What is a microschool?

Like hybrid homeschooling and pandemic pods, the term microschool has entered the mainstream education conversation over the past year.

There is not a set textbook definition for microschools, but they are often described as one-room schoolhouses for the modern world. Some have as few as 10 children; others might have 100 to 150 divided into smaller classes. Microschools typically do not segregate children by a specific age. Larger schools, for example, generally have age- or skill-level groupings, so 6- to 9-year-olds might be in one group and 10- to 13-year-olds in another. This flexibility is one of the unique benefits of microschools.

Another key facet of microschools is the approach to learning. As the founder of Prenda Microschools put it, learning is a choice, and it’s impossible to teach someone who isn’t willing to learn. Thus, adults in a microschool often act more as guides than lecturers, and the learning tends to be more individualized and project based. Content mastery, rather than hours completed, is generally the goal.

Even before COVID-19, microschools were on the rise. Acton Academy is a microschool started by Texas parents who wanted their children to have a different type of education—one that is learner-driven and nurtures their natural curiosity. From a single location in 2009, there is now a network of more than 130 Acton Academies across the world—including several in Pennsylvania.

Prenda Microschools has a similar story. Started in 2013 by one man teaching seven neighborhood children, there are now more than 400 of them. Like Acton, the Prenda model is student driven and seeks to build on children’s natural curiosity and love of learning.

Here in Pennsylvania, using a different approach, the Wayside School was launched in early 2020 to give families access to a “classical” curriculum in a microschool setting.

Microschools often follow a blended-learning model in which the primary curriculum is delivered online and students gather several times a week. Students participate in discussion groups, hands-on projects, and a variety of learning activities.

Additionally, microschools offer an entrepreneurial opportunity for parents or other community members who can provide a personalized learning experience for a relatively low cost.

If you’re considering attending or starting a microschool in Pennsylvania, it’s critical to know the distinction between microschools with (or seeking) a state license—which means your children will fulfill the state’s compulsory school requirements by attending them—or those that operate more like a homeschool co-op, which requires students to fulfill the state’s home education requirements. This isn’t difficult—and both are great options!—but it is important to understand the distinction.

There have never been more options available when it comes to educating your children. While this can cause stress for us as parents, it also brings tremendous benefits. The PennEd Today team is here to help you navigate the various options available. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!