What Makes Parents Choose Alternative Schools? | Eric Wearne

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Victoria Andrews sits down with Eric Wearne of Kennesaw State University and the National Hybrid Schools Project to explore what research is revealing about hybrid models (often 2–3 days on campus and 2–3 days at home), including facilities and regulatory challenges, who teaches in these settings, and why learner-centered culture matters. They also dig into trust, access, and equity—highlighting creative solutions like support-day staffing and community partnerships—plus how expanded options could reduce conflict and better match learners to environments where they can thrive.

Outline

• (00:00) Introduction
• (03:45) National Hybrid Schools Project
• (08:07) Facilities and Teacher Hiring
• (14:33) Learner-Centered Design
• (18:34) Addressing Access and Equity
• (24:04) Finding and Choosing Schools

Links

• Read the full blog here
• Watch the full video here
• LinkedIn
• Samuel Everett School of Innovation
• What Happens When Public School Districts Embrace Hybrid Schools? | The 74
• Julian Charter Schools