Challenges with Location Have Been the Main Issue for Microschools, but Florida is Making It Easier

When Tobin Slaven and his wife Martina embarked on the search for a suitable location for their new microschool a few years ago, they came across what appeared to be an ideal spot: an old historic home from the turn of the century in the midst of historic Fort Lauderdale, Fla., surrounded by museums, parks, and a vibrant downtown area. Additionally, it was conveniently close to their residence.

Upon discovering the Philemon Nathaniel Bryan House through the local historical society, they verified with the city that a small alternative school like Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale could utilize the building. Commencing in February 2021, they secured a lease for the site and began operations with only four students.

City officials dealt them a setback a month later, revealing that the Bryan House was categorized as a “learning center,” meant for tutoring and exhibitions, not as a school. While the building had the necessary safety features like a sprinkler system, fire alarms, and a fire escape, stringent requirements such as installing massive metal fire doors were imposed by the historical society to continue housing the school.

After encountering this hurdle, the Slavens convinced the historical society to release them from the lease, prompting them to transition to virtual learning while scouting for a new venue.

“That nearly broke us,” Slaven expressed.

The enactment of new regulations by state lawmakers last year holds promise to alleviate future complications for microschools. These regulations permit private schools to occupy existing spaces ranging from museums to movie theaters without seeking authorization from local authorities.

The implications of these new regulations on microschools in Florida are profound, as expressed by Slaven, stating, “they are a really big deal for the ecosystem.” Had they been enforced two years earlier, Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale could have remained at Bryan House.

Florida plays a leading role in the burgeoning microschool movement, with Microschool Florida listing more than 250 programs in its current directory. The new legislation in the state, revealed by Politico, is considered trailblazing and may serve as a model for other states.

“The first generation, so many of these were in church basements or people’s homes,” shared Michael McShane, director of national research at EdChoice, emphasizing the need for microschools to access more readily available spaces for expansion.