Essays and conversations

Reflections on learning differently

Clear, grounded thinking for parents and educators who want school to feel structured, humane, and responsive to each child.

Browse by type

Search archive

Podcast

Beyond the Classroom: Building Community at Brilliant Microschools

In this episode of Tiny Talks, Patrick Tzakalako speaks with Katie Campos, Director of Student Engagement at Brilliant Microschools, about building connection and a sense of belonging in a virtual school environment. Drawing from her six-year journey from first-time classroom teacher to a role aligned with her strengths, Katie shares how meaningful relationships can be fostered beyond the classroom. The conversation explores a range of initiatives—from afterschool clubs and family events to parent forums, city-based meetups, and in-person field trips—designed to bring students and families together. Through these efforts, Katie highlights how community, consistency, and intentional engagement can transform the virtual learning experience and create a strong, supportive school culture.

Podcast

From Brick-and-Mortar to Brilliant Microschools: Principals Share Their Journey

In this episode of Tiny Talks, Patrick Tzakalako speaks with principals Gina Yorko and Kelly Radigan about their transition from traditional education to Brilliant Microschools. They share how burnout, rigid systems, and lack of flexibility led them to more student-centered learning environments. The discussion explores virtual leadership, building community, and key skills like autonomy and time management. Through student success stories and current initiatives, they highlight how confidence and engagement can be restored, ending with an optimistic view on the future of education.

Article

How Skaters Accidentally Created the Perfect Learning Environment

Summer of 1999, San Francisco. The X Games half-pipe, 14 feet of polished wood. Tony Hawk, 31 years old and already an icon, drops in. He rockets up, spins twice, wobbles, and slams down hard. The crowd cringes, but Hawk? He just dusts himself off and climbs back up. Hawk was laser-focused on nailing the first-ever 900—two and a half mid-air rotations—that had never been done. Crash after crash, he kept getting up. On the 11th attempt, everything clicked.

Podcast

Triumph Over Adversity ⏤ Andrew’s Journey From Brilliant Microschools to College

In this episode of Tiny Talks with a Microschool Principal, host Jordan Knoetgen converses with Jody, the mother of Brilliant Microschool's first graduate to attend college. They discuss Andrew's transformative experience from struggling in traditional school due to dyslexia and ADHD, to thriving in the supportive and personalized environment of Brilliant Microschool, and finally excelling at Louisiana State University. The conversation highlights the importance of self-confidence, individualized attention, and early preparation in Andrew's academic success.

Podcast

Navigating ADHD & Education ⏤ A Parent’s Perspective

In the latest episode of Tiny Talks with a Microschool Principal, host Jordan Knoetgen principal of Brilliant Microschools, sits down with Iris, the mother of a spirited middle school student named Dante. Join us as Iris opens up about her son’s experience navigating ADHD and the journey from facing challenges in traditional education to finding a supportive learning environment. Hear how Dante's educational path has been redefined, leading to improved focus, a renewed passion for learning, and the development of essential life skills.

Article

Raising Children in 2035: Ten Challenges for the Next Generation

I’m sitting by the window at the end of another summer, watching the golden light stretch across the lawn. Every year, as the summer winds down, many of us feel refreshed, able to take a step back and evaluate our lives. We’ve had time to recharge from the months of feeling depleted, of running on fumes before the break. As I soak in this calm moment, I feel immense gratitude for the life I’ve been given, for the good fortune my family enjoys. But I’m also filled with concern —questions about the future my kids will face. They will soon be adults, stepping into a world so different from the one I grew up in. A world full of uncertainty, rapid change, and challenges we’re only beginning to grasp. By 2035, they’ll be navigating a landscape where the old rules no longer apply. I’m excited for them. But I’m also worried.

Podcast

The Evolution of Homeschooling: Insights from My Homeschool Expert

Podcast

No Default Path: OutSchool’s Approach to Choice-Rich Learning Pathways, with Amir Nathoo

In this episode, Amir Nathoo, CEO of OutSchool, joins Andreas to discuss the evolution of OutSchool as a pioneering educational platform that blends curiosity-driven discovery with structured learning pathways. They explore how OutSchool’s model provides students and families with flexible, personalized learning options that transcend the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. Nathoo shares insights on the global school concept, emphasizing a future where AI-powered recommendations complement human choice, making education a dynamic, learner-centric ecosystem. They also dig into addressing parent anxiety around educational choices, empowering students with autonomy, and the potential impact of education savings accounts, international expansion, and humanitarian efforts on OutSchool’s mission.

Article

6 Steps to Consistently Harness the Innate Desire to Learn

Imagine walking down a dusty street in a small Indian village, your feet kicking up dirt as you go about your day. Out of the corner of your eye, something interrupts the pattern of your surroundings. It’s a computer, embedded in the wall, like an ATM. But there are no ATMs in this village. You’ve never seen anything like it before. You stop, do a double take, and find yourself inexplicably drawn to it. You inch closer, your curiosity mounting. It’s a mix of excitement, confusion, maybe even a little fear. You’re not sure what it is, but you can’t resist the pull of it.

Podcast

You Can't Design Student-Led Without The Students, with Chad Carlson from One Stone School

In this episode of the School Builders Podcast, host Andreas Marinopoulos speaks with Chad Carlson, CEO of Idea 51 and a leader in innovative education. They discuss the unique student-led learning model at One Stone, the challenges and strategies of school transformation, and the importance of real-world connections in education. The conversation also explores assessment models, the significance of trust in learning environments, and the collaborative efforts to support other schools in their educational journeys.

Article

Life on the Road: RV Homeschooling, Travel, and the Microschool Experience

Meet Mark and Val Domnenko , the adventurous couple behind The Travel Show , a popular Instagram and TikTok series that documents their nomadic life with their children. They share how they balance education, business, and adventure while staying on the move.

Article

The BMS Curriculum Philosophy

We’re not about dry textbooks and rote memorization. Our curriculum is all about real-world learning. It’s about sparking excitement and curiosity in kids, making them eager to come to school every day. It is is grounded in the real world. Students see the relevance of what they’re learning. They understand how it applies to life outside school. This makes them more engaged. More motivated. More excited to learn. Let’s dive into how we do it.

Podcast

Surf Skate Science: Hands-On Learning Through Action Sports, with Toni and Uli Frallicciardi

In this episode of the School Builders Podcast, Andreas speaks with Uli and Toni Frallicciardi, the founders of Surfskate Science, a unique educational program that blends action sports with STEAM principles. They share their journey from running a skate park to creating a community-focused learning experience that emphasizes hands-on learning, resilience, and interdisciplinary education. The conversation explores the impact of their program on students, the structure of their curriculum, and their aspirations for scaling their model while maintaining its core values.

Podcast

How Microschools Unbundle Traditional Schooling, with Don Soifer

Don Soifer, CEO of the National Microschooling Center, discusses the growth and potential of microschools in education. He highlights the diverse models and innovative approaches within the microschooling sector, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and technology-based models. Don emphasizes the importance of personalization and flexibility in education, allowing for individualized learning experiences and meeting the specific needs of learners.

Podcast

Decentralizing Education: The Forces Behind the Micro-School Boom, with Kerry McDonald

In this episode, host Andreas welcomes Kerry McDonald, the host of The Liberated Podcast and author of 'Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom. We explore the rapid rise of micro-schools and the factors driving the decentralization of education with guest Kerry McDonald.

Podcast

Redefining Education: A Journey Through Microschooling

In this episode of Tiny Talks with a Microschool Principal, host Jordan Knoetgen, principal of Brilliant Microschools, interviews Ashley, mother of a successful middle school student named Jordan. The discussion explores Jordan's challenging experiences in traditional public schooling and the life-changing impact of Brilliant Microschools. Ashley shares heartfelt insights into her son's academic and social transformation, highlighting his newfound passion for learning, improved social skills, and aspirations to become a pilot.

Article

Rethinking Academic Excellence & Future-Proofing Your Child

Dear parents, here’s a little secret about academic excellence. Sure, it opens doors to a bright future. But there’s a catch: sometimes, those doors lead to a narrow path. You see, when we teach kids that academic excellence is the only way to success, they often graduate feeling limited in their professional options. Having high expectations can make taking risks feel impossible. The pressure to maintain a flawless track record and live up to the expectations of being the future leaders of the world can inadvertently hinder your child's ability to take risks.

Podcast

Crafting the Next Generation of Microschools with Ryan Delk

This episode of The Homebrew School Builder's Club features a deep dive into the inception and operation of Primer, an innovative platform aimed at transforming the K-12 education system by empowering top teachers to launch their own micro schools. Ryan, the guest, shares his personal journey from experiencing alternative education through a homeschool co-op founded by his mother to launching tech companies and eventually starting Primer. He highlights the existential crisis in the current education system and proposes micro schools as a viable solution.

Article

Like Our Stomachs, Our Minds Are Hurt More Often By Overeating Than By Hunger. — Petrarch

"Like our stomachs, our minds are hurt more often by overeating than by hunger." — Petrarch In a world teeming with information, our children's minds face the constant threat of 'overeating.' This is especially true for children with learning differences. In the push towards standardization, education sometimes forgets this. We flood children with facts, figures, and constant stimulation, expecting them to digest it all. But for many, this is overeating. It's not nourishment; it's overload. Their minds, unique and intricate, need a different approach. They require less, not more.

Podcast

Embracing New Pedagogical Models with Prisma's Emily Veno

This episode explores curriculum design for progressive education with Emily Veno, Head of Learning Innovation at Prisma School. We delve into the unique curriculum design of Prisma School, focusing on project-based learning, interdisciplinary themes, and the development of essential life skills.Emily emphasizes the advantages online schools offer compared to traditional settings, highlighting the increased flexibility and the freedom to break from outdated constraints. The conversation wraps up with a thought-provoking discussion about the potential of online environments to revolutionize education as we know it.

Article

Nurturing Success in Children with Learning Differences

Parenting a child with learning differences is like walking a tightrope every single day. You're faced with a choice daily: Do you nudge your child toward those tough learning moments, or do you hold back, letting them wander at their own pace? At the core of this daily decision is a tricky question: When should you encourage your child to lean into the discomfort of 'productive struggle', and when is it better to let them learn in the way that comes naturally to them?

Podcast

Socratic Sparks: How Engaging Dialogues Fuel Student Motivation

This episode delves into the transformative power of Socratic dialogue in education and its significant impact on student motivation. The speaker contrasts the conventional, lecture-based teaching approach with the dynamic and interactive nature of Socratic questioning. By fostering an environment where students actively engage in discussions, debate real-world issues, and explore diverse perspectives, this method brings learning to life.

Article

Why is Homeschooling Skyrocketing? Not For The Reasons Most Think

The world’s changing. At the heart of this change is education—specifically, the rise of homeschooling and personalized learning. This movement spans the spectrum from self-directed study to structured mentorship, gaining particular traction in Western societies. The drivers? A quest for social freedom and an ever-evolving job market.

Podcast

Let's help the trailblazers defy the game of school, with Ana Lorena Fabrega

In this episode of the Homebrew School Builders Club, we're thrilled to host Ana Lorena Fabrega, a trailblazer in the realm of innovative education and Chief Evangelist at Synthesis. Fondly known as Mrs. Fab, Ana shares her unique perspectives on transforming traditional educational practices.

Article

Embracing AI

We've decided to embrace artificial intelligence as a school —not because it is fashionable but because it will be crucial for our students' success.Our aim is for our students to harness AI, boosting their innate human creativity and problem-solving skills. This means learning to leverage AI tools to boost their potential rather than being overshadowed by automation. They should not be left competing with machines but be empowered to achieve more alongside them.

Podcast

Compass Prep's Evolution into a Diverse Educational Network, with Laura George and Denise Rudolph

In this episode, we explore the journey and philosophy of Compass Prep, an innovative non-traditional education center in Cherokee County. Founded by Laura George and now managed by Denise Rudolph, Compass Prep has been revolutionizing education since 2005.

Article

How the Microschool Movement is Reclaiming Freedom and Uniting America

The Microschool movement represents a modern renaissance in education. It seeks to reclaim the community-oriented learning that the Founding Fathers had envisioned as an ideal. Microschools, characterized by their small size, personalized education, and community-based ethos, emerge as alternatives to the traditional educational system and as beacons of freedom in learning.

Podcast

A school with 70 Choices Every Six Weeks, Every Student a Designer, with Garrett Smiley

Journey with us into the innovative world of Sora Schools. Here, every six weeks heralds a new beginning as students sift through 70 diverse subjects, deciding whether they'll dive into artificial intelligence friendships, architect their own civilizations, or plunge into the mysteries of the Roman Empire's decline. But at Sora, the power of choice doesn't end there.

Article

School Choice: Seeing It Through Parents’ Eyes

Tamara sits at her kitchen table, her gaze shifting between the steaming cup of coffee and a large stack of school viewbooks. Each brochure boasts vibrant images and promises of a tailored education.

Podcast

A Blueprint to Kindle Fires in Young Learners, with Kelly Smith

Join Andreas as he chats with Kelly Smith, who started Prenda Schools, about what makes small schools called microschools so special. Kelly shares his experience visiting a microschool and being inspired by a calm and firm guide (his wife) who had a unique way of connecting with her student, Noah. They dive into why this close connection between guides and students is the secret sauce of successful microschools.

Article

From Casserole to Buffet: A New Recipe for Personalized Learning

Think back to when dinner meant one big casserole dish. Shepherd's pie. Lasagna. A one-dish wonder for 40 guests. Those days? They're gone. Now, imagine laying out that same, cheesy, meaty lasagna for everyone. It's not going to cut it. Why?

Article

How Learning Rewires Our Reality

Ray Grin suggests knowledge transforms how we perceive our surroundings. This idea makes us rethink teaching. Educators are not just information transmitters. They are perception artisans. They equip young minds with lenses to view the world differently.

Article

Striking the Balance: Personalized Learning within a Shared Framework

In the grand tapestry of education, we find ourselves at a crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between the celebration of individuality and the preservation of our collective heritage. This is not merely an educational dilemma but a reflection of the broader tension between the individual and society.

Article

Attention Scatter

"Attention scatter" is like a leaf blown in the wind, constantly being pulled in different directions and unable to settle. 🍃🍂 It's like trying to hold onto a slippery fish. 🐟 🌊💦

Article

Transforming Traditional Classrooms with Just-in-Time Learning

Picture this: your students tackle a project about the impact of the construction of a new marina in Fort Lauderdale and its impact on local tourism. They dive into different subjects – math for calculating costs and changes in tourism revenue, physics for understanding the impact on sea currents, geology for analyzing changes in sand deposits, and social sciences for studying the local economy and culture.