Microschools Explained: A Closer Look at This Growing Education Model
Over the past few years, you’ve probably heard the term microschool pop up more and more in conversations about education. But what exactly is a microschool, and why are so many families turning to this model?
As a homeschool mom myself, and the co-founder of a homeschool co-op in my community, I’ve seen firsthand how families are searching for creative, flexible ways to educate their children. A few years ago, two friends and I noticed a need in our area—homeschooling families were eager for academic support, structure, and community, while still wanting to remain their child’s primary educator. Out of that need, our co-op was born. Today, we meet Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 2:00, and serve about 20 students with a variety of subjects and ages. Parents are still the main teachers, but our tutors (myself included) come alongside to provide guidance, instruction, and accountability.
And that’s exactly what makes microschools so appealing: they’re small, flexible learning communities that bridge the gap between homeschooling and traditional schooling.
What Is a Microschool?
A microschool is essentially a small, community-driven learning environment. Think of it as a “one-room schoolhouse for modern times.” Microschools usually:
Serve a small number of students (anywhere from 5–50).
Offer a customized curriculum that can be adapted to students’ needs.
Provide more flexibility than traditional schools.
Involve parents more directly in their child’s education.
Some microschools operate like private schools with tuition and certified teachers.
Others look more like homeschool co-ops or learning pods where parents share
teaching responsibilities. The common thread is personalization and community.
Why Families Are Choosing Microschools
Families are drawn to microschools for many reasons, but here are a few I hear often:
Smaller class sizes mean more individualized attention.
Flexibility allows parents to prioritize both academics and family life.
Values and worldviews can be better integrated into education.
Community support eases the isolation some homeschool families feel.
In my own co-op, I’ve watched shy students find their voice in a smaller setting,
and struggling learners get the one-on-one attention they need. I’ve seen
moms breathe a sigh of relief knowing they don’t have to carry the full weight of every subject alone.
How Microschools Differ from Homeschool Co-ops
People often ask me, “So, is a microschool just a homeschool co-op?” The answer is: sometimes.
Homeschool co-ops and microschools share a lot in common, but co-ops are usually parent-led and often operate just one or two days a week. Microschools, on the other hand, may function more like part-time schools with set hours and regular instruction from tutors or teachers.
Our co-op sits right in the middle. Parents are still the primary educators, but we provide structured support four days a week. For some families, that consistency makes all the difference.
Is a Microschool Right for Your Family?
Microschools aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but they’re a wonderful option for families who:
Value a close-knit learning environment.
Want flexibility without sacrificing structure.
Desire more academic or social support for their children.
Prefer a more personalized education than traditional schools can offer.
If you’ve ever wished you could blend the best parts of homeschooling with
the support of a small school, a microschool might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
The future of education is shifting, and microschools are one of the most exciting movements I see taking root. They bring families together, empower parents, and give kids the chance to thrive in a setting that’s both nurturing and academically strong.
When my friends and I started our co-op, we couldn’t have imagined how much it would grow and bless our community. But looking back, I see that families are hungry for connection, support, and new ways to approach learning—and microschools provide just that.
Homeschooling allows us to have more flexibility so we spend time traveling. Last year we took a longer break after Christmas and visited Buenos Aires and Patagonia. We found a store that was named after us in Bueno Aires :)
Our students truly care for each other. It is a blessing to watch them grow and learn together!
Our homeschool co-op provides many opportunities for our students to volunteer throughout our community. Here our students were helping to unload a truck full of supplies for Sharing Love and Hope.
One of our favorite places to volunteer is at the Humane Society.
For more information on homeschooling, microschools, homeschool co-ops, and traveling with your family, subscribe below!
I like to give a way lots of freebies too!
You also might be interested in learning how we opened a homeschool co-op that is still growing and thriving after 5 years. Read about that here.