Microschools are small, personalized learning environments that have emerged as an alternative to traditional K–12 schooling. Typically serving fewer than 15 students, although some may be larger, microschools often bring together learners of different ages and emphasize individualized instruction, flexible scheduling, project-based learning, and learner-centered educational approaches.

Microschooling has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic as families seek educational models that offer greater flexibility, personalization, and responsiveness to individual learner needs. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 95,000 microschools and learning pods operate across the United States, serving roughly one million to 1.5 million learners. Microschooling is now considered one of the fastest-growing alternative education sectors in the country

Depending on state and local policy frameworks, microschools may operate under a variety of governance structures. Some function within homeschooling frameworks, while others operate as private schools (accredited or non-accredited), public charter schools, or programs affiliated with traditional public school systems.

Hybrid learning models are also becoming more common. Hybrid schools allow learners to attend a formal educational setting for fewer than five days per week while combining learning experiences from multiple sources, such as microschools, online programs, tutors, community-based learning opportunities, dual enrollment programs, or extracurricular activities.

Microschools may be located in storefronts, adapted residential spaces, office buildings, houses of worship, community centers, places of business, or other nontraditional educational settings.

According to the National Microschooling Center, three common microschool models include:

• Independent Microschools – Small learning environments that resemble modern one-room schoolhouses and are often created by an individual educator, a team of educators, or a group of families.
• Partnership Microschools – Microschools established through collaboration between a host organization (such as an employer, local government, nonprofit organization, or house of worship) and an educational partner that oversees teaching and learning.
• Provider Network Microschools – Microschools operating within a larger network that provides varying levels of instructional support, curriculum resources, professional development, technology, and operational services.

Some microschools place particular emphasis on entrepreneurship, career exploration, workforce skills, competency-based learning, and individualized pathways that connect education with future college and career opportunities.

See Topic Brief: K–12 Learning Models & School Options | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library