What Is A Microschool?
The term microschool might not be one that you are familiar with, it can also be called a homeschool pod or a learning pod. So, what exactly is a microschool? A microschool is essentially a small school. To be classed as a microschool in most states the school can only contain up to 150 students, but many microschools contain less than 20 students. They are in-between a private school and a homeschool and are often run out of someone’s home.
How are microschools different than homeschools?
A homeschool most often involves one of the parents educating their own child or children in their home. I know that home educating can take place anywhere and that people join co-ops and other options so that the parent is not always the sole educator, but ultimately homeschooling is normally just for that specific family. A microschool involves children from multiple families, often has multiple ages all in the same classroom, and can have one or more paid teachers.
How are microschools different than small private schools?
Microschools are in many states not governed by the same rules and regulations as private schools. This gives the teachers the freedom to use alternative curricula and locations, and even create an individualized learning experience for each student. This flexibility means that there is a microschool environment that works for every type of student. Whether your child loves science and surfing, game schooling, forest schooling, farm schooling, or anything in between, there is something for everyone.
Microschools are the intersection between a private school and a homeschool. They take the best parts of each and blend them together to create a unique learning environment that focuses on each child and helping them reach their full potential.
Examples of Microschools
Photo of an Amish schoolhouse by Allie_Caulfield
The Amish schoolhouse is probably one of the best examples of a microschool that existed long before the term microschool did. They are small, multi-age classroom, have a paid teacher, and are often exempt from government regulation. Other examples are the Wildflower Montessori Microschools, the Acton Academy Microschools, One Room Schoolhouse in the Piney Woods, and Kind Academy.
“A microschool is a small school setting that cultivates a learning environment where students are at the center. Here, children of mixed ages come together to learn, grow, and build a community. Scholoars at a mircoschool are truely free to learn and grow in a way that prepares them for what is next. Scholars are met at their level with individualized instruction to help them thrive! Think of this as a modern twist on the classic One Room School House.”
-Ashley Brodbeck (Founder of Riverside Educational Services)
Is a microschool the right choice for my child and family?
If you don’t want your child in a public school, but you also don’t want to or can’t homeschool your child then a microschool might just be the right choice for you. If you want your child to enjoy the many benefits of a small class size, individualized learning plan, and a learning environment that fits their interests then a microschool might be the right choice for you.
Finding a microschool
The microschool movement is growing fast which is great news for families everywhere. Finding a microschool near you that suits your child’s learning style might take some research and asking around, but don’t worry there are lots of microschools out there and more are starting every year. Due to their small nature microschools purposefully keep the number of students enrolled to a low number and there may even be a waiting list for some of the more established microschools such as Acton Academy or Wildflower Montessori schools.
If you are ready for your family to embark on a microschool adventure please contact us. We would love to get to know you and be a part of your adventure.
