Washington Public Microschool Collaborative
A school within a school—where every child is known and thrives.
Funding Public Microschool Pilots in Washington State
A Targeted, High-Leverage Investment in Student Outcomes and Public School Innovation
The Situation
Public school districts across Washington are facing a structural challenge:
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Declining enrollment and funding
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Rising student disengagement and absenteeism
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Increasing student mental health needs
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Budget constraints forcing reductions in staff
At the same time, many students are not thriving in traditional, one-size-fits-all models.
District leaders are actively seeking new approaches—but face a clear constraint:
They cannot take on additional financial risk while managing budget reductions.
The Opportunity
Public microschools offer a practical, proven approach:
Small, student-centered, relationship-based learning environments that operate inside existing public schools.
These models:
Re-engage students who are not thriving
Improve attendance, belonging, and academic progress
Attract and retain families within the public system
Operate using existing buildings, staffing, and infrastructure
Microschool models are already being implemented in states including Indiana, California, Texas, and Wyoming.
The Barrier
Districts are ready to pilot this model—but need short-term support to move forward.
The constraint is not vision. It is near-term financial risk.
Specifically:
Funding to retain 1–2 teaching positions and launch a small pilot without increasing financial exposure.
Without this support, even strong district leaders are often unable to proceed.
The Investment
We are securing philanthropic investment to enable microschool pilots in Washington public school districts.
Each pilot:
Serves 30–60 students (K–8)
Operates within an existing public school
Uses current space and infrastructure
Aligns with student-centered, flexible learning models
Funding Request
$150,000 – $300,000 per district pilot (1–2 years)
Funds are used to:
Retain and fund 1–2 teaching positions
Support planning and initial implementation
Remove financial risk during the pilot phase
Why This Investment Works
Leverage
A time-limited investment unlocks a permanent, publicly funded model.
Sustainability
Ongoing funding is covered through existing per-student public funding once enrollment is established.
Scalability
Successful pilots can expand within and across districts.
Practicality
No new facilities, systems, or legislation required.
Expected Impact
For Students
Increased engagement, attendance, and belonging
Improved academic growth through personalized learning
For Districts
Stabilized or increased enrollment
Reduced absenteeism and behavioral challenges
For Teachers
Retention of valued staff
More sustainable, team-based teaching environments
Why Now
This shift is already underway nationally.
Districts are not asking whether new models are needed.
They are asking whether they can move forward without taking on additional risk.
A targeted, time-limited investment makes that possible.