A microschool is a very small school, often one or a few mixed-age groups of students led by one or a few adults, that meets in a home, church, office or storefront. Some are registered private schools; others serve families who are legally homeschooling. They offer small groups and flexible schedules, but quality, oversight and record keeping vary a great deal.
How a microschool differs from homeschool or a co-op
- Homeschool: the parent is responsible for teaching and records, though they may use outside classes.
- Co-op: families share teaching, often one or two days a week, with parents taking turns leading classes.
- Learning pod: a small group of families sharing a tutor or supervisor, sometimes temporarily.
- Microschool: a hired guide or teacher runs the day, usually several days a week, and families pay tuition.
The legal status matters most. If students are enrolled in a microschool registered as a private school, the school generally keeps records. If students are legally homeschooled while attending, the parent is still responsible for meeting state homeschool rules. See homeschooling high school for what that involves.
How microschools are staffed, scheduled and paid for
- Staff. Leaders may be former teachers, parents or people with other backgrounds. Teaching license requirements depend on the state and the school’s legal status.
- Schedules. Anywhere from two to five days a week, sometimes with shorter days than traditional school.
- Approach. Models range from project-based learning to online courses with an adult guide in the room to classical or nature-based programs.
- Cost. Mostly tuition. In some states, education savings accounts or private school scholarship programs can help pay, depending on how the microschool is set up. Check your state education department.
Questions to ask before enrolling
- Is this a registered private school, or are students legally homeschooled?
- Who keeps attendance, grades and records, and will the school issue a transcript?
- What is the leader’s background, and what is the adult-to-student ratio?
- What curriculum is used, and how is progress measured and reported to families?
- How does the school support a student who falls behind or has a learning difference?
- How are staff screened, and does the space meet local safety rules?
- How long has it operated, and what happens if it closes midyear?
- May we talk with current families?
Building records for high school and college
Microschool records vary from detailed transcripts to almost nothing. Protect your student’s options by keeping your own file: a course list, descriptions, grades or evaluations and a few work samples each year.
- Moving to a traditional high school? Ask the receiving school early how it will place your student and whether it will grant credit for microschool work. See switching schools and the high school transcript.
- Applying to college? A microschool student who is legally homeschooled applies much like a homeschooler. See homeschool to college.
- Adding outside proof. Graded online courses or dual enrollment help confirm the record.
Who microschools tend to fit
Microschools can work well for students who did not thrive in a large school, who learn best in small groups, or who want to move at their own pace. They can be a weaker fit for teens who want team sports, a large social circle or a wide range of advanced courses, and for students who need specialized services a small staff may not offer. Compare options in our guide to types of schools, including online high school.
Where a mentor helps
Small, flexible schools give students freedom, and some teens need help using it well. A mentor works with the student weekly to set goals, plan the week and follow up between sessions, and with the family’s permission stays in touch with the adults already involved. Mentors are not tutors or teachers. Parents join the intro call and get regular updates. Read about how we work with families and mentoring for homeschool students.
Related
- Types of schools: a guide for families
- Homeschooling high school
- Online school student falling behind
- Charter schools explained
- Alternative and Continuation High Schools Explained
Common questions
Are microschools legal?
Yes, in general, but the rules depend on the state and on whether the microschool operates as a private school or serves homeschooling families. Check with your state education department.
Is a microschool the same as homeschooling?
Not exactly. A hired leader runs the day, but if your child is legally homeschooled while attending, you remain responsible for state homeschool requirements and records.
Can microschool students go to college?
Yes. Keep thorough records, add outside graded courses where you can, and follow each college’s guidance for homeschooled or nontraditional applicants.
Get started
Want an extra layer of structure for your student? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.