The Better Classroom Project
Alternative schools, and the need for clearer stories
The Shift Happening in Education
In the wake of the COVID-19 lockdowns, millions of parents took a hard look at the schools they were sending their children to, and asked themselves, “is this the way we ought to be doing it?”
For many, the answer was no.
Homeschooling has exploded in popularity, nearly doubling in just a few years. Charter schools have added 200,000 students since 2019, and waitlists at these schools stretch into the hundreds or even the thousands. Private schools are expanding too, especially in school choice states. Everywhere you look, you see the same story: parents are rethinking education at a pace we haven’t seen in decades.
This won’t stop anytime soon. According to the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, 60% of US parents considered sending their kid to another school. Among parents under 30, that number jumps to 71%.
Why This Project Exists
I grew up in a tiny public school in the remnants of an old railroad town. I’m very thankful for the teachers there and all the effort they put into my education. But when I arrived at Hillsdale College, I was struck by something new. My classmates came from every schooling model imaginable: homeschool, classical school, Montessori, Waldorf, on and on. Nearly every one of them swears by their own path.
Wanting the best for my future family, I went looking for detailed and honest comparisons of these models. I expected a wealth of resources, but all I got was disappointment. The information landscape is scattered, shallow, and often partisan.
Left or right, white or black, man or woman, we all want the best for our kids. That’s why I’m starting the Better Classroom Project to document what I’m learning for my own use, and for anyone else who’s trying to make sense of the options.
Should I Join?
If you’re a parent who feels overwhelmed by the choices out there, this is for you. Each week I’ll share:
Philosophies, details, and results about different school models.
Stories and interviews with educators, parents, and students.
Practical guides for families who want something more than the one-size-fits-all many parents feel trapped with today.
The goal is simple: help build classrooms that help children grow into their best selves.
Looking Ahead
Everything here begins free. I want the Better Classroom Project to be accessible to anyone exploring the options in education. Over time, if there’s interest, I may offer deeper resources (guides, workshops, and/or extended interviews) for anyone who wants more. Paid content would make the project sustainable and let me bring in more voices, while keeping the core information available to everyone.
Join the Better Classroom Project if you want to be a part of this shift. It takes just a moment to subscribe but it might help make a huge difference in your child’s education.
