Founders Fellowship
Build your school with support from the start
The Founders Fellowship is a one-year professional learning and support program for leaders launching new schools, microschools, and independent education programs in Arkansas.
Starting a school requires leaders to build many things at once: an academic program, enrollment systems, policies, budgets, staffing structures, student supports, and a strong school culture. The Founders Fellowship helps leaders navigate that work with practical guidance, peer learning, consultation, and a community of other founders.
What to expect
Led by veteran school leaders, the Fellowship includes 10 monthly modules throughout the launch year. Most sessions are held online, though there are two in-person gatherings.
Sessions focus on the real work of building and leading a school. Rather than completing assignments for a grade, founders work on the plans, policies, systems, and tools their schools already need. Fellowship leaders provide feedback, consultation, and support along the way.
The program is offered at no cost to Arkansas founders during the 2026-27 school year.
Why Join the Founders Fellowship?
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Connection
Join a working community of school leaders navigating the challenges and opportunities of their first year of operation.
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Relevance
Bring real challenges to the group, learn from experienced school leaders, and receive feedback on the work of building and strengthening your program.
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Support
Get practical guidance, individualized feedback, and access to a community that helps you do the work of launching a strong school more effectively.
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Pathway
Accreditation is not required to participate. For schools pursuing accreditation, completion of the Founders Fellowship provides the launch-year preparation needed to apply for Candidate Status.
Join us Monday, November 2 at 3:30 PM for the online launch.
Registration required to receive online login credentials.
Founders can join at any point in the year, but we recommend joining in November.