Exploring the Ease of Opening Private Schools

ProPublica journalists recently embarked on a project to test the ease of establishing private schools across the United States. The premise stemmed from the observation that many states impose minimal requirements on opening such educational institutions.

Initial Curiosity

During a discussion on publicly funded private schools, an editor posed a thought-provoking question: Could ProPublica attempt to create a private school? This query sparked interest among journalists, prompting an investigation into the minimal barriers to entry for operating a private school in various states.

Purpose of the Experiment

The aim was to explore the extent of state regulations and oversight, especially since these schools are expanding nationwide in unconventional spaces like parks and homes. The experiment sought to uncover transparency issues in funding and regulatory gaps.

Inspiration and Approach

Inspired by past projects like John Oliver’s tax-exempt church setup and investigative efforts in Chicago’s Mirage Tavern, ProPublica established guidelines for their own undertaking. Transparency was crucial; there were no plans to enroll students, and any use of public resources would cease if legality became a concern.

Experiment Strategy

ProPublica collaborated with local newsrooms in Arkansas, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Leveraging local expertise, they used newsroom addresses for applications, enhancing transparency. The schools were named Curiosity Academies, emphasizing journalistic inquiry.

State-Based Trials

Arkansas: The process involved a simple online form and fee. The venture received a certificate but stopped short of seeking accreditation needed for public funds.

West Virginia: The application was handwritten. A high school diploma sufficed, and state regulations did not demand inspections for microschools.

North Carolina: Attempts were abandoned due to the need for location-specific inspections, conflicting with ProPublica’s ethical guidelines.

Conclusion and Reflection

The result of the investigation revealed minimal oversight in certain states, and ProPublica journalists found themselves as school administrators. They documented their journey with souvenirs and engaged the public through interactive content, inviting them to test their ability to open a private school.