What is a Microschool?
In recent years, the traditional model of education has been challenged by various alternatives. One such intriguing development is the rise of “microschools.” But what exactly is a microschool, and why are they gaining traction? Let’s dive in.
Understanding Microschools: The Future of Personalized Education
The word “micro-school” is used to describe a unique learning set up and are the result of rethinking the traditional educational model to better prepare children for the future. It’s where homeschooling and private school collide for a rich and authentic experience.
A microschool is a small, often independently-run educational setting that provides a more personalized and flexible approach to learning than traditional schools. They are small, private institutions where students are empowered to personalize their own educations and are held accountable for their own progress.
Typically, microschools consist of a small number of students, often ranging from as few as five to as many as fifteen or so. These small class sizes allow for more individualized instruction and often a more flexible curriculum.
Microschools offer closer adult-child relationships in which teachers serve as facilitators of student-led learning, not just deliverers of content. Learners are given the parameters to pursue a rich and authentic way of learning and serving others.
Key Features of Microschools
Here are some key characteristics of microschools:
Small Class Sizes: The intimate class sizes are perhaps the most defining feature. This facilitates individualized attention, hands-on activities, and fosters closer teacher-student relationships.
Flexible Curriculum: Each student is unique, and many microschools embrace this by tailoring their curriculum to suit individual needs and passions. This flexibility allows for a more holistic approach to education, focusing on cultivating a love for learning.
Innovative Approaches: Unburdened by larger institutional frameworks, microschools often serve as incubators for innovative teaching methods, whether it’s integrating technology in meaningful ways or adopting fresh pedagogical strategies.
Blended Learning: The blend of face-to-face instruction with online resources empowers students to explore topics at their own pace, offering both structure and freedom.
Community and Relationships: With fewer students, everyone knows everyone. This closeness can translate to a supportive community where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Here's 5 more key features of microschools.
6. Diverse Offerings: There’s no one-size-fits-all microschool. Some might focus on project-based learning, others on arts, outdoor education, or even specific philosophies like Montessori or Waldorf.
7. Affordability & Accessibility: Some microschools operate with a goal to make education more affordable and accessible, although the financial model can vary widely.
8. Parental Involvement: It’s not uncommon for parents to play a pivotal role in microschools, whether through governance, daily tasks, or even direct teaching.
9. Hybrid Models: Some microschools operate on a hybrid model, where students might attend in person for part of the week and learn remotely or through projects for the rest.
10. Facilitators or Coaches: In a microschool, the role of the teacher might be more like a facilitator, coach or guide, helping students navigate their learning paths rather than delivering traditional lectures.
Why are Microschools Gaining Popularity?
The appeal of microschools lies in their promise to deliver education that’s personal, flexible, and aligned with modern-day challenges and opportunities. For students who might feel lost in the shuffle of larger classrooms or for those with specific learning needs, microschools can offer a nurturing environment to thrive.
The world of education is recognizing that one size doesn’t fit all. As students and parents seek more tailored educational experiences, microschools offer an attractive alternative. Here’s why:
Individual Needs Addressed: Every child learns differently. Microschools can quickly adapt to the needs of each student, offering a genuinely individualized education.
Adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, microschools can pivot their curriculum and teaching methods faster than larger institutions.
Closeness and Safety: For parents concerned about large class sizes, especially in the wake of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, microschools offer a safer, more controlled environment.
Passion-Driven Learning: Microschools often allow students to explore subjects deeply, fostering a love for learning and nurturing passions that might be overlooked in more extensive settings.
Let's Wrap This Up.
Microschools have been gaining traction as parents and educators look for more tailored educational experiences for students, especially in response to dissatisfaction with traditional school systems or as adaptations during events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s worth noting that the term “microschool” is broad, and what one microschool offers might be completely different from another. Parents and guardians interested in this model for their children should research individual schools and understand their specific philosophies, curriculums, and operations.
Whether you’re a parent considering educational options for your child, an educator looking to innovate, or simply someone curious about the future of learning, the microschool movement is undoubtedly worth watching.
Get inspired by taking a little peek inside our microschool and homeschool hybrid program that we launched in August 2023.
Grab your notebook and pen or even a Google doc because I know once you take a look; those creative juices are going to start flowing but also you might have some questions that pop up too.
I really want you to start dreaming big, teacher friend.
If you’re reading this blog post, then that means you are thinking about the possibility of starting a microschool or homeschooling business.
Maybe for your family or maybe for your community.
Whatever the case may be, it starts with you DREAMING BIG, teacher friend!
Because always remember that All Things Are Possible!