from the Institute for Self Directed Learning, validating your training and expertise.
Accreditation from the Institute for Self Directed Learning – Opt for formal accreditation, signaling that your microschool meets rigorous learner-centered education standards.
Optional Add-Ons
Josh Fallin, Founder of Telos Microschool: "The Institute for Self Directed Learning offered me the framework and guidance to build the foundational building blocks of my new school. The sessions with Tyler, Caleb, and other cohort members were invaluable. The resources, encouragement, and insights they shared were the perfect recipe to keep driving forward in the huge task of starting an innovative school."
Kristah Slate, Acton Academy Cy-Fair: “Attending the Microschool Accelerator was an incredibly valuable experience. I left feeling inspired, equipped, and deeply connected to a community of passionate school leaders. The weekend provided space for deep learning, reflection, and practical takeaways that I’m excited to implement at my own school. From strategic planning to innovative practices, every session offered actionable insights. Most of all, I’m grateful for the relationships built with fellow educators who are courageously reimagining education through self-directed learning—our shared ideas and collaboration made this experience truly transformative.”
Testimonies
Virtual Schedule
Live via Zoom
Note: The schedule below may adjust based on participants' selected "major" and "minor" focus areas to ensure the experience is tailored to their learning needs. Our goal is to provide a deeply personalized and impactful Accelerator, and we will adapt sessions accordingly to maximize relevance, engagement, and real-world application for each participant.
Pre-Work Requirement:
Before arriving, all participants must:
✅ Complete the Blueprint Course in our online Academy.
✅ Bring a Version 1.0 Draft of Your School Blueprint – This will serve as the foundation for refinement, feedback, and iteration during the Accelerator.
Session 1: Thursday, Sept 18 | 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Topic: Vision, Values & Learner-Centered Foundations
Clarify your “why” and what sets learner-centered schools apart
Identify core values and non-negotiables for your microschool
Introduction to the Self-Directed Learning Framework
Pre-work debrief: vision video + reflection worksheet
Session 2: Tuesday, Sept 23 | 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Topic: Designing for Deep Learning
What deep, self-directed learning looks like in practice
Balancing structure and freedom: modalities, schedules, projects
Sample student journeys and curriculum models
Pre-work: observe a short Forest learning experience + reading
Session 3: Thursday, Oct 2 | 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Topic: Building Culture & Hiring the Right Adults
Shaping a culture of safety, ownership, and belonging
What to look for in Guides (educators), onboarding, and development
Navigating adult mindsets and core competencies
Pre-work: staff charter samples + hiring rubric
Session 4: Thursday, Oct 9 | 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Topic: Operations, Budgeting & Legal Basics
Startup models and conservative financial planning
Legal structures, insurance, tuition, and compliance
Facilities, logistics, and tech systems
Pre-work: budget template + legal structure overview
Session 5: Thursday, Oct 23 | 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Topic: Enrollment, Recruitment & Communications
Defining your audience and crafting your message
From interest to enrollment: systems and messaging
Outreach strategy: website, social media, and community
Pre-work: write your origin story or draft homepage copy
Session 6: Tuesday, Oct 28 | 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Topic: Bringing It All Together + Pitch Practice
Finalize your microschool blueprint
Practice sharing your vision and receiving feedback
Set your post-accelerator goals and next steps
Wrap-up + scheduling post-program coaching
Cost & Payment Structure
📌 Total Cost: $2,000 (or $1,500 if early-bird by September 1)
Limited Scholarships Available
Deposit: $1,000 non-refundable to secure a spot
Remaining Balance: Split into 1 or 2 payments
National Microschooling Center Member Discount: Members of the National Microschooling Center receive a $75 discount, reducing the total cost to $1,925 (or $1,425 for early-bird registration).
Cost
Participants can choose a 2- or 3-payment plan. For the standard rate, the 2-payment option includes a $1,000 deposit at registration and one additional $1,000 installment 30 days later. The 3-payment option includes a $1,000 deposit followed by two $500 installments spaced 15 days apart.
For early bird registrants, the 2-payment plan includes a $750 deposit and one $750 installment, while the 3-payment plan includes a $750 deposit and two $375 installments. All payments, excluding the deposit, are non-refundable.
Payment Options
Final payment must be completed at least 5 days before the event starts.
Payments (other than deposit) are non-refundable but transferable (to a future cohort or another participant).
A 3.5% processing fee applies to credit card payments.
Deadlines & Policies
Convince Your Community
We know that launching and growing a learner-centered microschool is a major commitment—one that requires vision, strategy, and strong foundational support. To help, we’ve drafted this letter to communicate the value of attending the Learner-Centered Microschool Accelerator and why it’s a worthy investment for both new and growing microschools. Founders and leaders can also share (a version of) this letter with invested parents and school partners as a way to raise funds for this transformative experience.
