Southern California Microschool Design Cohort

Reimagining Learning Through Microschools

Small, agile learning communities within a school that test, refine, and spark new approaches to learner-centered education

43

Participants

6

Design Teams

5

Launch-Ready

2026

Launch Year

What is a Microschool?

At its core, a microschool is not just a classroom experimenting with new practices. It is a distinct learning community.

What elevates a microschool beyond pilot initiatives is the container it creates. Within that container, educators aren't only designing learning experiences—they are designing systems. Bell schedules, use of time, grouping of learners, and enabling conditions are all reimagined together.

Key Principles

  • 50–150 learners
  • Teams of educators working together
  • Operating in a self-contained structure for at least part of the day
  • Granting flexibility over schedules, staffing, and learning design

What We're Building

Six Southern California design teams are creating innovative microschools that launch in 2026. Each school is designed by educators, designers, and community leaders to bring a unique, learner-centered vision to their community.

These schools serve as models and proof points that another approach to education is possible—one that centers learner growth, community connection, and educational innovation.