Written by Darleen Martinez, Colossal Academy Teacher
We’re beyond excited to share that our very own founder, Shiren Rattigan, has been featured in The Free Press article The Return of the One-Room Schoolhouse! This piece dives into the growing microschool movement—a movement that we at Colossal Academy are incredibly passionate about. As I read the article, I couldn’t help but feel proud of how closely it aligns with our mission to provide an innovative, inclusive, and student-centered education.
Shiren Rattigan on the Microschool Revolution
In the article, Shiren beautifully captures why more and more educators, like those at Colossal Academy, are leaving traditional public schools to create spaces where learning feels more authentic and connected. She said it best: “We’re so done with it,” referring to the frustrations that many teachers experience in public schools—from low pay to absenteeism, to the increasingly divisive atmosphere in classrooms.
At Colossal Academy, we’ve created something different—a place where teachers can express themselves freely and where students can learn in a flexible, personalized way. “Teachers are really wanting a space where they can express themselves,” Shiren noted in the article. This resonates with the core of what we do at Colossal: provide both students and educators the freedom to thrive.
A New Model for Education
What’s so inspiring about this article is that it paints a picture of how microschools, like Colossal Academy, are truly leading the way forward. Our classrooms are intentionally small—fewer than 20 students—allowing each child to learn at their own pace with a curriculum tailored to their needs. This is the modern version of the one-room schoolhouse, where different ages and abilities come together in a shared learning environment.
As Shiren pointed out, “School choice, to me, means freedom to be able to have an LGBTQ+ classroom and inclusive classroom.” This is so important to us at Colossal Academy. We believe every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel seen, valued, and safe. That’s what makes our school so special. We’re not just about academics; we’re about creating a space where every student can be their authentic self.
Colossal Academy: Leading the Charge in Innovation
Another point that Shiren made in the article that really resonated with me is how crucial it is to move away from the traditional, industrial model of education. “I need more twenty-first-century readiness,” Shiren said, and at Colossal Academy, that’s exactly what we aim to deliver. Our students aren’t just learning for the sake of passing tests—they’re building real-world skills that will serve them in life beyond the classroom.
Whether it’s through project-based learning, entrepreneurship, STEM, or nature-based education, Colossal Academy is preparing students for the future. We’re empowering them with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. And it’s clear from The Free Press article that microschools are positioned to lead this educational revolution.
The Future of School Choice and Microschools
The article also highlighted how Florida’s school choice laws are helping families explore alternatives like Colossal Academy. With the $8,000 vouchers available in the state, more parents are finding microschools to be a viable and exciting option for their children’s education. Shiren touched on this, saying, “When you take something that was meant only for the rich and you bring that to the masses, that’s when real disruptive innovation happens.”
This is the future we’re working toward at Colossal Academy—bringing high-quality, personalized education to more families. We’re proud to be part of a movement that is reshaping how children learn and how educators teach. The microschool model is growing rapidly, and we’re excited to be leading this charge.
Final Thoughts: A Proud Moment for Colossal Academy
It’s truly inspiring to see Shiren’s vision for Colossal Academy and the microschool movement being recognized in The Free Press. We’ve always believed in the power of personalized, community-driven education, and it’s so exciting to see that vision catching on across the country.
I encourage you to read The Free Press article and see for yourself how microschools like Colossal Academy are changing the future of education. We’re creating something special here, and it’s only the beginning.
Here’s to the future—one where education is more inclusive, more innovative, and more personal for every student. And we’re proud to be leading the way.