Building a Thriving Faith-Based Microschool with Emma Rodriguez

Guest host Denise Lever talks with Emma Rodriguez, a former public school teacher and founder of Lighthouse Christian Academy, a faith-based K–8 microschool in Frisco, Texas. Emma reflects on a remarkable first year in which enrollment grew from 2 to 20 students—and shares the story of one student whose academic progress, behavior, and confidence were transformed by the school's supportive environment. Emma explains how multi-age classrooms, small-group instruction, hands-on learning, and a strong sense of community help students thrive. She also discusses the challenges of balancing a founder's educational vision with parents' expectations, the value of mentorship and peer support, and her decision to move from a two-day program to a four-day school model. The conversation also explores how Texas's new Education Savings Account (ESA) program is expanding access to Lighthouse Christian Academy for families who might otherwise be unable to afford it.  You can listen to Kerry McDonald's 2025 podcast interview with Emma here. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!