How to Grow Your Microschool: Prenda's Tried and True Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a microschool is an exciting journey, but growing it into a thriving community and business takes strategy, persistence, and ingenuity. If you're looking to launch a new microschool or expand your reach and attract more families, you need a solid marketing plan that prioritizes clarity, connection, online presence, and strong messaging.

Here’s your roadmap to microschool growth.

1. Clarity: Define Your Microschool’s Unique Value

Before you can effectively market your microschool, you must be crystal clear on what you offer and why it stands out. Parents have options—traditional public schools, charter schools, homeschooling, and other microschools—so why should they choose yours?

Key Questions to Answer:

• What makes your microschool different or better than other local options?
• What is your core learning approach (e.g., Montessori-inspired, self-directed, mastery-based)?
• Can you confidently explain how your approach benefits students?
• What kind of student thrives in your microschool environment?

Your messaging should be simple, compelling, and easy for parents to understand. If you’re unclear, potential families will be too.

Action Step:

Write a one-paragraph "elevator pitch" summarizing what your microschool offers and why it works. Use this when introducing your school in conversations or marketing materials.

2. Interpersonal Skills: Building Growth Through Relationships

Unlike traditional schools, most microschools grow through personal connections, not large-scale advertising. Success comes from YOU—meeting parents at parks, coffee shops, and community events, and naturally sharing your passion.

Key Strategies:

• Be approachable and authentic: Talk about your microschool in a way that feels natural, not salesy.
• Gather contact information: When parents show interest, ask if you can send them more info. Follow up!
• Word of mouth: Encourage happy parents to refer others.
• Community events: Attend or host local gatherings where families may be searching for alternative education options.

Action Step:

Make a goal to connect with at least three new families each week. Have a simple digital or physical flyer to give them with your microschool details.

3. Posting Online: Spreading the Word Effectively

Social media is a valuable tool, but it's just one part of your outreach strategy. You need to spread awareness in layers:

1. Your Core Network – These are people who already know, like, and trust you (friends, family, neighbors). Start by sharing your microschool with them.
2. Your Extended Network – Ask your core network to share with their friends.
3. Your Local Network – This is where you connect with people you don’t know yet through online posts and community engagement.

Where to Post:

• Facebook groups: Look for local homeschooling, parenting, and community groups where school options are discussed.
• Neighborhood apps: Platforms like Nextdoor can help you reach local families.
• Instagram & TikTok: Share short videos showcasing your school’s unique approach.
• Microschool directories: Prenda offers a microschool map to help parents find your school​.

Action Step:

Join three local Facebook groups where parents discuss school options. Engage in conversations (without spamming!) and offer helpful insights.

4. Perfect Your Messaging: Branding and First Impressions Matter

Your microschool’s "vibe" should be clear through your name, logo, flyers, and overall messaging. Consistency helps parents recognize and trust your school.

Elements to Consider:

• School name: Does it reflect your values and approach?
• Logo & visuals: A clean, professional design makes a big difference.
• Marketing materials: Have digital and printed flyers ready to share.

Finding the Right Students:

Marketing isn’t just about getting attention—it’s about attracting the right families. Think about who would benefit most from your school and tailor your messaging to them.

Action Step:

Create a simple, visually appealing flyer with your school name, a brief description, and contact details. Use free design tools like Canva if needed.

‍

5. Our Best Advice: Start Small

Many microschools begin with just a handful of students. That’s okay! Focus on creating an incredible experience for those families, and word-of-mouth will bring more students.

Have a Growth Mindset:

• Quality over quantity: Ensure every student and family has a positive experience.
• Gather testimonials: Ask happy parents for reviews or referrals.
• Celebrate milestones: Share photos and stories of student success.

Action Step:

Ask current families to provide a short testimonial about their experience. Feature these in your marketing materials and online posts. Haven't started yet? Try running a week long camp or after school club where kids can get to know you. Even if they don't sign up for your microschool, you can ask their parents for short testimonials about how much their kids loved their experience with you.

‍

Ready to Grow Your Microschool?

Start by getting clear on your message, connecting with families, and spreading the word in strategic ways. With persistence and the right approach, your microschool can thrive!

By following these steps, you’ll create a strong foundation for your microschool’s growth. Need personalized support? Prenda is here to help! 🚀

‍

Why Partner with Prenda

Prenda has helped over 1,000 people start and grow microschools​. By partnering with Prenda, you gain access to:

• A trusted brand that parents recognize.
• A research aligned learning system that helps students grow academically and regain their love of learning.
• Marketing templates to make outreach easier.
• A microschool map where parents can find your school.
• 1:1 growth consultations to help you refine your strategy.
• No upfront costs—Prenda charges a per-student annual fee that’s built into your tuition pricing, so you don’t have to invest money upfront​.
• Access to an experienced community, year-round support and professional development.

If you want to learn more about working with Prenda to start and run your microschool, drop in your email and get immediate access to a free overview webinar that explains how it all works. We can't wait to get to know you and help you start your dream school! 

‍