Imagine a school built just for your child – small, personalized, and led by Alabama educators who know your community inside and out. What if YOU had the power to choose that school and fund it with state dollars?

A revolution is taking place in Alabama education, and at the heart of this transformation is the rise of microschools. These small, community-driven schools are providing parents with flexible, high-quality educational choices tailored to their children's unique learning styles. Thanks to the CHOOSE Act, families across Alabama now have the power to direct education funds toward microschools that align with their needs and values.

Apply for CHOOSE Act Funding

Applying for CHOOSE Act funds can help make microschooling more affordable. Follow these steps:

1.      Check the Alabama State Department of Revenue website for CHOOSE Act eligibility criteria.
2.      Gather required documents, including proof of residency, student records, and financial statements (if applicable).
3.      Research and select an Alabama-approved microschool or educational program.
4.      Submit your application through the CHOOSE Act official portal.
5.      Follow up with the school to confirm funding details and payment processing.

Microschools: The Future of Alabama Education

Microschools are rapidly becoming a preferred option for families seeking personalized education. They serve children in rural and urban cities, as well as students of all learning abilities. Unlike traditional schools, microschools feature small class sizes, customized curricula, and innovative teaching methods that focus on real-world skills. Parents are drawn to microschools for their ability to foster creativity, independence, and academic excellence.

But as this movement gains momentum, out-of-state companies are attempting to capitalize on it, hiring Alabama teachers to expand their national franchises. We don’t have to let that happen. By choosing local, we can keep education dollars right here in Alabama, empowering our teachers to become school founders and leaders.

Why Shopping Local Matters for Education

Just as supporting local businesses strengthens our communities, choosing an Alabama-based microschool ensures that education funding stays in our state, leading to:

  • Stronger communities – More money remains in Alabama, allowing local schools to grow.
  • Better learning experiences – Alabama educators understand the needs of our students and can tailor education accordingly.
  • Job growth – Supporting microschools creates more Alabama-based teaching and leadership opportunities.

How to Identify a True Alabama Microschool

Before enrolling in a microschool, take a moment to verify its roots:

1.    Local Leadership – Is the founder or director from Alabama? Do they live and work in the state, or is this just an expansion of a national chain?
2.    Alabama Address – Does the school have a physical location in Alabama?
3.    Community Partnerships – Do they collaborate with local businesses, universities and educators?
4.    Parent Recommendations – Speak with families who have firsthand experience with the school.

If a school does not clearly display this information, it may not be truly local.

Big-name education corporations entering Alabama’s microschool landscape may seem appealing at first and can offer a quality education if built right. They may offer lower costs and flashy programs, but over time, they push out locally-founded schools, limiting choices, stifling Alabama’s ability to grow our own microschool roots while redirecting profits out of state.

Certain microschools are backed by significant funding and a separate non-profit foundation that ensures their stability despite quality. Independent Alabama microschools don’t have that luxury yet. But what if venture capitalists funded our schools instead? Let’s put Alabama founders first and lead the transformation of education on our terms.

Ten Alabama Microschools to Consider

Looking for high-quality microschools in Alabama? Here are some outstanding options:

  1. Educational Solutions with Dr. Tammy Walker (Huntsville, Ala.) provides personalized instruction for K-12 students creating a welcoming learning environment for all students including children with dyslexia, ASD and ADHD.
  2. Legacy Builders Academy (Gardendale, Ala.) – Founded by Yalonda Chandler, this faith-based microschool supports leadership development and homeschool families.
  3. Level Path Christian Academy (Ozark, Ala.) – Led by Shelley Bartlett, this microschool serves students who learn differently.
  4. Level Up School of Innovation (LUSI) (Prattville, Ala.) – Co-founded by Erica Ehrlich and Tina Lewis, LUSI provides personalized, project-based education.
  5. Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education (Fairhope, Ala.) – Established in 1907, this nonprofit school fosters individualized learning and community engagement.
  6. MARS (Microcollective for AI, Robotics, and the Sciences) (Huntsville, Ala.) – A cutting-edge technology microschool, recently accepted into the Innovate Alabama Network, led by Jennifer Wolverton.
  7. The Mission Academy (Atmore, Ala.) – A Christ-centered microschool with self-paced study, led by Tiffany Jones.
  8. Res Novae Academy (Pinson, Ala.) – A hybrid microschool blending classroom learning with home education, emphasizing leadership and entrepreneurship founded by Jennifer Ludy.
  9. The School at Jesseton (Danville, Ala.) – A farm-based, Christ-centered microschool where students engage in hands-on learning and farm responsibilities, founded by Christa Sandlin.
  10. Shoals Educational Enrichment Resources (SEER) (Shoals, Ala.) – Founded by Jessie Vandagriff and Faith Creed, SEER offers innovative classes and homeschool support.

Before you enroll in a microschool, ask these nine critical questions:

1. What is your school's mission and philosophy?
2. What are the class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios?
3. What curriculum do you use, and how is it customized to student needs?
4. How do you assess student progress and achievement?
5. What qualifications and experience do the teachers have?
6. What role do parents play in the school community?
7. What is the tuition cost, and what financial aid or CHOOSE Act funding is available?
8. How does this microschool prepare students for the next step, whether it’s college, career, or another learning path?
9. Was this microschool founded in Alabama, and is it run by local educators?

Alabama Educators Are the True Visionaries

If you are an educator dreaming about starting your own Alabama-grown microschool, connect with like-minded leaders in the Facebook group: "Alabama Microschools." This group provides support, resources and guidance for educators building the future of education in our state. 

For generations, teachers have been the backbone of education. Now, they can shape the future by launching their own microschools. Every Alabama teacher should know you can start your own school. You don’t need an out-of-state corporation dictating how education should be delivered. You already have the expertise, dedication and vision to build an exceptional learning environment. Listen to the inspiring LiberatED Podcast by Kerry McDonald to hear founders’ stories from across the United States! The Hybrid Schools Conference is also an excellent, budget-friendly event for those exploring the journey of becoming a microschool founder, offering high-quality insights and networking opportunities.

Future of Education Resources

For more details on the pivoting educational environment in Alabama, explore these resources:

Microschools are transforming Alabama education, giving parents real choices and teachers the opportunity to lead.

The CHOOSE Act provides the tools.

Now it’s up to us to make the right decisions. Please share this article so more parents can find the best education for their children while keeping education dollars in Alabama! 

Jennifer Wolverton is the Executive Director of MARS, the Microcollective for AI, Robotics, and the Sciences, and the CEO of Log Cabin Schoolhouse. To connect with the author of this story, email [email protected].

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].

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