ProPublica’s Experiment in Opening Private Schools

ProPublica journalists embarked on an experiment to see how simple it is to start private schools in different states. The team, traditionally focused on education reporting, sought to explore the lack of regulation surrounding the creation and funding of such schools. They noted a rapid increase in privately funded schools across the country, many backed by taxpayer dollars through vouchers and other programs.

Inspired by comedian John Oliver’s past project and the infamous Mirage Tavern investigation, they aimed to test the limits of state requirements without enrolling students. Transparency was a priority; they used their newsroom contact information in all applications, openly describing themselves as journalists exploring school openings.

Setting Up the Schools

The experiment targeted three states: Arkansas, West Virginia, and North Carolina, partnering with local newsrooms to gain insights and meet state-specific requirements. They named the institutions “Curiosity Academies” to reflect their investigative approach.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, the team found that establishing a private school required minimal effort. A form, a fee, and an American flag sufficed for recognition. However, joining the voucher program presented challenges, requiring accreditation or a school handbook. The team learned that microschools could access public funds with fewer demands, so they applied as such, although they had missed the deadline for funding that school year.

West Virginia

West Virginia demanded handwritten forms and proof of a high school diploma. The journalists used a college transcript from one of their team members for the application. The state did not regulate microschool operations or inspect facilities, simplifying the process significantly.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, a unique hurdle emerged. The state required school-specific fire and sanitation inspections, which were not possible at their newsroom’s co-working space. A brewery with the necessary inspections was briefly used, but when informed of the need for dedicated services, the experiment concluded to avoid misuse of public resources.

Conclusion of the Experiment

Though the journalists had technically established schools, they opted to close them to ensure no confusion about their legitimacy. They retained souvenirs like a website domain and custom pencils. This exploration has added depth to understanding how regulations (or the lack thereof) impact the opening of private schools.

To explore the process for yourself, ProPublica has developed a quiz. Participants are invited to share their results with ProPublica’s social media channel, engaging in a broader conversation about education options.