Microschools: An Overview
Microschools are small, community-focused educational environments that emphasize personalized instruction, flexibility, and close relationships between educators and students. Typically serving fewer than 15 students, microschools offer a blend of homeschooling, traditional schooling, and alternative education methods. They often incorporate project-based learning, technology, and interdisciplinary approaches, tailoring the educational experience to meet the unique needs of each learner. While the concept of microschools draws from historical education models, it gained prominence in the 21st century, particularly during the rise of learning pods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Origins and Early Development
The modern microschool movement was shaped by a growing demand for alternatives to traditional schooling and a desire for more individualized, learner-centered education. Although microschools share similarities with one-room schoolhouses and homeschool co-ops, the term “microschool” gained traction in 2015 when entrepreneur Manisha Snoyer founded CottageClass, the first marketplace dedicated to creating and supporting microschools. CottageClass provided a platform where parents, educators, and small communities could collaborate to establish and manage microschools, making the concept more accessible and scalable.
Snoyer’s work with CottageClass formalized the microschool model, offering a structure for families and educators seeking to create intimate learning environments. This effort not only helped popularize the term but also inspired other organizations to support the burgeoning movement. CottageClass emphasized the versatility of microschools, showcasing them as environments that could serve full-time educational needs or supplement traditional schooling.
The rise of learning pods and homeschool co-ops further contributed to the microschool movement. Learning pods, often organized by parents during the COVID-19 pandemic, brought small groups of students together for shared learning experiences, frequently with hired educators or rotating parent teachers. Similarly, homeschool co-ops—a long-standing practice among homeschooling families—provided collaborative, small-scale educational opportunities that align closely with the principles of microschools.
Philosophical Foundations
Microschools are grounded in principles of personalized learning, flexibility, and community engagement. Their small size allows educators to tailor instruction to the individual needs, interests, and learning styles of each student. This approach emphasizes student agency, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving, fostering skills that prepare learners for an unpredictable and dynamic future.
Another key element of the microschool philosophy is the integration of real-world experiences into education. Many microschools prioritize project-based learning, community involvement, and interdisciplinary studies, creating environments where students can connect their learning to practical applications and societal challenges. Microschools also value collaboration and relationship-building, fostering close connections between students, educators, and families.
Key Features and Practices
Microschools typically serve fewer than 15 students, creating an intimate learning environment that allows for personalized instruction and strong relationships. Curricula are often flexible and interdisciplinary, designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and promote creativity and innovation. Many microschools use blended learning models that incorporate both online and in-person instruction, leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience.
Learning pods and homeschool co-ops are commonly considered variations of microschools. Learning pods emerged as a response to the challenges of remote learning during the pandemic, enabling families to pool resources and hire educators for small, in-person groups. Homeschool co-ops, by contrast, are often organized by homeschooling families who share teaching responsibilities and resources, providing collaborative learning opportunities in a community setting. Both models align with the core values of microschools, emphasizing flexibility, personalization, and community involvement.
Microschools are also characterized by their adaptability. They can serve as full-time educational options, supplemental programs, or transitional models for families exploring alternatives to traditional schooling. This flexibility has made microschools particularly appealing to families seeking customized solutions to meet their children’s unique educational needs.
Historical and Modern Contexts
Microschools gained renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when widespread school closures and the shift to remote learning highlighted the limitations of traditional educational systems. Parents sought smaller, safer, and more personalized learning environments, leading to a surge in learning pods and a broader awareness of the microschool model. Organizations like CottageClass and others provided resources and frameworks for families to establish these alternative education settings, further popularizing the concept.
Beyond the pandemic, microschools have become part of a larger conversation about educational reform. Proponents see them as a way to address systemic issues like overcrowded classrooms, standardized testing, and one-size-fits-all curricula. By offering flexibility and innovation, microschools aim to provide a more equitable and responsive educational model.
Key Figures and Influences
Manisha Snoyer played a pivotal role in the modern microschool movement. As the founder of CottageClass in 2015, Snoyer introduced the term “microschool” into mainstream educational discourse and created a marketplace that empowered families and educators to collaborate on building small, personalized learning environments. CottageClass formalized the microschool concept, providing tools, resources, and community support to help microschools flourish.
In addition to Snoyer, organizations like Acton Academy and Prenda have significantly influenced the microschool movement. Acton Academy, founded by Jeff and Laura Sandefer, emphasizes self-directed, mastery-based learning and entrepreneurial thinking, while Prenda supports community-driven microschools with a focus on blended learning and accessibility. These organizations, alongside grassroots efforts like learning pods and homeschool co-ops, have expanded the reach and visibility of microschools as a viable educational option.
Final Thoughts
Microschools represent a dynamic shift in education, blending elements of traditional schooling, homeschooling, and community-based learning to create small, flexible, and personalized environments. Through the efforts of pioneers like Manisha Snoyer and organizations like CottageClass, the microschool movement has grown into a robust alternative to conventional education systems. By fostering innovation, adaptability, and strong community ties, microschools are reshaping the educational landscape and offering families new ways to meet the diverse needs of learners in an increasingly complex world.
