Terrific Tuesdays: A Day in the Life of a Microschool Leader
Posted on April 14th, 2025 by Makenzie Oliver
Welcome back to our “Day in the Life” series—your behind-the-scenes pass into what running a microschool looks like. Today, we’re diving into what makes Tuesdays so terrific at our school. Whether you're an early riser, a deep thinker, or somewhere in between, you’ll find takeaways to inspire your own rhythm and routine. No two microschools are the same, and that’s the beauty of it. So take what you love, leave what you don’t, and feel empowered to create what works best for your season of life.
Tuesday = Team
While Mondays are built around curriculum and student prep, Tuesdays are all about team connection and collaboration. That shift in focus allows us to pour into our people—the heartbeat of our school.
My Morning Routine (Yes, It Starts Early!)
If you would’ve told me a few years ago that I’d be happily walking into school by 7:15 AM, I wouldn’t have believed you. But by crafting an ideal weekly schedule, I’ve found mornings that work for me. I now use those early hours to get ahead on admin tasks and prepare for a smooth day.
Our Weekly Team Breakfast
By 8:45, our little conference space transforms into a cozy gathering spot. Think: bagels, coffee, and seasonal decor (yes, there’s a pumpkin on the table). It’s a simple but meaningful way to connect with our teaching team, share updates, and even say a prayer together. Every Tuesday looks a little different, but the purpose is the same: connection over coffee, without adding to anyone’s stress or workload.
Admin Meeting Power Hour
From 9:00 to 11:00 AM, it’s go time. Our leadership team (myself, my husband, and our amazing assistant, Jen) dives into our project management system—currently transitioning from Trello to Monday.com. We set priorities, delegate tasks, and keep the school moving forward without getting stuck in to-do list chaos.
(Pro Tip: If you’re in our Microschool Mastermind, you’ll find all these tools in Module 1!)
Afternoon Teacher Check-Ins
Between 3:00–4:00 PM, I dedicate time to meet with teachers—individually or in small groups —to support lesson planning, share ideas, or simply be available. This intentional block prevents decision fatigue and builds a culture of trust and collaboration. Our teachers also get planning time in the morning and during student breaks, but this end-of-day connection is gold. It's something I wish I had implemented sooner.
Protecting Family Time
Inside Microschool Masterminds, we walk through how to build a schedule that works for you—including resources on time blocking, staff delegation, and curriculum management. In Module 1, we dig into how your time and energy set the stage for long-term sustainability and joy in your leadership journey.
What I’ve Learned
Tuesdays used to be just another day on the calendar. Now, they’re a cornerstone of our school’s culture. Creating this structure didn’t happen overnight—but it did happen by being intentional with my time, my team, and my boundaries. If you’re building your microschool (or dreaming of starting one), know that your ideal schedule is possible. You don’t have to do it the way anyone else does. Start small, reflect often, and keep adjusting until it feels right. Ready to build your own ideal week? We cover this and so much more inside Microschool Masterminds. From time-blocking to team-building, Module 1 is packed with tools to help you lead with clarity and confidence.