Marina
In a groundbreaking step toward improving survivor-centered care, Missouri has expanded The one-room schoolhouse is no longer just a piece of history—it’s making a strong comeback in Kansas.
In Wichita, a new microschool called Creative Minds Academy is reviving the old-school model but with a modern, innovative twist. This program gives students the freedom to learn at their own pace while enjoying a family-like environment.
Why the One-Room Model Is Returning
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed families to explore alternatives to traditional classrooms. Microschools became popular as they offered smaller, personalized settings with more flexibility. Today, around 750,000 students nationwide are part of the microschool movement.
Parents in Kansas who once considered private or homeschooling now see public microschools like Creative Minds as a middle ground—structured yet flexible, and still part of the district system.
Inside Creative Minds Academy
Creative Minds Academy opened with 15 students across grades K–6. This fall, enrollment is set to double to about 30 students, split into two classrooms with two full-time teachers.
The school operates inside Wichita’s Learning Lab at Union Station, a creative hub that includes:
- Podcast studio
- Makerspace and print lab
- Collaborative work areas
- Walking access to parks and museums
Here, students don’t just sit at desks. They explore project-based learning, choosing how to show their knowledge—whether writing a song, producing a podcast, or even performing a dance.
A Different Approach to Learning
Unlike traditional schools that divide students by age, Creative Minds groups them by skill level. For example, a kindergartner ready for higher-level work might join older peers, while a fourth-grader needing review can work at a lower level without embarrassment.
This method encourages individual growth, while also building a community atmosphere. Students often call each other “siblings,” highlighting the family-like feeling of the classroom.
Fast Facts About Creative Minds
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Learning Lab, Union Station, Wichita |
| Annual Rent | $6,000 paid by Wichita Public Schools |
| Enrollment 2024–25 | ~15 students |
| Enrollment Fall 2025 | ~30 students, two classrooms, two full-time teachers |
| Learning Style | Project-based, creative, and skill-level grouping |
| Atmosphere | Family-like; students call each other “siblings” |
| Facilities | Makerspace, podcast studio, print lab, access to downtown resources |
Community and Parent Response
Parents say the program gives their children freedom and choice. Instead of repeating lessons they already know, kids move ahead when ready. Many parents believe this approach brings back the joy of learning.
Students also enjoy expressing themselves through art, music, and collaboration, making education feel less rigid and more exciting.
Looking Ahead
The success of Creative Minds Academy shows that schools can evolve. By blending the history of one-room schoolhouses with modern educational tools, Wichita has created a hybrid model.
If more districts follow, Kansas could see a wave of microschools focusing on creativity, community, and personalized progress—reshaping public education across the state.
The return of the one-room schoolhouse through Wichita’s Creative Minds Academy proves that education can honor tradition while embracing innovation.
By creating classrooms that feel like families, allow students to progress at their own pace, and encourage creativity, Kansas is showing the nation how schools can adapt for the future.
This revival isn’t just about looking back—it’s about building a new model of learning that could inspire the next generation.