Microschool Leadership Forge
Build, Grow, and Scale with Confidence
Grow a thriving microschool ecosystem with confidence
Learn directly from a microschool trailblazer
FROM THE FRONTLINE OF WILDFIRES TO THE FRONTLINES OF THE MIRCOSCHOOL MOVEMENT
I’m Denise Lever. I’ve always been a trailblazer.
And now I’m passing the torch.
I’ve served as a microschool guide since 2020. During the last 5 years, I’ve helped launch 11 additional microschools within my local community.
My personal microschool and my microschool network currently serve 74 learners and account of 11% of the K-8 student population in my town of Eagar, AZ.
I’ve also had the privilege of coaching hundreds of aspiring microschool educators across the country, helping them to launch, operate, and grow their own microschools.
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MY MICROSCHOOL NETWORK
Microschools in my network operate under TrailBlazEd. TBE is on track to account for nearly 15% of the total K-8 student population in Eager, AZ by the 25/26 school year.
TBE’s Baker Creek Academy, is 4 independent microschools operating in a single location.
Melissa
McNeill Microschool in Eagar, AZ
Est. June 2023
Helping children learn has always been one of my passions! I began as a piano teacher in 1996 and earned my AA in Elementary Education in 2000. As a kinder guide I work to create a positive learning environment by fostering a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere where children feel safe, respected, and valued. I encourage positive behavior, promote social interaction and cooperation, and model appropriate communication and conflict resolution skills.
Denise @ Baker Creek Academy
in Eagar, AZ
Est. September 2020
I’m Denise Lever, founder of Baker Creek Academy — a network of microschools in rural Arizona — and TrailblazED, where I mentor other founders building learner-driven education across the country. Before education, I was a wildland firefighter. That work taught me grit, purpose, and adaptability — values I now bring to every classroom.
I launched BCA in 2020 with seven students and a mission: flexible, personalized learning that puts families back in charge. Today, we serve over 70 learners across nine microschools — each one focused on autonomy, connection, and growth.
I believe in education freedom and building ecosystems of support for learners, families, and educators. Whether you’re a parent or a founder, I’m here to help reimagine what learning can be.
Kassi @ Kassi’s Micro Teaching
in Eagar, AZ
As a homeschooling parent, I’ve seen firsthand how curiosity thrives in personalized, flexible learning. Now, I help guide other children—especially those who need something different than traditional school—on their own paths of discovery.
I believe learning should spark joy, build confidence, and grow a child’s sense of self. My focus isn’t on test scores—it’s on nurturing curious, capable learners who feel seen, heard, and inspired.
Strong relationships are at the heart of everything I do. When students feel safe and valued, they take risks, think freely, and grow in powerful ways. My goal is simple: help each child thrive, not just as a student—but as a whole person.
LaRae @ LaRae’s Learning Lab
in Eagar, AZ
Est. September 2022
I’ve always been drawn to the joy of watching kids grow, building confidence, asking questions, and discovering what they’re capable of. As a guide, my mission is to create a learning environment where students feel safe, seen, and excited to learn.
I believe education should build more than knowledge, it should grow curiosity, resilience, and real-world skills. Through hands-on projects, one-on-one connections, and a focus on autonomy, I help learners take ownership of their growth.
Every child learns differently, and that’s the beauty of it. I’m here to support each one at their pace, sparking a love of learning that lasts far beyond the classroom.
Christine @ Colter Creek Education
in Eagar, AZ
Est. January 2024
As a guide in my online microschool, I create a supportive, engaging space where learners feel confident, connected, and curious. With a focus on hands-on, interest-driven learning, I tailor each experience to the child, not the other way around.
My background in public education, homeschooling, and one-on-one tutoring helps me adapt to each student’s unique style. Through projects, presentations, and portfolios, I track progress in ways that reflect real learning, not just test scores.
My goal is simple: to nurture lifelong learners who feel seen, supported, and excited to grow.