5th Annual National Hybrid Schools Conference

Registration is officially open for the 5th Annual National Hybrid Schools Conference, and we’re so glad to invite you to join us in Atlanta, GA on April 23–25, 2026. This year’s conference brings renewed energy, fresh ideas, and an elevated experience designed to spark meaningful connection and practical learning. Whether you’ve joined us before or this will be your first time, expect an engaging, forward-looking event that brings together leaders, builders, and innovators shaping the future of hybrid education.

*Hybrid Schools Society Members - please see HSS email or Mighty Networks Group for discount code. Email shughe41@kennesaw.edu for more information on becoming a member.

*IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT complete this registration form if you are applying for a Travel Grant. You will receive additional instructions for registration after completing the Travel Grant Request Form.

2026 Registration Fees

  • HSS Members: $75 – email Susan Hughes at shughe41@kennesaw.edu to join
  • Non-HSS Members: $100
  • After March 13, registration rates will increase to $100 for HSS members and $125 for non-HSS members.
  • New this year: After April 2, LATE registration rate will be $150 for everyone.

Register Here!

Supporters & Exhibitors

Secure your spot today as a supporter or exhibitor at the event. Please visit our supporter/exhibitor page for more information.

What to Expect for 2026?

Last year, we tried something new by extending the length of the conference—and we loved how it gave us more time to connect, reflect, and learn together. Based on that experience, we’re keeping the expanded format and building on it with even more opportunities for meaningful engagement. This year, you can expect additional breakout sessions, including thoughtfully curated panel discussions and hands-on workshops designed to be more interactive.

Here’s a  quick look at how the days will unfold:

  • Thursday, April 23: Evening Welcome Reception and exhibitors to kick things off.
  • Friday, April 24: A full day of panel discussions, interactive workshops, exhibitor breaks, and an inspiring keynote speaker to start the day.
  • Saturday, April 25: A half day of panels and workshops, including a closing keynote to send you home energized and encouraged.

Get ready for dynamic sessions, meaningful conversations, and fresh ways to learn alongside fellow educators and experts. We love how this conference keeps growing—and we can’t wait to experience it with you.

Register Here!

Tentative Agenda

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time Program
5:00pm-8:00pm Registration Open
6:00pm-8:00pm Welcome Reception & Exhibitors

Friday, April 24, 2026

Time Program
7:30am-8:30am Breakfast & Exhibitors
8:30am-9:00am Welcome Remarks - Keynote Speaker
9:00am-9:30am Networking & Exhibitor Break
9:30am-10:30am Breakout Session #1 - (6 options)
10:30am-11:00am Networking & Exhibitor Break
11:00am-12:00pm Breakout Session #2 - (6 options)
12:00pm-1:30pm Lunch & Keynote Speaker
1:30pm-2:00pm Networking & Exhibitor Break
2:00pm-3:00pm Breakout Session #3 - (6 options)
3:00pm-3:30pm Networking & Exhibitor Break
3:30pm-4:30pm Breakout Session #4 - (6 options)

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time Program
7:30am-8:30am Breakfast & Exhibitors
8:30am-9:00am Keynote Speaker
9:00am-9:30am Awards Ceremony / Sponsor Remarks
9:30am-10:30am Breakout Session #1 - (6 options)
10:30am-11:00am Networking & Exhibitor Break
11:00am-12:00pm Breakout Session #2 - (6 options)

Current Speakers

More Speakers Coming Soon!

Cletis Allen - CLETIS Education Consulting

Victoria Andrews - Getting Smart

Michael Bindas - Institute for Justice

Tiffany Blassingame - The Ferguson School

Jill  Brown - Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (CALE)

Hunter Burnett - Memoria Press

Christine Carlson - KaiPod Learning

Gene  Clark - DDWK Travel

Caleb Collier - The Forest School/The Institute for Self Directed Learning

Mary Cox - CORE Butte Charter School

Dr. Danielle Davis - Vanderbilt University

David DeLugas - National Association of Parents, Inc. dba ParentsUSA

Heather DiNino - Elements Academy

Bob Donaldson - Wilson Hill Academy

Valery Dragon - UnboundEd

Sylvia Duarte - St. John Bosco Academy, Cumming, GA

Lasharn Ferroudj - Putting Education First

Rachel Figg - Spark Schooling

Ellen Finnigan - Founder of Teach to the Text

John Foster - Middle School MBA

Toni Frallicciardi – Surf, Skate, Science

John Fuhrman - Legal Shield Associate

Raphael Gang - Stand Together

Sebastian Garren - St John Paul II Preparatory School & Center for Educational Progress

Dr. Shameka Gerald - The Liminal Lab

Crystal Goins - Heartwise Scholars Inc.

Debi Gooding - The Learning Choice Academy

Matt Gore - KaiPod Learning

Mercedes Grant - Path of Life Learning

Sarah Hairston - Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (CALE)

Kerry McDonald - Foundation for Economic Education

Charles McGill - McGill Microschool of Entrepreneurship

Mimi Mena - The Learning Hive Homeschool Hybrid

Renee Miller - Colorado Homeschool Enrichment

Coi Morefield - The Lab School of Memphis (former founder) and Education Reimagined

Jill Haskins - Kainos Microschool

Dr. Kathleen Hermsmeyer - Springs Charter School

Candice Hilton - Hilton Horizons Academy

April Huard - Clonlara School

Elmarie Hyman - Learn Beyond The Book, LLC

Deborah Irwin - Designed with a Purpose

Brian Jensen - Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS-WASC)

Dr. Toni Johnson - TheraBotechs

Darren Jones - Home School Legal Defense Association

Jessica Kaminski - Math with Purpose

Ali Kaufman - Space of Mind

Jo Ann Kilpatrick - Outschool

Emily Klein - Cognia

Amar Kumar - KaiPod Learning

Ellie Kyles - Soar Academy Augusta

Matthew Ladner - Heritage Foundation

Adam Lavalle - Associate Vice President, Next Generation Accreditation Middle States Association

Sarah Lavezzo - Scholé Center for Innovative Education

Matt Lee – School Choice Lab, Kennesaw State University

Denise Lever - Baker Creek Academy

Amanda Lucas - Lucas Literacy Lab

Sharon Masinelli - St. John the Baptist Hybrid School

Sam Naab - St. John the Baptist Hybrid School

Matthew Nielsen - Educational Freedom Institute

Cassie Olguin - Outschool

Genevieve Peterson - A One-Room Schoolhouse

Matthew Poetzinger - Stand Together

Cynthia Rachel - IEM Charter Schools

Katie Ratlief - Common Sense Institute

Shiren Rattigan - Colossal Academy

Emily Ryan - Samana International Academy

Lynn Sanders - The King's Academy

Michele Shearin - Trinity Homeschool Academy

Melissa Shipman - Learnwell Collective

Laurie Spigel - LaurieBlockSpigel.com 

Nicole Stewart - National Association of Black Microschool Leaders

Lynn Swanson - Stand Together

Tiffany Thenor - WonderHere

John Thompson – National Hybrid Schools Project, Kennesaw State University

Nancy Tilton - ALC Mosaic

Luba Vangelova - The Hub Microschool

Eric Wearne – National Hybrid Schools Project, Kennesaw State University

Bethany Weir - Designed with a Purpose

Becky Wilmoth - Non-Profit Education Solutions

Jennifer Wolverton - Microcollective for AI, Robotics, and the Sciences (MARS Microschool)

Lauren Yacht - Scholé Center for Innovative Education

Sarai Zyzniewski - Our School Hangout

Professional Headshots for Participants

After such great feedback last year, we’re excited to offer professional headshots for participants again this year—at no additional cost. It’s a perfect chance to update your LinkedIn profile, website, or just walk away with a polished new photo. Swing by, step in front of the camera, and let us help you refresh your professional image.

Sign-Up Genius – Coming Soon! 

Hotel Information

We’ve secured a special discounted room block at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Conference Center. The room rate is $189/night (plus taxes & fees), with discounted parking at $10/daily or $20/overnight for those in the group block.

Deadline to book your hotel at the discounted rate is Friday, April 2, 2026.

Reserve Your Hotel Room Here!

Travel Support Application

If you need assistance with travel expenses, we encourage you to apply for a travel grant. The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their award status by late February, 2026, and you will receive additional information for registration. Grant funds will be disbursed after the conference.

We are no longer accepting Travel Grant Applications at this time.

*IMPORTANT: If you are applying for travel support, please DO NOT register for the conference until after you are notified by late February of any travel support awarded. You will receive additional instructions at that time.

Galleries from Previous Years

You can explore the 2025 agenda and session summaries, featuring impactful topics, inspiring speakers, and opportunities for connection—all focused on advancing hybrid education.