Workbox Wednesdays: A Midweek Powerhouse in the Life of a Microschool Leader
Posted on April 21st, 2025 by Makenzie Oliver
Wednesdays at Lighthouse Learning Microschool are no longer just “middle of the week” days—they’ve evolved into what I now call our Wednesday Workbox Day. This rhythm didn’t appear overnight. What Wednesdays look like now is a result of five years of growth, learning, and adapting to what’s best for our students, our families, and our team.
Whether you're dreaming of launching a microschool or are already in the trenches, I want to give you a real-life peek into what a day can look like when you're building something meaningful outside the traditional classroom.
The Evolution of Wednesday
In Year One, we were in the thick of COVID. We offered full,-time academics Monday through Wednesday, using Wednesdays for focused academic instruction in the morning, lunch and play at the park, and project-based or silent work in the afternoon. It was a full, productive day that helped us prep for Friday field trips (which later moved to Thursdays—because Fridays were just too much).
In Year Two, as our program grew, we added more flexible hybrid options. Thursdays became enrichment days, so Wednesdays were all about wrapping up heavy academics and preparing students to transition into more creative, hands-on learning.
By Year Three, we split the week into academic and enrichment days: Monday and Wednesday were for direct instruction, while Tuesday and Thursday brought in community projects, themed units (hello, Africa tour!), and more experiential learning. Wednesdays became a pivot point—both instructional and reflective.
In Years Four and Five, we settled into a model with Monday through Wednesday as academic days and Thursday and Friday focused on enrichment and independent work. However, we're now exploring a return to a four-day academic week to better support neurodivergent learners and the evolving needs of our families.
What Wednesday Looks Like Now
For Students:
Final direct instruction of the week
Wrapping up assignments
Preparing for independent or enrichment activities
A focused but less chaotic energy
For Me as an Administrator:
Vision Casting: I reserve time for big-picture planning—what will our school look like next year? What do families need? What do we need as educators?
Admin Work: Checking finances, reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs), following up on communication, and updating our Monday.com project board.
Team Meetings: I connect with teachers and assistants to finalize lesson plans, prepare materials, and ensure everyone is ready for Monday.
Tours & Parent Meetings: Wednesdays are prime for connecting with prospective families, but only when it aligns with our flow. No more frantic reshuffling!
Protecting The Workbox
I keep a literal Wednesday Workbox—a place where I collect non-urgent tasks that pop up during the week. Instead of reacting in the moment, I revisit them on Wednesday when I’ve carved out time to think and act intentionally.
I’ve learned to protect this day like it’s gold. Not every email needs an instant reply. Not every tour must happen this week. We’ve released the scarcity mindset. What’s meant to be will be.
The Takeaway
Running a microschool isn’t just about teaching—it’s about leadership, systems, and rhythm. Wednesdays are my anchor: part academic wrap-up, part administrative visioning, and a whole lot of intentionality.
If you're dreaming of building something similar, or you're already on the journey and need support, join us inside Microschool Masterminds. From business blueprints to curriculum help, marketing tips, and community support—it’s all there.
👉 Join Microschool Masterminds and let’s build your dream—one focused Wednesday at a time.