In North Dakota, a small school makes a big impact
From LiberatED Podcast by Kerry McDonald
April 28, 2026 · 30 min · Season 5 · Episode 384
About this episode
Kerry McDonald interviews Kelsy Achtenberg about the impact of The Innovation School in North Dakota and its innovative educational approaches.
Kerry McDonald talks with Kelsy Achtenberg, founding teacher and Executive Director of The Innovation School , a private K-8 school in Bismarck, North Dakota. They discuss the school's Reggio Emilia-inspired model, its focus on passion, play, and projects, and the recent launch of a hybrid homeschool program to meet growing demand. Kelsy shares the challenges of running a small private school, the importance of family alignment, and how graduates thrive when transitioning to traditional high schools. Kelsy is also a new Senior Contributor at FEE's Education Entrepreneurship Lab! Read her articles at edentrepreneur.org . Also, check out Kerry's latest Forbes.com article , featuring The Innovation School and its new hybrid homeschool program. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org . Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling , is available now wherever books are sold!
People in this episode
Host: Kerry McDonald
Guest: Kelsy Achtenberg
Topics covered
- education
- private school
- homeschooling
- Reggio Emilia
- child development
- family alignment
Keywords
- Innovation School
- Kelsy Achtenberg
- Reggio Emilia
- homeschool program
- education trends
- private K-8 school
- child-centered learning
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Innovation School, FEE's Education Entrepreneurship Lab, Forbes.com
Books & works: Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling
Places: North Dakota, Bismarck, North Dakota
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