Topic: Pandemic Pod

The "three E's" of education disruption—empowerment, exit, and entrepreneurship—are used to describe the massive shift away from district schools since 2020. US Census Bureau data shows the homeschooling population doubled to over 11%, with Black families representing the fastest-growing demographic in a fivefold increase. Enrollment in traditional districts continues to decline as families move toward parochial schools, charter schools, and hybrid micro school models.

Jill Perez, a former public school teacher in New Jersey, founded a micro school after her pandemic pod became highly popular. Operating as a Private Membership Association (PMA), the school recruited burnt-out teachers from New York City by offering them professional creative freedom. The success of the model allowed Perez to purchase a permanent building and expand her enrollment to 45 students.