88: Insights on the Rise of Homeschool, Microschools & Beyond, with Kerry McDonald

Families are stepping away from the traditional school model and reimagining what learning can look like, which has led to the rise of homeschooling, microschools and beyond. But this is no pop-up trend…it’s a movement that’s here to stay.

Kerry McDonald - a long-time homeschool mom, education policy expert, author and podcaster - has had a front-row seat to the nontraditional education movement. Through her work, she’s interviewed hundreds of education entrepreneurs who are building new, often unconventional, learning spaces that put kids’ curiosity, creativity, and individuality at the center.

As more families opt out of conventional schooling, Kerry’s insights offer a powerful look at how this shift is unfolding—not just in theory, but in practice. From her own path into homeschooling to the diverse models she’s encountered through her research and interviews, Kerry helps illuminate what’s driving this movement, what it looks like in real life, and why it’s resonating with so many families across the country.

A Homeschool Journey Rooted in Curiosity

Kerry grew up in a traditional public school setting and had very little exposure to homeschooling. But that changed in college, when she was studying economics and began to ask a simple question: why do we have so much choice and innovation in so many areas of our lives…except education?

This led her to shadow a homeschooling family for a semester while she was also student teaching in a local public school, and what she found was that the contrast between the two environments was undeniable. In one, learning was standardized, structured around obedience and conformity. In the other, it was led by wonder, freedom, and genuine social connection.

This experience reshaped how Kerry thought about learning, and it ultimately planted the seeds for her own homeschooling journey years later. Now, with her oldest preparing to head off to college after a fully homeschooled experience, Kerry continues to champion education that supports the whole child and reflects the unique needs of each family.

Three Themes Shaping the Future of Education

Through her work with education entrepreneurs across the country, Kerry has identified key themes that reflect where education is heading and what families are demanding more of:

1. A Shift From Standardization to Personalization

Families are increasingly walking away from models that prioritize testing and compliance in favor of environments that nurture curiosity and critical thinking. Whether it's homeschooling, hybrid learning, or microschools, the focus is shifting toward flexible, individualized learning that allows students to grow at their own pace.

Personalization doesn’t mean learning in isolation—it means flexibility. It means being able to pivot when something isn’t working. It means choosing curriculum or projects that match a child’s strengths and giving them space to dive deeper into their passions. It also means letting go of age-based benchmarks that don’t always reflect readiness or potential.

What families are discovering is that learning becomes more meaningful—and often more joyful—when it's responsive to the learner, not just the lesson plan.

2. Innovation is Coming From the Ground Up

Many of the most exciting learning environments today are being built by parents and by teachers who were formerly in the traditional school system—not by large school systems. These founders are creating spaces that reflect real needs in their communities, often starting small and growing organically. The result is a beautifully diverse ecosystem of learning models that cater to different educational philosophies, family schedules, and student needs.

What’s especially remarkable is the creativity in these spaces. Many of them blend educational philosophies and formats in ways we haven’t traditionally seen. It’s not unusual to find a micro-academy that combines elements of Montessori and classical education, or a faith-based group that also incorporates nature-based learning and self-direction. These aren’t cookie-cutter schools. They’re intentional, community-grown learning ecosystems.

3. Community Connection is Key

For families seeking out alternatives, the best way to find these learning spaces often isn’t through polished websites—it’s through local Facebook groups, parent networks, and word of mouth. These grassroots hubs of information help families discover local learning pods, hybrid schools, co-ops, and educational groups that they might never find otherwise.

Why? Because the movement toward nontraditional education is still incredibly dynamic. New learning pods, homeschool co-ops, and hybrid programs are launching all the time—often under the radar. And the families who are already plugged into these communities become the best sources of information, encouragement, and connection. 

Reimagining Education, Your Way

If you’re in a season of reconsidering your child’s education—whether you’re feeling called to make a shift, or just starting to explore what else might be out there—you’re not alone. The landscape is changing, and families like yours are driving that change.

There are resources, communities, and innovative learning spaces out there waiting to support you. And there are leaders like Kerry McDonald reminding us that education doesn’t have to happen in rows and bells. It can happen in backyards, libraries, local co-ops, and new spaces that haven't even been imagined yet.

So as you consider your next steps, remember this: you’re allowed to think outside the box when it comes to your child’s education, and you’re empowered to create something new.

Stay Connected with Kerry McDonald:

• Pre-order Kerry’s new book Joyful Learning (out August 19!)
• Listen to The LiberatED Podcast
• Connect with Kerry on social: Twitter/X  | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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