Communities in the driver’s seat: - Black Mothers Forum microschools raise sustainability questions

Beginning with a single location, Black Mothers Forum’s network had grown to five microschools in two locations when we visited in the spring of 2023, with plans to double the number of microschools the following school year. [...] As the director of the microschools stated, “I have the opportunity and honor to listen to the student development coaches, the families, and the students in order to help create learning environments that are safe and supportive for Black and Brown children.” A unique funding model supports Arizona’s public microschools When they first started their small pandemic learning environments, the Black. [...] To supplement the public funding they receive, the group’s microschools have attracted a range of national and local support, including grants for the Vela Education Fund, finalist honors from the Yass Prize recognizing education innovations, and donations from the local NBA 4 . [...] The same instructor also noted the benefits of a diverse age group in a single classroom—especially the tendency for older students to help the younger ones. [...] According to Wood, the organization sees a need to continue to “fight for [school choice] laws to be implemented and executed in the spirit in which they were intended.” Despite these political tensions, leaders see that the demand for microschools may increase as word spreads.