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Hybrid School Builders

Hybrid School Builders

Written by: Rebecca Foley
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Hybrid schools are private programs that function as part-time school/homeschool partnerships. They usually look just like private schools...but kids only attend 2 or 3 days a week.

The model is wildly popular with those who have tried it. The best of homeschool and the best of private school...what's not to love?

A single program can serve hundreds of kids and provide dozens of jobs. All it takes to start a new program is an entrepreneur with some grit and a vision.

If you are considering starting an alternative school such as a hybrid or microschool, have a passion for a particular pedagogy such as Classical, Mason, Montessori, Waldorf, etc..., or are looking to create free markets options for your community, you will find advice and resources to equip you to launch and grow a hybrid program.

You don't have to be a business pro to start a successful business. Everyday entrepreneurs can build programs, one at a time, that will change the landscape of education.

Check out: startahybridschool.com for more resources or to book a consultation. Shoot me an email anytime or join the Facebook Group to connect! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Db8cEdpmd/

Rebecca Foley 2025 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • To the Board Officers

    To the Board Officers
    Feb 10 2026

    Understanding Board Officer Roles for Hybrid School Startups

    In this episode of the Hybrid School Builders Podcast, host Rebecca Foley offers guidance to grassroots founders on the key responsibilities of board officer positions in a hybrid school. She discusses the roles of President, Secretary, and Treasurer, detailing their duties from conducting meetings to managing finances and ensuring organizational compliance. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of effective leadership, collaboration, and clear governance structures to successfully launch and grow hybrid schools. Listeners are encouraged to visit startahybridschool.com for additional resources and support.

    00:00 Welcome to the Hybrid School Builders Podcast

    00:59 Understanding Board Officer Positions

    01:28 Role and Responsibilities of the President

    06:21 Role and Responsibilities of the Treasurer

    09:07 Role and Responsibilities of the Secretary

    11:56 Final Thoughts and Resources
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    12 mins
  • Setting the Course or Course Correcting. Role Clarity in Nonprofit Leadership

    Setting the Course or Course Correcting. Role Clarity in Nonprofit Leadership
    Feb 3 2026

    Setting the Course or Course Correcting. Role Clarity in Nonprofit Leadership

    t In this episode of the Hybrid School Builders Podcast, host Rebecca Foley discusses the intricacies of founding and managing a hybrid school. She addresses common challenges faced by founders, including the conflation of governance and operational roles which often leads to founder burnout. Foley elaborates on the importance of separating the roles of executive director and board members, the necessity of proper training and governance, and the need for clear, defined roles within a nonprofit structure. Practical advice is provided on how to course-correct if initial organizational structures have led to inefficiencies, ensuring a sustainable path for both the founder and the hybrid school.

    00:00 Welcome to the Hybrid School Builders Podcast

    00:56 Recap of Previous Episodes

    01:32 The Founder’s Journey: From Pioneer to Director

    02:32 Building Your Board: From Grassroots to Governance

    03:15 Operational Challenges and Solutions

    07:03 Understanding Nonprofit vs. LLC Structures

    07:57 Defining Roles: Executive Director vs. Board President

    14:47 Course Correction: Resetting Your Board

    24:08 Summing Up: Avoiding Founder Burnout

    26:03 Closing Remarks and Resources
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    26 mins
  • The Executive Director

    The Executive Director
    Jan 30 2026

    Understanding the Executive Director and Board Roles in Hybrid School Management

    In this episode of the Hybrid School Builders Podcast, host Rebecca Foley discusses the crucial role of the executive director in nonprofit and tuition-funded hybrid schools. She breaks down the responsibilities of this position, differentiates it from other staff roles, and emphasizes the distinction between the executive director and the board's functions. Rebecca provides practical insights on budget management, strategic planning, staff oversight, and the importance of clear governance to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of hybrid school programs. She also touches upon the importance of setting up these roles correctly from the beginning to avoid founder burnout and ensure a supportive and cooperative environment.

    00:00 Welcome to the Hybrid School Builders Podcast

    00:59 Understanding the Executive Director Role

    01:37 Nonprofit vs. Tuition-Funded Models

    03:20 Executive Director Responsibilities

    04:34 Board and Executive Director Dynamics

    09:37 Financial Stewardship and Budgeting

    11:55 Board Meetings and Committees

    16:01 Staff Oversight and Compensation

    21:00 Building a Sustainable Program

    22:19 Conclusion and Resources

    https://changingchildhoods.net/

    https://boardsource.org/resources/board-chair-and-chief-executive-responsibilities/
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    23 mins
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