From one "Pandemic Pod" to 20+ Microschools in 5 states episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 12, 2025 · 32 MIN

From one "Pandemic Pod" to 20+ Microschools in 5 states

from LiberatED Podcast · host Kerry McDonald

Jess Alfreds never set out to build a network of microschools. What began in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as "pandemic pod" quickly grew into a thriving community of 100 students—and today, Carolina Kids Co-Op has expanded into 20+ independently-operated microschools across five states. In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Jess shares how she combined secular academics, social-emotional learning, and outdoor education into an accessible, affordable model serving families with children from age one through sixteen.  Kerry and Jess discuss the entrepreneurial journey behind building and scaling the Carolina Kids Co-OP network, as well as the future of innovative educational models.  ***   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!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 12, 2025

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From one "Pandemic Pod" to 20+ Microschools in 5 states

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