Microschool Success Story: Shiren Rattigan

Updated: Sep 4

"If you don't see what you are looking for around you - create it!"

We’d love to hear your success story. How did you get started?

Colossal Academy came out of a necessity to find a space I could work in that centered on the child and their experiences and also allowed me to be the teacher I always dreamed of being.

Shiren Rattigan, Microschool Owner

I really saw myself as being Miss Frizzle [from The Magic Schoolbus] and at Colossal Academy, I get to be just that.

Honestly, Colossal Academy was the actualization of all the things I wanted to be when I grew up. I started online during the pandemic with kits and a virtual school. Since then we have turned into a fully licensed k-12 school with multiple locations.

What challenges have you overcome?

The path of an Edupreneur is a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs. At times, the lows can be quite challenging, but the journey also lends to the greatest rewards when challenges are overcome. I find that when I am committed to my vision and put the vision to action it results in the most beautiful outcomes.

Honestly, some of the most significant obstacles have been internal, as I strive to strike a balance between my many roles as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and educator.

However, the pursuit of this entrepreneurial path offers rewards that make it all worthwhile.

What model do you use for instruction? Did you come up with your own?

I like to say the Colossal Model is really a tapestry of best practices that is tailored for each student. I draw from my background as an IB Certified Educator while incorporating elements from the Montessori method.

Our goal is to personalize the education to suit the specific needs of each child. This involves promoting self-direction and emergent learning, empowering learners to take charge of their educational journeys while benefiting from the guidance of educators, elders, caregivers, parents, and members of the community.

Advice for New Microschools

I would say take the risk.

Life is full of choices and making the choice to risk for the betterment of children is worth it.

Shoutouts and Thank You

Honestly, South Florida's innovative educators have all been an inspiration to me. The vibrant tapestry of unique, brilliant, talented moms and educators is awe-inspiring. To give a real shoutout though, Compass Outreach, Surf Skate Science, Project Flourish and Marie Poppinz have all really been incredible and big players on my journey.