ProPublica journalists set out on a mission to explore how simple it can be to open a private school. With private institutions on the rise nationwide, these reporters decided to investigate the minimal barriers that exist for establishing such schools. Their focus centered on the lack of experience or curriculum required in many states for starting a school.
The idea originated in a discussion among ProPublica journalists about publicly funded private schools. An editor suggested they attempt to establish a private school themselves. This initiative aimed to understand state regulations and whether individuals with no educational background could indeed open schools.
Experimenting in Three States
ProPublica partnered with local newsrooms in Arkansas, West Virginia, and North Carolina. These collaborations were essential due to their local insight, despite the experiment’s purely investigative nature.
In Arkansas, they completed the process quickly. With a form and $45 on the Arkansas secretary of state website, alongside an American flag, they became recognized as a school business. They applied to become eligible for public funds through the state’s microschool program, despite not intending to actually receive funds.
In West Virginia, they established a microschool by submitting a handwritten application. Required documentation included proof of a high school diploma, which they substituted with a real college transcript from the 1990s.
North Carolina presented different challenges. The state required specific property inspections that led the team to use a local brewery’s address temporarily. When additional inspections were needed, they decided not to proceed further to avoid misusing public resources.
Conclusions from the Experiment
As a result, the journalists have become listed school owners and administrators in these states. Yet, recognizing their temporary venture, ProPublica plans to close these academies to avoid confusion among potential students and families.
“We aimed to see how easily one can start a private school, given the existing leniency,” the journalists stated.
This experiment highlights the limited oversight in some regions’ educational systems, especially concerning microschools and voucher programs. The reporters’ foray into school establishment was inspired by previous experiments like comedian John Oliver’s founding of a church to expose tax loopholes.
While ProPublica did not intend to operate schools seriously, their efforts have provided them and the public with more understanding of the current state of private education oversight.