School Options: Fall 2026 Launch

Lifespace Education is launching research-based schooling for Big Island families in Fall 2026. We're building one of two models depending on seed funding secured by summer 2026.

Join Our Interest List

The Two Pathways

We're committed to launching Fall 2026. The specific model depends on whether we secure seed funding by summer 2026. Either way, you get research-based education implementing the full Lifespace framework.

Option 1: Tuition-Sliding Microschool

(Launching with seed funding)

A demonstration school proving research-based education can operate sustainably at scale.

The Model:

  • 16 students, grades 1-12 (mixed-age learning)
  • 2 lead educators (8:1 student ratio)
  • Dedicated space in Puna, Hawaii
  • Full six-pillar Lifespace framework
  • $0-$12,000 sliding-scale tuition

What This Funds:

  • Competitive educator compensation
  • Quality materials and curriculum
  • Space lease and operational costs
  • Independent outcomes study

We're not testing whether research-based approaches work - we're proving this model can scale.

Option 2: Co-op Hub Model

(Launching without full seed funding)

A collaborative homeschool community with pooled expertise and shared resources.

The Model:

  • Homeschooling families working together
  • Shared educational leadership
  • Pooled resources for specialists
  • Lifespace framework guides learning
  • Serving grades 1-12 across Big Island

What Families Gain:

  • Educational expertise you shouldn't need to develop alone
  • Collaborative planning and resource sharing
  • Access to specialist instruction
  • Community committed to research-based education

Even without full funding, Big Island families deserve access to research-based education.

Both models implement the full Lifespace Framework

Six research-validated pillars: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Core Competencies, Expression, SEL, and Project Work.

Read the Framework

Who This Serves

Lifespace Education is for families seeking:

Research-Based Education

That implements what decades of studies already validate.

Student Agency

Within supportive structure - not complete autonomy, but genuine decision-making.

Mixed-Age Learning

Where younger students learn from older, and older develop leadership.

Relationship-Based Culture

Without rewards, punishments, or coercive classroom management.

Equity-Centered Practices

That challenge traditional power structures in education.

Real-World Relevance

Connecting learning to authentic contexts and community.

Enrollment Timeline

Now - July 2026

Interest forms open; seed funding outreach continues

July 2026

Model confirmed and enrollment begins

August 2026

Orientation and community-building

September 2026

Fall launch (either microschool or co-op hub)

Questions we'll ask:

  • Student age(s) and current learning situation
  • Which model interests you (microschool, co-op, or either)
  • Your family's commitment to equity-centered education
  • Scheduling needs and location (we serve all of Hawaii Island)

Limited spots available in either model. Interest form does not guarantee enrollment but ensures you're contacted first when enrollment opens.

Tuition Structure

True $0 tuition available for families who need it. Sliding scale calculated using detailed income worksheet - no family turned away for inability to pay.

(Microschool model. Subject to change based on final funding and operational costs.)

Household Income Approx. % of Income Tuition Range (per child)
Under $60K0-2%$0-$1,000
$60K-$100K2-4%$1,000-$4,000
$100K-$160K4-6%$4,000-$8,000
$160K-$220K6-8%$8,000-$12,000
$220K+8% (capped)$12,000 (maximum)

Co-op Hub Pricing

If the co-op model launches instead, costs will be determined collaboratively based on pooled resources, specialist instruction fees, and shared materials. Expect significantly lower costs than the microschool model since families contribute their own time and space.

For Potential Funders

If you're interested in funding the microschool demonstration model, we have a detailed funding proposal outlining Year 1 budget, 5-year growth plan, outcomes measurement, and scalability framework.

Contact us at info@lifespace.education for more information.

Interest Forms Are Open Now

We'll confirm the model (microschool or co-op) and begin formal enrollment by July 2026.

Join the Interest List