Microschools are one of the fastest-growing education options in New Hampshire and across the country, yet many families have never heard of them.
In a recent episode of the Choosing School podcast, EdOpt President Jody Underwood spoke with three New Hampshire moms who started their own microschools: Kitty Michelotti of Latitude Learning in Derry, Heather Long of Wildcat Microschool in Haverhill, and Diana of Learning Cove NH in Bow.
Their stories reveal both why families are seeking alternatives to traditional schooling and how ordinary parents can create new learning opportunities in their own communities.
Why They Started
Each founder’s journey began with a child or family whose needs were not being met.
For Diana, it was watching her daughter struggle with reading despite going through the public school intervention process. After discovering microschooling and working in an existing program, she and a colleague decided to create their own learning center.
For Heather, the turning point came during the pandemic. As a school counselor, she began questioning whether the traditional system was serving children well. After experimenting with a homeschool co-op, she realized that small-group, personalized learning worked better for her own children and eventually launched Wildcat Microschool.
Kitty’s story began when a popular homeschool enrichment program closed. Families wanted a place where children could take interesting classes, build friendships, and spend time together in a supportive community. Latitude Learning grew out of that need.
What Makes a Microschool Different?
Although each program operates differently, several common themes emerged.
Microschools are intentionally flexible. Students may attend two, three, or four days per week. Families often combine learning center days with homeschooling at home. Children are allowed to move at their own pace, take breaks when needed, and pursue interests that might not fit into a traditional classroom.
The founders emphasized that their programs are designed around students rather than systems.
At Latitude Learning, students choose from a variety of classes based on interest rather than age. At Wildcat Microschool, students combine self-paced academics with project-based learning, forest education, science activities, and homesteading experiences. Learning Cove offers individualized curriculum support, quiet spaces, and even on-site reading intervention services.
Perhaps most importantly, all three founders described their programs as communities, not just educational programs.
The Growth of Microschools
The demand for these programs has been remarkable.
Learning Cove finished its first year with 21 students. Wildcat Microschool has grown from just a handful of students to 27. Latitude Learning grew from about 30 students in its early years to roughly 120 enrolled students today.
Several of the founders reported maintaining waiting lists and having to turn families away.
Their experience suggests that many families are actively seeking alternatives that offer greater flexibility, personalization, and community.
Challenges Along the Way
Starting a microschool is not without obstacles.
One of the biggest challenges discussed was zoning and regulation. Because New Hampshire law does not clearly define microschools or learning centers, founders often find themselves squeezed into categories that do not fit what they actually do.
Terms such as “school,” “education center,” and even “daycare” can trigger entirely different regulatory requirements. Several founders described spending significant time navigating local zoning boards, parking requirements, and other bureaucratic hurdles.
The group expressed strong support for legislation that would clarify the legal status of microschools and learning centers in New Hampshire.
Financial sustainability can also be a challenge. Most founders work hard to keep tuition affordable for families. Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) play an important role in helping many families access these programs.
A Different Way of Thinking About Education
One of the most interesting parts of the discussion was the founders’ observation that they often have to “unlearn” traditional school habits.
Many parents and educators have spent their entire lives inside a conventional model of education. Creating a different learning environment requires questioning assumptions about schedules, classrooms, instruction, and even the role of adults.
The founders repeatedly emphasized that children thrive when given more ownership over their learning and when adults remain responsive to their interests and needs.
As Heather noted, when microschools begin to feel too much like traditional schools, the students are often the first to point it out.
Advice for Future Microschool Founders
The conversation ended with encouragement for anyone considering starting a microschool of their own.
The founders stressed that the business side is often less intimidating than people imagine. LLCs can be established relatively simply, and there are growing networks of support available to new founders.
They also encouraged aspiring founders not to worry too much about attracting students. Families searching for alternatives often find programs through word of mouth, and demand frequently grows faster than expected.
Most importantly, they emphasized that no single microschool is right for every child. The goal is not to create one perfect model but to create many different options that serve different families.
As Kitty put it, New Hampshire needs more microschools, not fewer, because children are different, families are different, and education should reflect that reality.
Looking Ahead
The stories shared in this episode highlight a broader movement taking place across New Hampshire. Parents are not simply looking for alternatives; many are creating them.
Whether you’re a family exploring educational options or someone who has dreamed of building a learning community of your own, microschools offer a powerful reminder that education does not have to look the same for every child.
Sometimes the best solutions begin when parents see a need and decide to build something new.
More EdOpt Fairs
Bow: OUTDOORS!
This is going to be our first OUTDOOR fair, rain or shine.
- Thursday, July 30 from 6-8pm
- The Plaza at 1494 Rt 3A in Bow NH
- Providers and attendees can register here.
- You can see the list of education providers who will be at the fair here. The list will continue to grow and change as we move closer to the event.
There will be a food truck with ice cream. There is a playground right next to the parking lot where we will be holding the fair, so bring the kids!
We’re also working on fairs in other places — Loudon will be in the fall. Let us know if you want to organize one in your area!
Let your friends know about these fairs. Word of mouth is the best way to advertise. Also, follow us and share our events and posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
About EdOpt
EdOpt is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose aim is to help families understand all their education options, from non-traditional (homeschooling, homeschool co-ops, microschools) to traditional (charter schools, private schools, tech centers, dual enrollment, learn everywhere).
Use our website to find education providers options around the state. Please let us know if we’re missing any!
EdOpt also provides guidance to help you figure out what will suit your children. Set up a FREE Education Options consultation today. And check out our new AI Assistant, the EdOpt Navigator, available on every website page.
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