A Big Push for Small Schools

A Big Push for Small Schools

Status: Not actively funding for 2025-2026 school year; invitation-based for future cohorts

Program Type: Multi-year grant initiative

Funder: Walton Family Foundation

Geographic Scope: National

Overview

The Learning Innovation Fund's first grant program, A Big Push for Small Schools, is a multi-year initiative aimed at catalyzing innovation and growth in microschool models. These small schools, rooted in a historical tradition of cooperative and small-scale learning, are envisioned to become diverse, sustainable, and impactful alternatives within the educational landscape.

Focus Areas

• Promoting quality, equity, and accessibility in microschool education
• Fostering networks of microschool leaders
• Providing technical assistance to microschools
• Offering grants to propel development of innovative learning environments
• Supporting scaling and sustainability through formal and informal microschool networks

Eligibility

• School Types: Diverse range of national microschool models
• Grade Levels: K-12 (Ungraded PK through 12th grade)
• Funding Methods: Private, online, public, and Education Savings Account (ESA) funded schools
• Preference: Full-time schools preferred
• Application Process: Invitation-based; selected candidates meeting criteria receive invitations after screening

What They Support

• School development and replication
• Scaling and network formation
• Multiple sites and schools-within-schools models designed for replication
• Technical assistance and professional development
• Community of Practice participation

Contact Information

• Program Manager: Jordan (contact via website)
• Website: gettingsmart.com/learning-innovation-fund/

Additional Support

• Knowledge creation, research, and community engagement
• Compelling storytelling and case studies
• Community conversations to amplify awareness
• Development of practical tools and resources for school developers
• Dedicated Community of Practice for microschool leaders to collaborate

Recent Grantees

Include: ASU Prep Digital+, Ellemercito Academy, Issaquah School District, Early IT Microschool, Purdue Polytechnic High School Lab School, Colossal Academy, The Lab School of Memphis, Spark Community Schools, Kind Academy, Black Mothers Forum Microschools, Primer, Myrtle Avenue Elementary School, and Hidden Valley Elementary School.