Jennifer writes about building the future of education โ microschools, AI in the classroom, school choice policy, and what it really takes to prepare kids for the world they'll actually live in.
JW
Jennifer Wolverton
Founder & CEO, MARS Microschool ยท Microsoft Innovative Educator
Robotics, AI, and School Choice: A Conversation with Jennifer Wolverton
EdChoice.orgFebruary 2026Interview
Jennifer shares how MARS is combining robotics, AI, writing, civics, and classical education to prepare students for what's coming next โ from robot dogs to AI-assisted novel writing.
MARS Weekly Dispatch โ Issue #9 | Mars in the Field
Issue #09 ยท Week of April 20, 2026
Mars in the Field
Applications Are Coming In Daily!
// Status
Open Enrollment
// Location
US Space & Rocket Center
// Seats
Limited โ Fall 2026
01 // Shadow Day
This week, three bright prospective students came to campus for Shadow Day โ spending a full day inside MARS to experience firsthand what life on campus is really like. The energy was electric, and we're so grateful to the parents who made time to bring them in.
โก Enrollment Alert
Spaces are almost full for Fall 2026. If you've been thinking about MARS but still have questions, now is the time to act. Schedule a Discovery Call before it's too late โ seats won't last.
๐ธ Shadow Day at MARS
Prospective students got a real look at campus life โ working alongside our learners, experiencing the MARS environment firsthand.
๐ Book Your Call
Schedule a Discovery Call
Get your questions answered directly. Scan the QR code or click below to find a time that works for your family.
๐ค MARS Microschool learners are heading to Atlanta! Our students are presenting "The MARS Tech Stack" โ showcasing how student-led hybrid learning turns curiosity into real building: AI, coding, robotics, drones, data analytics, and certifications.
Come get practical ideas you can use immediately. This is what happens when students are trusted to lead.
๐ National Hybrid Schools Conference 2026
April 23โ25 ยท Atlanta, GA ยท Hosted by Kennesaw State University โ MARS students presenting "The MARS Tech Stack"
03 // Jennifer Featured at Neurodiverse Summit
Our CEO Jennifer Wolverton is featured at the 6th Neurodiverse Homeschooling Summit โ a free virtual event running May 6โ21. Jennifer will be speaking on "How to Use Technology in Homeschooling" alongside host Afsaneh Moradian.
๐๏ธ Free Virtual Event ยท May 6โ21
Register free at mlccoaching.com/summit-registration โ Jennifer Wolverton on How to Use Technology in Homeschooling
Rocket Drones โ National Student Drone Competition
MARS Microschool โ We Are Competing!
MARS Microschool is headed to the National Student Drone Competition
At MARS Microschool, we use Rocket Drones equipment to teach our physics class โ and we absolutely love it. This year our students learned to fly drones while exploring the real-world ins and outs of physics. Now we're taking it to the next level and competing at Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. We hope to see you there cheering us on!
● We Are Competing!
Apr 30 โ May 1, 2026
Space Camp, AL
// Rocket Drones โ National Competition
● Space Camp โ Huntsville, AL◆ Apr 30 โ May 1, 2026โ All Schools Welcome
Register Your School
Take Flight Nationally
// Venue
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
// Dates
Apr 30 โ May 1, 2026
// Format
Flexible 1โ2 Day Event
// Events
5 Competition Categories
MARS MICROSCHOOL IS COMPETINGAPR 30 – MAY 1, 2026SPACE CAMP HUNTSVILLE ALDRONE RACING · LANDING · DELIVERY · BASKETBALL · FPVALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOMENO EXPERIENCE REQUIREDLIVE RESULTS IN REAL TIMEMARS MICROSCHOOL IS COMPETINGAPR 30 – MAY 1, 2026SPACE CAMP HUNTSVILLE ALDRONE RACING · LANDING · DELIVERY · BASKETBALL · FPVALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOMENO EXPERIENCE REQUIREDLIVE RESULTS IN REAL TIME
The Rocket Drones National Student Drone Competition is held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center โ home of Space Camp โ in Huntsville, Alabama. No equipment required. No experience needed. Anyone can participate. Live results are posted in real time on the Rocket Drones portal.
// What's Included
5 thrilling competition events testing skill, precision & innovation · Awards ceremony with industry professionals · Commercial drone career panel · Space Camp exploration day with full access to exhibits · 4 hours of teacher professional development
// Competition Events
Experience five thrilling drone competition events designed to test skill, precision, and innovation
01
Drone Racing (Line of Sight)
High-speed racing showcases the very best of drone piloting โ compete through challenging courses and enjoy the thrill of competition at its finest.
Racing
02
Dynamic Landing Challenge
A precision flying challenge that tests your landing skills. Technical mastery required โ connect with fellow pilots and stick the perfect touchdown.
Precision
03
Drone Delivery Challenges
Pushes drones to handle tight turns, altitude shifts, and timed drop-offs โ all while keeping cargo steady and secure under pressure.
Cargo
04
Drone Basketball Challenges
Tests agility, accuracy, and control as drones weave through obstacles, hover in tight angles, and sink precision shots into elevated hoops.
Agility
05
Drone Racing (First-Person View)
Cutting-edge esports-style drone racing in virtual environments โ plus the ultimate tiebreaker challenge to determine the final champions.
FPV · Esports
// Participation Rules
Students may compete in up to two categories
All competitors must be registered through a school
Teacher supervision required for all students
No prior drone experience required
// Awards & Recognition
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for each event
Official trophies and sponsor merchandise
Live results posted in real-time on the portal
Awards ceremony with industry professionals
// Why Attend?
✓
No Experience Needed
Perfect for beginners and experienced pilots alike
✓
Learn at Your Pace
Compete and explore with personalized support
✓
Try Before You Buy
Experience Rocket Drones firsthand before adopting
✓
Iconic STEM Destination
Combine drone education with Space Camp experiences
✓
Professional Development
4 hours of teacher training included
✓
Future-Focused Learning
Learn, fly, and explore the future together
// No Rocket Drones? No Problem.
Anyone Can Participate โ You don't need Rocket Drones equipment to compete.
Before competition begins, all students will have access to Rocket Drones Training Sessions, guided practice time, and hands-on experience with systems and simulators โ students can learn the basics, build confidence, and step into competition all in the same event.
🎓
Rocket Drones Training
Comprehensive instruction from certified instructors
🕹
Guided Practice Time
Warm-up sessions to build confidence before competing
🚁
Hands-On Experience
Direct access to drone systems and simulators
🤝
Expert Support
Guidance from instructors and event staff throughout
// Skill Level
All levels welcome. Multiple events structured for beginners through advanced pilots.
// Attendance
Flexible format. Attend one day or both to fully explore Space Camp and the Rocket Center.
// FAA Certification
Students 16+ can earn their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate โ completable in as little as 10 days.
// Ongoing Events
Monthly simulator leaderboard challenges and multiplayer events with other schools year-round.
// How to Register
1
Click Register Your School below โ links directly to spacecamp.rocketdrones.com
2
Fill out the form or schedule a one-on-one meeting with the Rocket Drones team
3
No equipment or experience needed โ Rocket Drones provides full educator onboarding and virtual support
Course Updates ยท Issue #9 ยท Week of April 12, 2026
AI ART UNIT NOW LIVESTEMQUEST WEEKLY TASKS UPDATEDMINECRAFT EDUCATION ACCESS INCLUDEDNEW COMMUNITY GALLERY OPENAI WRITING UNIT ENROLLINGSUBSCRIBE FOR $10/MONTHAI ART UNIT NOW LIVESTEMQUEST WEEKLY TASKS UPDATEDMINECRAFT EDUCATION ACCESS INCLUDEDNEW COMMUNITY GALLERY OPENAI WRITING UNIT ENROLLINGSUBSCRIBE FOR $10/MONTH
Creative Learning โ Units 1 & 2
A Creative Journey from Imagination to Expression
Units 1 and 2 explore how technology can expand creativity without replacing human imagination. Exploring AI Art and AI Writing & Storytelling โ click either unit below to enroll.
// Unit 1
Exploring AI Art
Students become visual world-builders, using AI as a creative tool to design characters, landscapes, and creatures โ learning how technology can amplify imagination. Grades 6โ12.
Learners step into the role of story architects โ developing characters, dialogue, and plot while using AI as a thoughtful creative partner. Build a full writing portfolio.
Together these units guide students through a full creative cycle โ designing, writing, and refining ideas โ while strengthening storytelling skills, multimodal thinking, and confidence.
Add-On Subscription
StemQuest
Your weekly mission hub for curious minds
$10
per month
Weekly Tasks
Fresh challenges and missions dropped every week to keep learning active and exciting
Worksheets & Resources
Printable and digital worksheets aligned to each unit โ ready to use, no prep needed
Minecraft Education
Full access to Minecraft Education Edition โ build, explore, and learn in immersive worlds
Your Own Community
Share your work, connect with other learners, and get inspired in a safe, moderated space
A technology-forward microschool for secondary students. We're not just preparing students for the futureโwe're building it with them through AI, robotics, and project-based learning.