LiberatED Podcast

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald speaks with Ken Trautwein, founder of Current Education Center, a secular, self-directed learning community outside Philadelphia. After 25 years in conventional education, Ken set out to create a more flexible, human-centered environment where young people can follow their interests while being supported by intentional mentorship. Opened in early 2025, Current serves teens through a part-time, self-directed model that blends structure with freedom. Ken describes his "riverbank" philosophy of education, where learning flows naturally within a supportive framework, and reflects on the challenges of launching a new center, building community, and rethinking what education can look like. If you're curious about self-directed learning, microschooling, or what it takes to create something new in education, this conversation offers both inspiration and insight. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Marta MacBan, founder of Sonoran Learning Collective, a hybrid microschool in Cave Creek, Arizona, that's reimagining how and when students learn. Launched in 2024 with just six students—including her own children—the program now serves a growing community of families seeking flexibility, personalization, and strong academic foundations. Marta shares how her journey from corporate media to education entrepreneurship was sparked by her daughter's struggles during pandemic-era schooling—and how that led her to build a two-day-a-week microschool focused on core academics and critical thinking for grades 4–8. Kerry and Marta discuss the power of Arizona's ESA program in making alternative education accessible, the benefits of midyear enrollment flexibility, and the importance of community partnerships. Marta also offers candid insights on the challenges of launching a microschool—from finding space to navigating regulations—and why connecting with other founders can make all the difference. For families exploring new learning models and aspiring founders ready to take the leap, this conversation highlights how small, flexible schools are opening big, new possibilities in education. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

On this week's episode of the LiberatED podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Cory Henwood, innovation coordinator for Utah's Iron County School District and founder of Launch High School, a new public high school focused on personalized learning. Cory shares his journey from public school math teacher to district innovation leader, and explains how Launch High School blends competency-based learning, personalized schedules, and real-world entrepreneurship. Students spend much of their time building projects and businesses while progressing through academics at their own pace—an approach that has led to some of the strongest academic outcomes in the district. Kerry and Cory also explore how school districts can respond to the growing landscape of school choice, ESAs, charter schools, and customized learning options. Cory discusses his work supporting new innovative programs across Utah, including emerging models that allow families to combine multiple educational experiences tailored to their children. They close with a look ahead at the future of education—and why Cory believes that greater family choice, flexibility, and personalization will continue shaping schooling in the years to come. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with May Jewell, founder of Jewell School in Queen Creek, Arizona. Since launching in 2021 with just 18 students, the Waldorf- and Montessori-inspired Christian school has grown to more than 100 students. May shares how she built the program, the challenges and rewards of being a new school founder, the regulatory burdens constraining her growth, and why families are increasingly seeking out alternative learning environments. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Rebecca Thomas, founder of Victory Alliance, a K–12 hybrid homeschool program in Traverse City, Michigan. Rebecca shares how she transitioned from an educator in traditional public, charter, and Christian schools to homeschooling her own child—and eventually launching a microschool during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a tutoring pod in one family's basement has grown to serve 50 students with six teachers, and prioritizes small class sizes, academic rigor, and flexibility for families. Rebecca explains why she has intentionally capped enrollment to preserve quality, how her first graduates earned multiple college acceptances, and why aspiring education entrepreneurs should begin small, build trust, and let growth happen organically. This is a conversation about courage, community, and the power of starting before you feel ready. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

What does it take to build the first private online school in the United States—before most families even had internet access? In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Alyssa Tormala, Head of School at Laurel Springs School, to explore the school's remarkable evolution from a small distance-learning program in 1991 to a global, accredited K–12 institution that has served more than 6,000 students across 100+ countries. With a proven track record of high-quality online learning, including selective college admissions, Laurel Springs School continues to lead the way in virtual education. For families exploring alternatives to conventional schooling, this episode offers a compelling look at how private online education can combine personalization, rigor, and worldwide community. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with virtual learning pioneer Julie Young, author of Virtual Schools, Actual Learning: Digital Education in America, published by the Pioneer Institute. Julie shares the inside story of launching Florida Virtual School in the 1990s, building one of the first and most successful statewide online programs in the country, to then spearheading the growth of ASU Prep Digital and consulting with education leaders on the future of online education. For anyone interested in education entrepreneurship, edtech innovation, or the future of K-12 schooling in an AI-powered world, this conversation offers both a historical lens and a forward-looking roadmap. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

Ohio has long been at the forefront of the school choice movement—and today tens of thousands of students participate in one of the state's five scholarship programs. In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Rabbi Eric "Yitz" Frank, President of School Choice Ohio, and Ann Riddle, Director of Provider School Outreach at School Choice Ohio, to explore how Ohio became a national leader in education freedom. They trace the evolution of the state's first Cleveland Scholarship Program in 1995 to today's increasingly robust voucher programs. But as demand for choice continues to grow, a new challenge has emerged: supply. From facilities constraints to regulatory considerations, what does it take to expand schooling options at scale? The conversation also turns to the new federal education freedom tax credit program and how Ohio is uniquely positioned to benefit—potentially expanding choice to even more families. If you're interested in the intersection of policy, advocacy, and education entrepreneurship, this episode offers a compelling look at how one state is leading the school choice movement. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

What does it look like to build a school around student voice, joyful learning, and real affordability? In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald speaks with Elizabeth Dean, Head of Learning at The Village School, a learner-centered school in Arlington, Virginia serving about 70 students. Elizabeth shares her journey from public school teacher and instructional coach to school leader—and how her own negative schooling experiences sparked a commitment to creating more human, joyful learning environments. Elizabeth explains how the Village School emphasizes hands-on projects, real-world challenges, and two hours of unstructured play every day—while still seeing students perform above grade level on standardized tests. She also discusses the school's deliberate choice to keep tuition below half the cost of most traditional private schools in Northern Virginia, supported by a robust financial aid program that prioritizes access over luxury amenities. The conversation explores the school's three-way partnership among learners, guides, and parents, the importance of social capital and personal development, and plans to launch a high school program in 2028. This episode is a powerful example of how learner-centered schools can remain financially sustainable, academically strong, and deeply human. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald speaks with Kalecia Simmons, founder of The Black Homeschools, about how one parent's search for support grew into a thriving homeschooling community serving more than 1,100 Black families across the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area—and beyond. Kalecia shares her personal journey homeschooling her eight children, the early challenges that motivated her to create a space specifically for African American homeschoolers, and the persistence it took to build trust and momentum—from park meetups with no attendees to massive field trips and events. She explains how The Black Homeschools has evolved into a resource hub offering curriculum guidance, coaching, enrichment classes, NCAA athletics support, and college preparation, all rooted in community and cultural connection. The conversation also explores the broader rise in Black homeschooling, shifting perceptions of homeschooling as a viable and respected educational path, and Kalecia's ambitious vision for the future—including expansion. This episode is an inspiring look at what's possible when parents trust themselves and build the communities their children—and others—need. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald is joined by Heike Larson, Vice President of Programs at the Roots of Progress Institute, and Dr. Laura Mazer, a surgeon and curriculum lead for the Institute's new summer program, Progress in Medicine 2026. Together, they explore a bold new model for summer teen learning that blends medical history, future innovation, mentorship, and personal development. Designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, Progress in Medicine 2026 combines five weeks of live virtual seminars with a multi-day in-person experience at Stanford University. Students examine landmark moments in medical progress, grapple with today's healthcare challenges, and explore diverse career pathways—from medicine and biotech to research, policy, and entrepreneurship. Heike shares the vision behind the Roots of Progress Institute and its mission to foster a culture of human progress in the 21st century. Laura reflects on her own journey from surgeon to education innovator and discusses how her Montessori-inspired work shapes the summer program's inquiry-driven, student-centered approach. This episode offers an inspiring look at how summer learning can help teens connect their interests to real-world impact—and begin imagining ans building lives of purpose. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

On this episode of LiberatED, host Kerry McDonald sits down with Emily Barnitz, founder of Zoe Learning House, a fast-growing hybrid homeschool program in New Orleans, Louisiana. Emily shares her journey from being homeschooled herself to becoming a public school teacher—and ultimately launching Zoe Learning House in fall 2024 with just 10 students in her living room. Eighteen months later, the program now serves 50 students across kindergarten through fourth grade, with plans to expand to fifth grade while maintaining small class sizes and an 8:1 student-teacher ratio. The conversation explores Zoe's Charlotte Mason–inspired, hands-on learning model; flexible enrollment options for families; and the intentional decision to prioritize educational quality over rapid scaling. Emily also offers practical insights for aspiring education entrepreneurs—on starting small, building visibility through word-of-mouth and SEO, navigating state homeschool regulations, and staying grounded in your "why" as your program grows. This episode is a must-listen for educators, homeschoolers, and founders interested in hybrid learning models that are both sustainable and deeply student-centered. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

What if high school was designed more like a creative studio than a traditional classroom? In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald spotlights NuVu High School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a distinctive, studio-style school for students in grades 7 to 12. Kerry speaks with NuVu co-founder Saba Ghole and NuVu Director of Admissions Karen Sutton about NuVu's remarkable evolution—from a community laboratory partnering with local schools and homeschoolers to a fully recognized private high school. Founded in 2010 by MIT graduate students Saba Ghole and Saeed Arida, NuVu was inspired by the architectural studio model: immersive, hands-on, interdisciplinary work driven by real-world problems. Today, students spend much of their time engaged in multi-week design studios—building, testing, iterating, and presenting projects that demonstrate deep mastery across disciplines. With more than 100 graduates over 16 years—many heading to selective colleges in design, engineering, and the arts—NuVu offers a compelling example of how today's innovative high schools can prepare students not just for college, but for meaningful work and life beyond school. For families and founders seeking or building something fundamentally different from conventional high school, this episode offers a powerful glimpse of what's possible. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald is joined by Neal McCluskey, Director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute, and co-editor of the new book Fighting for the Freedom to Learn: Examining America's Centuries-Old School Choice Movement, to explore the history of educational freedom in the U.S. Neal also talks about the Public Schooling Battle Map that he maintains, and explains how allowing families to choose learning environments aligned with their values has long helped preserve social peace. He challenges the assumption that centralized schooling unifies society, and instead makes the case that pluralism, decentralization, and freedom offer a more stable and harmonious foundation. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald is joined by Christina Stead and Hanna Lay, two homeschool mothers from St. George, Utah. Together they founded Desert Blossom Resource Center, a nonprofit created to support homeschooling families through community-led resources, monthly panel discussions, local events, and a growing online hub that now connects more than 80 families across southern Utah. Originally envisioned as a physical community space, Desert Blossom has evolved into a virtual and community-driven model while the founders work toward securing a permanent location for future lending libraries, microschools, co-ops, and collaborative learning spaces. Christina and Hanna share how their idea began over a decade ago, how COVID reshaped their plans, and how Utah's rapid homeschooling growth has created both opportunity and urgency for better support systems. This episode is a must-listen for familes and founders who are eager to build the ecosystems that help homeschoolers and microschoolers truly thrive. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!