WISE and Otherwise

Wichita Innovative Schools and Educators

Join host and microschool advocate Dalena Wallace on "WISE and Otherwise" as she explores the growing world of small school revolutions and innovative learning. Each episode offers resources and ideas to help microschool founders launch and sustain their programs. Hear tips on overcoming common challenges, building networks of support, and avoiding burnout from successful founders. Whether you want to start a microschool, homeschool, hybrid model or just learn more about personalized learning and high-tech classrooms, you'll find motivation and inspiration around this exciting movement!

  1. 6 OCT

    She Left Public School to Build a One-Room Schoolhouse

    After 24 years in public education, Trudy Wischropp was burned out, overwhelmed… and deeply convicted. God was calling her to something radical. So she said yes. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Trudy shares the incredible journey behind Armor Academy—a micro-school she launched in the upstairs of her home, with dreams of eventually moving into a 100-year-old one-room schoolhouse… which she literally had moved to her property. 📘 In this episode: – How COVID revealed a vision—and ignited a calling – What it was like to leave a secure paycheck and take a leap of faith – Why she never saw herself homeschooling (and how that changed) – The simple rhythms of Armor Academy’s day-to-day life– What surprised her most about running a small school – How local churches and parents came alongside her vision This is more than a feel-good story—it’s a roadmap for any educator or parent wondering: “Is there something more?” 📢 Would you ever start a one-room schoolhouse? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Subscribe for more stories of faith, courage, and creative Christian education. 📌 Links & Resources: 🔹 Visit Armor Academy: https://www.armoracademy.net 🔹 Follow Armor Academy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Armor-Academy-61560977438089/ 🔹 Follow Armor Academy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArmorAcademy 🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 🔹 Watch more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTvVOFEIGF9B1Kl4joO8vc6vfwjR7-BSz&si=VKv7L4P0lHdI4Irv#ChristianEducation #OneRoomSchoolhouse #FaithAndEducation #ArmorAcademy #MicroSchoolMovement #TeacherCalling #WISEAndOtherwise #SchoolChoice #EducationByFaith

    31 min

  2. 22 SEPT

    How He Started A Tuition-Free Christian School

    Most churches talk about reaching the next generation. Pastor Justin Walker built a school to do it.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Pastor Justin shares the remarkable story of launching Salt and Light Academy—a tuition-free, Christ-centered school born inside his church with zero budget, total faith, and a bold vision to reach the 57 million students in public schools.🎙️ In this episode:– How Salt and Light Academy launched from idea to reality in 7 months– Why they refuse to charge tuition—even when parents offer to pay– The church’s role in funding education without compromising the Gospel– Stories of student baptisms, family transformation, and community revival– What it really costs to run a free Christian school (and how they’re doing it)This isn’t just a story about a school. It’s a model. A movement. And a direct challenge to churches everywhere: What’s in your hand—and what’s stopping you from using it?📢 Would your church ever start a school like this? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories of faith, bold leadership, and K–12 education reform.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Salt & Light Academy: https://www.saltandlightky.org/school🔹 Connect with Pastor Justin Walker: justin@saltandlightky.org🔹 Visit the church website: https://www.saltandlightky.org#FaithAndEducation #SchoolChoice #TuitionFreeChristianSchool #ChristianEducation #SaltAndLightAcademy #ChurchBasedSchool #PastorLeadership #WISEAndOtherwise

    42 min

  3. 8 SEPT

    This Mom Fought for Her Son—and Found a School That Fights Too

    For years, Jaime Beck watched her son Charlie struggle in silence—kicking, screaming, melting down before school, and coming home exhausted, ashamed, and overlooked. He was smart, creative, and full of potential—but public school didn’t know what to do with him.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Jaime shares the emotional journey of discovering her son’s dyslexia late, navigating misdiagnoses, and feeling dismissed by the very system meant to help him. But everything changed when she found Freedom Prep—a school that didn’t just accommodate Charlie, but believed in him.🎙️ Inside this episode:– The signs she saw—and how long it took to get real answers– What public school offered (and failed to deliver)– Why dyslexia wasn’t the problem—it was the misunderstanding of it– The emotional toll on Charlie—and on Jaime as a mother– How Freedom Prep rebuilt confidence, joy, and belonging– What every parent needs to know about advocating for their childIf you’ve ever felt like your child was being left behind, this story will give you hope—and a roadmap for what’s possible.📢 Have you ever had to fight for your child to be seen? Share your story in the comments.🔔 Like, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories of faith, education, and courageous families.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Freedom Prep: https://freedomprepwichita.org/🔹 Connect with HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/contact🔹 Explore school options near you: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory #DyslexiaAwareness #SchoolChoice #EducationThatHeals #FreedomPrep #FaithAndEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy

    25 min

  4. 25 AUG

    What If Your Missions Budget Could Save a Christian School?

    While churches send money across the globe, local Christian schools are closing their doors. What if we’ve been overlooking one of the most urgent mission fields—right in our own backyard?In this powerful episode of WISE and Otherwise, host Emmi McCabe sits down with Dalena Wallace, founder of HERO (Heartland Education Reformation Organization), to talk about the growing crisis in Christian education—and the bold vision to solve it.💡 Inside this conversation:– Why 75% of Christian kids leave the faith after high school– The real reason so many Christian schools are shutting down– What HERO is doing to fund faith-based education and keep it accessible– How churches, donors, and families can unite to protect the next generation– A fresh call for churches to treat Christian education as ministryThis episode is a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the future of the church, the family, and the Christian school movement.📢 Could your church be funding Christian education instead of losing the next generation? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories at the intersection of faith and education.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org🔹Donate to support Christian schools: https://www.heartlandhero.org/donate#ChristianEducation #SchoolChoice #ChurchAndSchool #FaithAndEducation #MissionsAtHome #HeartlandHERO #WISEAndOtherwise

    29 min

  5. 11 AUG

    This Secretly Legal Program Is Changing Public Schools

    In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Kori Pennypacker, Executive Director of Bible2School, reveals how a little-known law called release time is making it possible to bring Bible-based education into public schools during school hours. No after-school programs. No church attendance required. Just one hour a week of Gospel-centered teaching—right in the middle of the school day. 🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode: How release time works (and why most Christians don’t know about it)The incredible stories of children who had never heard the name of JesusWhy public school kids are hungry for truth and hope The power of volunteers, local churches, and one hour a weekHow you can bring this program to your town Whether you're a parent, pastor, teacher, or just passionate about reaching the next generation, this episode will surprise and inspire you. 📢 Did you know this was legal? Would you support it in your community? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories about faith, education, and bold impact. 📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Bible2School: https://www.bible2school.com/🔹 Watch the explainer video: https://cbn.com/news/us/innovative-program-teaches-public-school-kids-about-jesus-bible🔹 Start a Bible2School Program: https://www.bible2school.com/start-a-program/ 🔹 Find a Program Near You: https://www.bible2school.com/find-a-program/ #Bible2School #FaithAndEducation #PublicSchoolMinistry #ReleaseTimeLaw #ChristianParenting #SchoolChoice #WISEAndOtherwise

    40 min

  6. 28 JUL

    This School Board Member Wants God Back in Education

    When Kathy Bond stepped into the world of public education, she didn’t come with a political agenda—she came with conviction. A grandmother, former ballerina, and now school board member, Kathy has one clear mission: bring truth, order, and God back into schools.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Kathy shares the bold moments that led her to run for school board, including witnessing out-of-control student behavior, a system riddled with excuses, and faith being completely erased from the classroom.🎙️ What you'll hear in this episode:– The real reason she ran for school board (hint: it involves pencils)– How she faced backlash after voting “no” on a controversial policy– Why she believes public schools need more discipline and more faith– The difference she’s seen when parents speak up– What it means to lead with courage in a politically charged environmentWhether you're a parent, teacher, or concerned citizen, Kathy’s story will remind you that one person—with boldness and backbone—can still make a difference.📢 Do you believe God belongs in public education? Tell us in the comments!🔔 Follow us for more real stories of faith, leadership, and school reform.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Connect with Kathy Bond: kathybond2025@gmail.com🔹 Learn more about Kathy Bond's advocacy: https://kathybondforschoolboard.com/#SchoolBoard #FaithInEducation #PublicSchoolReform #ChristianLeadership #ParentalRights #WISEAndOtherwise #EducationMatters

    35 min

  7. 14 JUL

    This School Teaches the Kids the System Gave Up On

    When schools say “You don’t belong here”—where do those kids go?In this powerful episode of WISE and Otherwise, Chuck Knowles, PhD, founder of  @McAdamsAcademyWichitaKs  shares how a former juvenile chaplain stepped out in faith to build a school for expelled, at-risk, and court-involved youth—many of whom were completely written off by the traditional system.📘 Inside this episode:– How Chuck started with a card table, one student, and no funding– Why expulsion doesn’t mean a child is beyond redemption– The role of trauma, trust, and transformation in real education– How McAdams Academy partners with families, churches, and even judges– Why real school reform starts with reaching the most overlookedIf you’ve ever wondered what true redemptive education looks like—or whether there’s hope for the “hardest” kids—this episode will move and challenge you.📢 Do you think more schools should focus on second chances? Tell us in the comments!🔔 Follow us for more bold conversations about faith, education, and restorative leadership.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about McAdams Academy: https://www.mcadamsacademy.org/🔹 Connect with Chuck Knowles, PhD: chuck@mcadamsacademy.com#AlternativeEducation #SchoolChoice #RedemptiveEducation #AtRiskYouth #McAdamsAcademy #FaithAndEducation #WISEAndOtherwise

    48 min

  8. 30 JUN

    He Bought a Church… and Accidentally Launched a School

    Pastor Dave Atherton didn’t have a strategy, a staff, or even a clear plan—but he did have a burden for families and a willingness to say “yes.” What followed was a series of surprising moves, divine timing, and a school that was born inside the walls of One Church at Pleasant View. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Pastor Dave shares how his church became home to not one, but two distinct Christian education models—a full-time micro-school and a hybrid homeschool program—both now operating as One Learning Academy. From church mergers and facility upgrades to building trust, launching a board, and empowering volunteers, this is the story of how one church stepped into the gap for local families. 🎓 Inside this conversation:– How two schools merged into one thriving academy– The powerful phrase that convinced the church to treat school as ministry– What it looks like when grandparents, teachers, and pastors work together– Why churches don’t need to be experts—they just need to be willing– Encouragement for pastors who feel overwhelmed but called to take action 📢 What do you think? Could your church be the next to say YES to Christian education? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Follow us for more stories of faith, education, and bold church leadership. 📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about One Learning Academy: https://www.oladerby.com/ 🔹 Connect with Pastor Dave’s church: https://www.onechurchderby.com/ #ChristianEducation #Microschools #ChurchBasedSchool #FaithAndEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #SchoolChoice #EducationIsMinistry #PastorLeadership

    36 min
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About

Join host and microschool advocate Dalena Wallace on "WISE and Otherwise" as she explores the growing world of small school revolutions and innovative learning. Each episode offers resources and ideas to help microschool founders launch and sustain their programs. Hear tips on overcoming common challenges, building networks of support, and avoiding burnout from successful founders. Whether you want to start a microschool, homeschool, hybrid model or just learn more about personalized learning and high-tech classrooms, you'll find motivation and inspiration around this exciting movement!

Information

  • Creator
    Wichita Innovative Schools and Educators
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Wichita Innovative Schools and Educators
  • Show Website
    WISE and Otherwise