Microschools thrive when they are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Whether located in a neighborhood library, partnering with a local business, or engaging families in school design, public microschools are most powerful when they act as part of a broader learning ecosystem. These partnerships enrich student experiences and help microschools access vital resources, expertise, and support systems that public school systems can’t provide alone.

From internships to mental health support, funding, and communications, community partners can play a variety of roles in sustaining and growing your microschool. Engaging external partners also reinforces one of the key value propositions of public microschools: that learning can extend beyond the school building and draw strength from the assets of the surrounding community. Strategic partnership-building strengthens sustainability, enhances real-world relevance, and ensures your microschool remains connected, collaborative, and resilient.

Guiding Questions

• What local organizations, institutions, or individuals could enhance your microschool’s learning experience?
• How can families and community members contribute meaningfully, not just as participants but as co-creators?
• What supports or services do students need that could be provided through a partnership (e.g., wellness, mentoring, transportation)?
• How might community partnerships align with your microschool’s theme, focus, or learning model?
• What systems will you use to initiate, manage, and sustain partnerships over time?
• How can you ensure partnerships are reciprocal and mission-aligned?

Action Steps

Map your ecosystem. Identify local partners—cultural institutions, nonprofits, higher ed, businesses, government agencies—aligned with your microschool’s vision.

Build a shared purpose. Engage partners early in conversations about your goals and values to ensure alignment.

Create clear roles. Define what each partner will contribute and how the collaboration will operate (e.g., formal MOU, informal support, advisory roles).

Establish communication routines. Set regular check-ins, feedback loops, and shared planning opportunities to strengthen coordination.

Leverage partnerships for student learning. Design authentic learning experiences (e.g., internships, fieldwork, mentoring) that connect learners to the community.

Elevate family partnership. Treat families as collaborators in shaping the microschool’s culture, supports, and future direction.

Tips and Examples

• A public microschool focused on environmental sustainability may partner with a local parks department to co-design outdoor learning projects and host student exhibitions.
• Consider recruiting a local college to offer dual-enrollment opportunities and provide mentoring in STEM fields.
• Invite a health clinic to embed mental health services and wellness programming for students and staff.
• Establishing a community advisory board can help formalize relationships and provide consistent input into the development of microschools.
• Consider rotating “community days” where partners visit, co-lead sessions, or showcase opportunities for students.

Opportunity and Access

Partnerships can enhance the microschool experience by providing real-world learning opportunities, mentorship, and access to local expertise and resources. These opportunities should be available to all students, not just those with existing networks or resources. As you evaluate potential partnerships, stay grounded in your microschool’s mission and be mindful of arrangements that could pull focus or place additional strain on staff. Building trust with community partners takes time, but strong relationships can lead to long-term sustainability and greater impact. When designed with care, partnerships can expand access to meaningful learning and strengthen the microschool’s connection to its community.