Washington Public Microschool Collaborative
A school within a school—where every child is known and thrives.
This Is Already Happening
Across the country, public school systems are implementing student-centered models—including
microschools—within existing schools
.
Districts are launching microschools and school-within-a-school models—expanding options for
families while remaining fully public.
These models may use different names, but they share a common foundation:
student-centered learning, personalized pathways, and progress based on mastery—not seat time.
Learning centered on each student—not a standardized system
A Growing National Movement—Already Underway
This shift is visible at every level—state systems, public school districts, and national learning networks:
1
Indiana
Public microschools inside existing schools—small, mixed-age communities designed around personalization and strong relationships.
2
Southern California
A regional network of districts (Bonsall, Laguna Beach, San Diego, San Marcos, Vista)
launching public microschools—demonstrating how the model can scale within public systems.
3
Wyoming (RIDE Initiative)
A statewide shift toward student-centered, competency-based learning—redesigning instruction,
assessment, and accountability around mastery and real-world relevance.
4
Texas (Raising Blended Learners)
Dozens of districts redesigning classrooms around personalized, mastery-based learning—reaching tens of thousands of students.
5
Wichita Public Schools
A district-led microschool expanding due to strong family demand—showing how smaller,
relationship-based environments re-engage students.
6
Khan Lab School — California
An independent, nonprofit K–12 lab school founded by Sal Khan that uses mixed‑age, mastery‑based, student‑directed learning instead of traditional grades or seat time.
National Evidence and Learning Networks
These efforts are supported by a growing national evidence base and learning networks:
Knowledge
Works
These efforts are supported by a growing national evidence base and learning networks:
Education Reimagined
These efforts are supported by a growing national evidence base and learning networks:
Learner-Centered Collaborative
These efforts are supported by a growing national evidence base and learning networks:
Alpha School (Proof of Concept)
These efforts are supported by a growing national evidence base and learning networks:
A Clear Shift in How Learning Is Organized
While these efforts vary in structure, they point in the same direction:
-
Smaller, relationship-centered learning communities
-
Flexible pacing based on readiness
-
Real-world, meaningful work
-
Increased student ownership and agency
A shift away from standardized, one-size-fits-all classrooms—toward learning centered on each student
This Is Bigger Than One Model
Not every example is labeled a “microschool.”
But across public education, the direction is clear:
more personal, more flexible, and centered on the learner.
Public microschools bring these elements together—inside the public system—making student-centered learning real, visible, and consistent.
