Nationwide — Meet Nicole Jones-Stewart, the founder of an organization called The National Association of Black Microschool Leaders, which guides in equipping individuals desiring to aid in closing the educational gaps that many Black students in this country encounter. Microschooling has emerged as a transformative educational model, particularly for Black students in the United States. In fact, according to a recent news report, Microschools have experienced a boom in popularity since the onset of the pandemic.“The tiny schools, which have a median student body size of 16, have been described as a modern reinvention of the one-room schoolhouse, where children of varying ages receive personalized instruction from a teacher in the same room,” the report stated.
Microschools address the unique challenges and disparities students face within traditional school systems. With its focus on smaller class sizes, personalized learning, and community-driven curricula, micro-schools offer tailored educational experiences that foster academic excellence and cultural relevance.
“The National Association of Black Microschool Leaders was born out of a need to unify and amplify the voices of Black educators and homeschool leaders to transform what education can look like in the era of school choice,” shared Stewart. “I wanted to create a network where we could support one another, share resources, and advocate for policies that expand opportunities for high-quality, Black-led schools serving Black and Brown communities.”
On January 29th, the NABML will host a free virtual forum to raise awareness about the association and the vast opportunities and advantages of microschooling. “Hosting this forum is about building bridges. It’s a chance to connect educators, parents, and community leaders who are ready to explore school choice and see how it can transform the educational experience for Black students,” Stewart said. Starting at 7 pm EST, anyone who advocates for microschooling can tune into the virtual forum to gain insight into how to equip students better academically.
“We’re bringing together experts and edupreneurs to share strategies, solutions, and success stories that show what’s possible when we take control of our children’s learning environments.”
The microschooling approach not only empowers students by providing a supportive environment that prioritizes their individual needs and strengths but also cultivates a sense of belonging and identity. By bridging the educational gap and promoting equity, microschooling serves as a vital tool for enhancing the educational outcomes and overall well-being of Black students, enabling them to thrive both academically and socially in an increasingly complex world. “Microschooling is more than just a trend; its small, personalized nature directly addresses critical issues like low reading proficiency and declining graduation rates. Microschools empower students, particularly those who’ve been overlooked, to experience education in a way that is student-centered, flexible, and profoundly impactful,” Stewart added.
With the elections just behind us, Stewart believes that the incoming administration has an opportunity to prioritize fair funding, school choice, and parent empowerment. “My concern is that education policy often overlooks innovative models like microschools. For marginalized communities to truly benefit from school choice, we must be equipped to meet the demand. Failing to do so will only allow systemic barriers to persist, continuing to harm our communities. To overcome this, it’s essential to increase the number of Black-led schools,” she said.
To learn more about the association, to join or register for the virtual forum, visit: https://bit.ly/SchoolChoiceForum