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Wichita microschool shows rapid in-year gains using project-based, multi-age model
Summary
CreativeMinds presenters described a K—6 microschool in Wichita's Learning Lab that uses project-based learning, Seesaw family communication and FastBridge quarterly checks; staff reported strong FastBridge outcomes (91% fluency improvement; 94% comprehension gains schoolwide) and said the model operates on the same per-student funding as district schools.
Representatives from CreativeMinds, a microschool operating inside Wichita's Learning Lab, briefed the panel on a K—6, multi-age, project-based model that emphasizes family communication and frequent interim assessments.
The presenters said students show rapid in-year progress on FastBridge quarterly measures: "91 percent of our students improved in their fluency scores" and "94 percent of our students increased in comprehension this year," according to the school's summary. CreativeMinds staff described weekly public showcases and use of Seesaw to send families photos and recordings of student work in the classroom, a tool they said strengthens family engagement and provides continuous evidence of learning.
On funding and services: presenters said CreativeMinds receives standard public per-pupil funding (roughly $8,000 per student in their description), serves a diverse student body (including IEP students), and provides special-education supports via a partner district CST; they do not provide transportation. The presenters said enrollment is lottery-based and that the program's growth is constrained by staffing and the need for teachers trained in the model. Lawmakers asked about replication and whether the state's funding formula can accommodate innovation; staff urged the committee to consider formula flexibility for nontraditional models.
Next steps: CreativeMinds offered to share implementation details and data for districts interested in replication.
