Before you file a single piece of paperwork or enroll your first student, there’s one crucial decision that could make or break your school: your legal structure.

In this essential episode of WISE and Otherwise, education leaders Becky Abrams Wilmoth and Allison Weide break down everything microschool founders need to understand about forming a nonprofit, choosing a board, and staying legally compliant with IRS regulations.

From homeschool co-ops and hybrid models to full-time academies, they share what works, what fails, and what might get you in serious trouble if you're not careful.

In this episode:– The difference between nonprofit and for-profit status (and what founders often misunderstand)– Why “keeping it simple” can backfire legally– The risks of collecting tuition under the wrong status– How Becky grew from field trips to a thriving 300-student nonprofit– What every founder should know about bylaws, boards, and parent volunteers– The importance of clear separation between church, school, and homeschool group

Want the slides from this session?

Email dalena@aimeducationks.com or becky@nonprofitedsolutions.com to request a copy of the presentation materials.

Join Our Next Webinar

Dalena + Becky Essentials: Writing Effective Mission/Vision Statements and Core Program Structure

🗓 Monday, January 26, 2026 · 7:00–8:00pm CT

📍 Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/vym-ywsw-vwz

📞 Dial-in: +1 929-277-5673‬ PIN: 847 698 289#🔗 More numbers: https://tel.meet/vym-ywsw-vwz?pin=3201398619397

Are you starting a school or co-op? Did you choose nonprofit or for-profit—and why? Share in the comments!

Like, subscribe, and follow for more real-world insights on launching and leading bold education models.

Resources & Links: Learn more about NonprofitEd: https://www.nonprofitedsolutions.com/

Connect with Becky Abrams Wilmoth: becky@nonprofitedsolutions.com

BSz&si=wgUWXhwT2ElrMnoV#Microschools #SchoolStartup #NonprofitEducation #ForProfitVsNonprofit #SchoolChoice #ChristianEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #LegalTipsForFounders

This week on WISE and Otherwise, we’re sharing a special replay—an eye-opening conversation I had with Dr. Lisa Watson. If you missed it the first time, this is one of those episodes that stays with you. Dr. Watson’s story is unlike anything you’ve heard: a former ACLU president, a committed atheist, and a leader in progressive activism… until a supernatural encounter completely changed the direction of her life.And here’s why this matters right now.Across the country, parents, pastors, and church leaders are waking up to the reality that the public school system is not just struggling—it’s shaping the next generation with values that run directly against biblical truth. Dr. Watson pulls back the curtain on what’s actually happening inside schools, why even public school teachers are opting out for their own kids, and why churches can no longer afford to stay on the sidelines.In this interview, she lays out a clear, urgent case for why Christian education isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. She explains how the church already has every resource it needs to step in, reclaim its place in forming young hearts and minds, and give families a real alternative. You’ll hear powerful insights, practical steps, and a hopeful vision for what happens when churches decide to lead instead of react.If you care about protecting children, strengthening families, and equipping the next generation with truth, this conversation will deepen your resolve and sharpen your mission.

What do you do when the system has no place for your child—or any child with special needs?

In this moving episode of WISE and Otherwise, you’ll meet Meghan Melchor, founder of Lionheart Academy, a microschool for children with autism, intellectual delays, behavioral challenges, and other high-support needs. When one mom reached out with nowhere else to turn, Meghan said yes—and opened her home, her heart, and eventually, her own school.

🎙️ In this episode:

– Why most Christian schools weren’t willing to serve high-needs students

– How Meghan began homeschooling someone else’s child in her basement

– The daily miracles and spiritual battles of running a school for overlooked kids

– What church partnership can look like when done right

– Why she believes there are more Lionheart Academies waiting to be built

This isn’t just a story about education—it’s about calling, compassion, and the kind of love that refuses to give up on a child.

📢 What would happen if every community had a Lionheart? Could you be the next one to say yes? Tell us in the comments.

🔔 Like and follow for more real stories of courage, creativity, and Kingdom work in education.

📌 Resources & Links:

🔹 Visit Lionheart Academy: https://www.lionheartacademykansas.com/

🔹 More podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6GbjQYqh0HeG7ojJNq0eoe?si=cIryTLDnQLitWpKqfZ5RSQ#SpecialNeedsEducation

#FaithAndEducation #LionheartAcademy #MicroSchool #SchoolChoice #ChristianSchool #ParentAdvocacy #WISEAndOtherwise

Shawna Hein didn’t set out to lead a school. In fact, she tried to keep her distance. But when her daughter fell in love with Northfield Academy—a small, classically grounded school in Wichita—God started tugging on Shawna’s heart too.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Shawna shares her surprising journey from skeptical homeschool mom to head of school, and how a simple campus tour turned into a personal transformation.🎙️ Inside this episode:– Why a shy homeschooler felt instantly at home at Northfield Academy– How Shawna slowly went from volunteer to board member to head of school– The power of classical education to shape the soul—not just fill the mind– How studying the Iliad, Dante, and Scripture helped her rediscover her own faith– What makes this microschool culture so deeply human and transformativeThis is more than a school story—it’s about calling, beauty, motherhood, and how God sometimes pulls us into things we never planned… but were made for.📢 Have you ever ended up somewhere you were trying to avoid—and realized it was exactly where you were meant to be? Share in the comments!🔔 Like and follow for more stories of faith, education, and everyday courage.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Northfield Academy: https://www.northfieldacademy.org🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/🔹 Watch more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6GbjQYqh0HeG7ojJNq0eoe?si=ueQDNO5EQMeY-w1gOZ99YA#ClassicalEducation #NorthfieldAcademy #FaithAndEducation #HomeschoolToHeadmaster #MicroSchoolMovement #SchoolChoice #WISEAndOtherwise #ParentLedEducation

After 24 years in public education, Trudy Wischropp was burned out, overwhelmed… and deeply convicted. God was calling her to something radical. So she said yes.

In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Trudy shares the incredible journey behind Armor Academy—a micro-school she launched in the upstairs of her home, with dreams of eventually moving into a 100-year-old one-room schoolhouse… which she literally had moved to her property.

📘 In this episode:

– How COVID revealed a vision—and ignited a calling

– What it was like to leave a secure paycheck and take a leap of faith

– Why she never saw herself homeschooling (and how that changed)

– The simple rhythms of Armor Academy’s day-to-day life– What surprised her most about running a small school

– How local churches and parents came alongside her vision

This is more than a feel-good story—it’s a roadmap for any educator or parent wondering: “Is there something more?”

📢 Would you ever start a one-room schoolhouse? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.🔔

Subscribe for more stories of faith, courage, and creative Christian education.

📌 Links & Resources:

🔹 Visit Armor Academy: https://www.armoracademy.net

🔹 Follow Armor Academy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Armor-Academy-61560977438089/

🔹 Follow Armor Academy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArmorAcademy

🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/

🔹 Watch more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTvVOFEIGF9B1Kl4joO8vc6vfwjR7-BSz&si=VKv7L4P0lHdI4Irv#ChristianEducation #OneRoomSchoolhouse #FaithAndEducation

#ArmorAcademy #MicroSchoolMovement #TeacherCalling #WISEAndOtherwise #SchoolChoice #EducationByFaith

Most churches talk about reaching the next generation. Pastor Justin Walker built a school to do it.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Pastor Justin shares the remarkable story of launching Salt and Light Academy—a tuition-free, Christ-centered school born inside his church with zero budget, total faith, and a bold vision to reach the 57 million students in public schools.🎙️ In this episode:– How Salt and Light Academy launched from idea to reality in 7 months– Why they refuse to charge tuition—even when parents offer to pay– The church’s role in funding education without compromising the Gospel– Stories of student baptisms, family transformation, and community revival– What it really costs to run a free Christian school (and how they’re doing it)This isn’t just a story about a school. It’s a model. A movement. And a direct challenge to churches everywhere: What’s in your hand—and what’s stopping you from using it?📢 Would your church ever start a school like this? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories of faith, bold leadership, and K–12 education reform.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Salt & Light Academy: https://www.saltandlightky.org/school🔹 Connect with Pastor Justin Walker: justin@saltandlightky.org🔹 Visit the church website: https://www.saltandlightky.org#FaithAndEducation #SchoolChoice #TuitionFreeChristianSchool #ChristianEducation #SaltAndLightAcademy #ChurchBasedSchool #PastorLeadership #WISEAndOtherwise

For years, Jaime Beck watched her son Charlie struggle in silence—kicking, screaming, melting down before school, and coming home exhausted, ashamed, and overlooked. He was smart, creative, and full of potential—but public school didn’t know what to do with him.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Jaime shares the emotional journey of discovering her son’s dyslexia late, navigating misdiagnoses, and feeling dismissed by the very system meant to help him. But everything changed when she found Freedom Prep—a school that didn’t just accommodate Charlie, but believed in him.🎙️ Inside this episode:– The signs she saw—and how long it took to get real answers– What public school offered (and failed to deliver)– Why dyslexia wasn’t the problem—it was the misunderstanding of it– The emotional toll on Charlie—and on Jaime as a mother– How Freedom Prep rebuilt confidence, joy, and belonging– What every parent needs to know about advocating for their childIf you’ve ever felt like your child was being left behind, this story will give you hope—and a roadmap for what’s possible.📢 Have you ever had to fight for your child to be seen? Share your story in the comments.🔔 Like, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories of faith, education, and courageous families.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Freedom Prep: https://freedomprepwichita.org/🔹 Connect with HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/contact🔹 Explore school options near you: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory

#DyslexiaAwareness #SchoolChoice #EducationThatHeals #FreedomPrep #FaithAndEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy

While churches send money across the globe, local Christian schools are closing their doors. What if we’ve been overlooking one of the most urgent mission fields—right in our own backyard?In this powerful episode of WISE and Otherwise, host Emmi McCabe sits down with Dalena Wallace, founder of HERO (Heartland Education Reformation Organization), to talk about the growing crisis in Christian education—and the bold vision to solve it.💡 Inside this conversation:– Why 75% of Christian kids leave the faith after high school– The real reason so many Christian schools are shutting down– What HERO is doing to fund faith-based education and keep it accessible– How churches, donors, and families can unite to protect the next generation– A fresh call for churches to treat Christian education as ministryThis episode is a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the future of the church, the family, and the Christian school movement.📢 Could your church be funding Christian education instead of losing the next generation? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories at the intersection of faith and education.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org🔹Donate to support Christian schools: https://www.heartlandhero.org/donate#ChristianEducation #SchoolChoice #ChurchAndSchool #FaithAndEducation #MissionsAtHome #HeartlandHERO #WISEAndOtherwise