The 5 Essential Documents You Need to Start and Grow Your Microschool or Tutoring Business

 

Posted on March 3rd, 2025 by Makenzie Oliver

Are you a teacher, homeschool parent, or entrepreneur launching your own microschool, summer camp, tutoring business, or homeschool hybrid? Whether you’re in the planning phase or already operating, one thing is certain: you need the right documents to protect, organize, and grow your business.

I know the overwhelm that comes with starting something new—so many ideas, so many decisions, and of course, so much paperwork! But today, I’m making it easy for you. I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from running my microschool, Lighthouse Learning, and narrowed it down to the 5 most important documents you need to get started and keep growing.

So, let’s dive in!

1. Your Introductory Packet: The Foundation of Your Business

Your Introductory Packet is your school’s heart and soul. It tells families exactly who you are, what you oer, and why they should enroll their child with you. Think of it as your ultimate marketing tool.

This packet should include:

  • Your mission, vision, and educational philosophy

  • Your program details (schedule, tuition, and policies)

  • What sets your school apart

  • Steps for enrollment

This is the first thing I send to every interested family. Giving them all the information they need upfront saves me so much time. Over the years, my introductory packet has grown from 3 pages to 9 pages—and every year, I refine it to make it even better!

2. Enrollment & Interest Forms: Streamlining Your Admissions

Once parents read your Introductory Packet and want to move forward, you need an enrollment process in place. This includes:

Enrollment Form – This collects essential student information and secures a family’s commitment to your program.

Interest Form – I use this to gather feedback from families in my community. It helps me understand what parents are looking for (e.g., flexible schedules, after-school care, part-time options).

Pro Tip: Create a Pre-Qualification Form (a quick Google Form) to assess whether a student is a good fit before scheduling a call. This saves you hours!

3. Handbook & Contract: Protecting You and Your Business

This document is non-negotiable. Your Handbook & Contract lays out expectations for parents, students, and your school. It should include:

  • Behavior policies

  • Attendance requirements

  • Payment policies & late fees

  • Liability waivers

When families enroll, they should sign your contract to ensure they understand and agree to your policies. This one document alone can save you from legal headaches and miscommunication down the road.

4. Your Business Blueprint: The Roadmap to Your Success

Once your foundational documents are in place, it’s time to think bigger. Your Business Blueprint is a detailed plan that covers:

  • Your financial projections

  • Your pricing strategy (including discounts and tuition structures)

  • Growth & hiring plans

  • Long-term goals

This is a game-changer when it comes to staying organized and profitable. The document keeps your business on track—year after year.

5. Your Marketing Plan: How You’ll Enroll More Students

You can have the best school, but if no one knows about it, you won’t succeed. That’s why a Marketing Plan is essential! This includes:

📢 How you’ll attract students (social media, local networking, email marketing)

📆 A step-by-step launch strategy

🏫 Hosting open houses & school tours

💻 Website & branding essentials

Many school owners struggle with marketing because they don’t have a clear plan. Trust me, I’ve been there! That’s why I created a structured system to help educators market effectively and enroll students without stress.

Ready to Get Started? Let’s Make It Easy!

If you’re ready to skip the guesswork and get everything set up the right way, I have great news! The Business Bundle includes:

  • The Introductory Packet Template

  • The Enrollment Form

  • The Handbook & Contract

  • Financial Planning & Pricing Guides

  • A Full Business & Marketing Strategy

📌 Get yours today at www.teachersletyourlightshine.com/shop


If you’ve been thinking about starting your microschool or tutoring business, don’t let fear or overwhelm hold you back. You don’t have to do this alone! I'm here to support you whether you grab the Business Bundle, sign up for coaching, or join our Teacher Let Your Light Shine Facebook Group.

You’ve got this, teacher friend! Your dream school is waiting. Let’s make it happen—one step at a time.


Let’s shine our lights together!

 
 
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Curriculum Development in a Microschool: From the Living Room to 80+ Students

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7 Tips for Financial Clarity & Stability in Your Microschool