85: From Homeschool Mom to Microschool Founder: Iman Cassells Alleyne’s Journey

Have you ever felt like your kids deserve something more than what the traditional school system offers?

And maybe you're not even sure what that “more” looks like, but you know it's got to be out there.

Well, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Iman Cassells Alleyne, a homeschool mom-turned-education entrepreneur who set out on a mission to change the way families are able to approach education.

She’s the founder of Kind Academy, a Florida microschool focused on personalized, hands-on, student-centered learning.

So if you’ve ever wondered if there’s more out there for your kids, then trust me - you’ll want to keep reading because Iman’s story is sure to resonate with you!

Iman's Inspiration for Reimagining Education

As an education specialist, she saw firsthand what wasn’t working in traditional schools: over-testing, unhappy teachers, and kids who were struggling unnecessarily. It was a system that didn’t embrace creativity, inclusion, or diversity.

After pulling her son out of school at the age of four, Iman began homeschooling him, and her vision for Kind Academy began to take shape. What started as a small nature-based program that she started with her son in mind grew into a thriving microschool dedicated to creative hands-on, project-based learning with an inclusive approach to serve all types of learners.

What Makes Kind Academy Different

One of the things that really stuck with me from our conversation was Iman’s dedication to building a school where every child is seen and heard. Kind Academy is more than just a school—it’s a community where kids learn at their own pace, based on their interests, while being supported by passionate educators.

Iman emphasized that microschools like Kind Academy offer a ratio of 1:7 or 1:8, which allows teachers to truly get to know each student. This personalized approach to education is something many homeschool families can connect with. It’s a model that values creativity, joy, and inclusivity over rigid standards and high-stakes testing.

In fact, Kind Academy goes beyond the traditional classroom by focusing on experiential learning, mixed-age groups, and passion-driven projects. It’s a place where students explore the world around them, whether they’re studying an artist or visiting a local farm to learn about sustainability. This hands-on approach helps kids develop critical thinking skills and encourages them to take ownership of their learning.

The Growth of Microschools Nationwide

As Iman shared, the microschool movement is growing rapidly. She’s not only building Kind Academy but also helping other education entrepreneurs launch their own microschools. Through her "Launch Your Kind" program, she’s removing the barriers to starting a purpose-driven business in education.

Along the way, she continues to keep homeschool families in mind by giving families options, whether it’s a two-day program, a full-time microschool, or even virtual learning experiences. There’s flexibility for everyone!

If you’re a homeschool family looking to tap into a microschool, there’s never been a better time to explore these options. Kind Academy and others like it are giving families a way to customize their children’s education while providing the support and community that’s often hard to find in traditional school systems.

Final Thoughts

Iman’s story is a reminder that we have the power to create the kind of education we want for our kids. It’s not just about “schooling” - it’s about shaping a future where our children feel empowered, seen, and excited to learn.

If you’ve ever considered microschools or are just curious about what that might look like for your family, I hope Iman’s journey inspires you to check out one out near you. Let her reimagining of education be the spark that pushes you to take the next step toward creating the education experience your family deserves!

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Kind Academy
• Grab a copy of Iman's book, From Ashes to Abundance

 Are You Ready to Experience the Flexibility and Freedom of Homeschooling?