From Basement Pod to Flourishing Hybrid Homeschool in Michigan

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Rebecca Thomas, founder of Victory Alliance, a K–12 hybrid homeschool program in Traverse City, Michigan. Rebecca shares how she transitioned from an educator in traditional public, charter, and Christian schools to homeschooling her own child—and eventually launching a microschool during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What began as a tutoring pod in one family's basement has grown to serve 50 students with six teachers, and prioritizes small class sizes, academic rigor, and flexibility for families.

Rebecca explains why she has intentionally capped enrollment to preserve quality, how her first graduates earned multiple college acceptances, and why aspiring education entrepreneurs should begin small, build trust, and let growth happen organically.

This is a conversation about courage, community, and the power of starting before you feel ready.

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Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!