VELA

This is Indie Education.
Built by founders. Chosen by families. Sustained by demand.

[VELA @VELAorg]

Torn Mom, we hear you, and we're here for you. Join millions of families choosing Indie Education.

[The Free Press @TheFP]

A mom’s blood boils when her kid says his classmates were ‘watching bubbles float across the screen and were supposed to count them.’ Is it time to take drastic action? Our advice columnist weighs in. https://t.co/5JicCasN98

[VELA @VELAorg]

Meet the VELA Connect Austin, TX speakers for: Learning Reimagined — AI and the Future of Education.

AI is changing the future of learning. The question is: how do we prepare learners for what's next?

Hear from leaders in Indie Education and technology as they explore AI's role in education and share practical ways founders can harness emerging technology in their own learning models.

[VELA @VELAorg]

Meet the VELA Austin, TX speakers for: Built to Last — The Governance of Indie Education.

What does it take to build an education model that stands the test of time?

This panel will explore how thoughtful governance, founder autonomy, and family trust create strong, sustainable learning communities built to last.

[VELA @VELAorg]

Join us at VELA Connect! https://t.co/st8IRR2Z02

[VELA @VELAorg]

Meet the VELA Connect Austin, TX speakers for: Hold the Line — Defending the Freedoms That Make Indie Education Possible.

As Indie Education grows, so do the challenges facing it.

Hear from policy leaders and advocates on the freedoms that make this movement possible, the challenges ahead, and practical strategies for protecting educational freedom.

[VELA @VELAorg]

https://t.co/0MZrhFlFRq

[VELA @VELAorg]

“The point isn’t to have the most impressive technology. It’s to have more time and attention for the work and people you set out to serve.”

Read our latest Substack by Katie Powell, VELA’s Director of Community Design, exploring how founders are using AI to build Indie Education differently.

[VELA @VELAorg]

The agenda for VELA Connect Austin is here!

Stay tuned for speaker announcements!

Spots are filling up. If you want to attend, now is the time to register! https://t.co/69AAuJS9ML

[VELA @VELAorg]

Beyond thrilled to congratulate VELA Founder Kanesha Adams of The Learning Lounge, winner of the $1 million 2026 @YassPrize! 👏

What began as an afterschool program in 2024 has grown into a microschool serving 73 students, with many more on a waiting list. The Learning Lounge is proving children are “Larger Than Labels” through personalized education in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

We’re also celebrating VELA Founders TriPoint Schools, Creative Minds Microschool, and STAR Lab, each awarded $500,000 for their work expanding what’s possible in education.

We’re proud to see VELA Founders recognized for building education differently and creating more possibilities for families.

This is Indie Education!

[VELA @VELAorg]

VELA Founders from Bozeman and Helena met up to share ideas and build community! ✨

[VELA @VELAorg]

Register today. https://t.co/vWwkcE48wp

[VELA @VELAorg]

Meet the VELA Connect Austin, TX speakers for: This Is Our Moment — Building the Indie Education Movement from the Ground Up.

The Indie Education movement is being built by founders and families across the country.

Hear from movement leaders and VELA founders as they share what’s driving this momentum, why it matters now, and how each founder plays a role in shaping what’s next.

Join us at VELA Connect Austin October, 26-27.

[VELA @VELAorg]

RUN, don't walk! The Austin room block closes today, October 5th! ⏰

Register here! https://t.co/vWwkcE48wp

[VELA @VELAorg]

“Evangel wins conference opener over Ezekiel.” 🏈

Indie Education can include Friday night lights, too. Evangel Christian School and Ezekiel Academy are showing families that choosing a different path doesn’t mean missing out on competitive sports.

This is Indie Education.

https://t.co/dhMla5SCup

[VELA @VELAorg]

“I want them to belong.”

That’s what VELA Founder Quatavia Wilkins-Johnson set out to create with Young Laureates: a homeschool community where children can learn alongside others, build friendships, and feel seen.

https://t.co/zXwF6aURcN

[VELA @VELAorg]

VELA Founder Joel Enge of Kingdom Life Academy in East Texas is showing families that education doesn’t have to look just one way. His Christian microschool for grades 6–10 was created for students who struggle in traditional learning environments and need a different way to learn.

This is Indie Education