If you have been comparing school options for your child, you have probably come across the word "microschool." It sounds new, but the idea behind it is old: a very small group of students learning together with a limited number of adults. This guide explains what a microschool is, how it usually runs, how it differs from homeschooling and from a conventional school, and what to ask before you enrol a child in one.
What is a microschool?
A microschool is a very small school, often described as a modern version of the one-room schoolhouse. Enrollment ranges from a handful of students to several dozen, and U.S. microschools typically enrol fewer students than a single traditional classroom. Beyond that shared feature of small size, there is no single standard model. Microschools differ in who runs them, where they meet, what they teach and how much they cost.
Because there is no universal definition, it helps to think of "microschool" as a description of scale and setting rather than a specific teaching method. One microschool might follow a structured curriculum with regular testing, while another might build its week around projects, the arts or discussion-based learning.
Where the idea comes from
Small, single-teacher schools were once common in the United States. Over time, many communities moved toward larger, more standardized schools. The microschool model is often described as drawing on the one-room-schoolhouse idea, but current programs vary widely.
Recent interest in microschools has been associated with changes in schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and with interest in school-choice programs. Available counts are estimates rather than an official national census, and definitions vary.
How a microschool typically works
Who runs it
Many microschools grow out of groups of homeschooling families who pool resources to hire a teacher. Wikipedia reports that about two-thirds of U.S. microschools are operated by licensed or formerly licensed teachers, and notes that in some states curricula are not overseen and staff background checks are optional, so ask directly about the people responsible for instruction.
Where it meets
Some microschools meet in homes, churches or storefronts rather than on a conventional campus.
What a day looks like
Schedules, curricula and teaching styles are set by each program, so ask for a sample week and a curriculum outline rather than assuming a standard day.
What it costs
Tuition varies widely; Wikipedia cites options starting at around $6,200 and some charging $50,000 or more. Some programs charge tuition, and about one-third of microschools were reported to receive public funding through voucher-type programs as of 2023. Others may operate as a registered homeschooling arrangement. Eligibility and the way funds can be spent differ by state and by program, so check the current rules with your state education agency.
Microschool vs. homeschool vs. traditional school
| Microschool | Homeschool | Traditional school | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group size | A small group of students | One family, sometimes joined by a co-op | Varies by school; classes are often organized by age or grade |
| Who teaches | One or a few teachers, sometimes parents | Parents, sometimes with tutors or classes | Employed teaching staff |
| Setting | Home, community space or small facility | Home and community | School campus |
| Regulation | Varies by state and by how the school registers | Varies by state | Regulated by state and district |
| Cost | Varies widely | Varies | Free if public; tuition if private |
The legal status of a microschool depends on where you live. In many cases a microschool is a very small private school, and in others it is registered with the state as a homeschooling arrangement. Rules differ from state to state, so confirm how a particular program is registered and what that means for your child's records, transcripts and eligibility to transfer later.
Possible benefits
Families who choose microschools often mention the following reasons. These are common motivations, not guaranteed outcomes.
- Shared teaching. Parents do not have to teach every subject themselves.
- Socialization. Wikipedia notes that microschooled children may get more socialization than homeschooled children.
- Small scale. A small group can mean a different feel from a large school, though this depends entirely on the program.
Possible drawbacks
- Variable quality and oversight. Many microschools are unregulated or lightly regulated, so quality depends heavily on the people running them.
- Accreditation. Most microschools do not require accreditation; in a 2024 survey of 400 microschools cited by Wikipedia, 16% reported being accredited.
- Cost. Tuition can be substantial.
- Transfer and records. If the school does not issue recognised transcripts, moving a child into another school later may need extra paperwork.
Questions to ask before you enrol
- How is the school registered with our state, and what does that mean for attendance and records?
- Who teaches, and what training or credentials do they have?
- What curriculum is used, and how is progress measured and reported?
- How many students are enrolled now, and how many does the school plan to enrol?
- What is the full cost, including fees, materials and any days families teach at home?
- Can we visit, observe a day and speak with current families?
- What happens if my child needs learning support, or wants to move to another school?
- What is the plan if a teacher leaves or enrollment falls?
Thinking about starting a microschool
Some parents and teachers search for how to start a microschool. The first steps are practical rather than glamorous: find out how your state classifies small schools and what rules apply; decide on a curriculum and how you will track progress; agree on a budget and tuition model; and identify a safe, suitable space. Because requirements differ by state and locality, this is general information rather than legal advice, and you should confirm details with your state education department and local authorities.
Bottom line
A microschool is a very small school, with a handful to several dozen students, that may be run by teachers, parent groups or both. It can offer close attention and flexibility, but quality, regulation and cost vary widely. The best way to judge one is to visit, ask detailed questions about registration, teachers and curriculum, and compare it with other school choice options available to your family.
Sources
- Wikipedia, "Microschooling": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microschooling (definition, enrollment range, operators, meeting places, legal status, cost, funding, accreditation and history)
- Wikipedia, "Homeschooling": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeschooling (homeschool co-ops, hybrid models, state-by-state variation)
- Home School Legal Defense Association, state legal requirements: https://hslda.org/legal (homeschool law varies by state)