S2E359: The Reality of Building an Alternative School—With Infinity Academy Founders Gillian and Jenna

What actually happens when you leave traditional careers to build an alternative school from scratch? In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with fellow alternative school founders Gillian Berard (former public school teacher) and Jenna Baggott (former NICU nurse) to unpack the practical realities of launching Infinity Academy, a project-based microschool on 17 acres in Ontario. From navigating local zoning laws using yurt classrooms to balancing AI-powered personalized academics with outdoor life skills, it’s a candid, unfiltered look at the practical realities of launching an alternative school today.Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Meeting the Founders of Infinity Academy 01:29 - Why Reforming Public Education Feels Like "Steering the Titanic" 03:22 - Leaving Nursing & Teaching to Build Something New 06:31 - Infinity Academy’s Vision: Self-Directed & Nature-Based 08:18 - Using AI & Adaptive Tools for Core Academics 12:45 - The Role of the Educator as a "Guide" 14:53 - Addressing Common Misconceptions About Alternative Schools 17:37 - Student Motivation & Real-World Application 19:09 - The Reality of Year 1: Zoning, Funding & Risk 24:09 - Yurt Classrooms & Bypassing Structural Permits 25:30 - Using Social Media to Prove What School Can Be27:45 - Practical Advice for Launching Your Own Microschool Connect with Infinity Academy on Instagram: @infinity_education.incLearn more about Infinity Academy: www.infinityacademyed.com/Watch the Future of Education on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@future_of_educationRead MacKenzie's Substack: futureofeducation.substack.comLearn more about all our schools: 2hourlearning.com/schoolsLearn more about Alpha School: alpha.school