What’s the difference between microschooling and homeschooling?
At first glance, they seem pretty similar. Both are personalized and flexible. Both design learning around each student. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some surprising differences that can change the experience for both kids and parents.
Flip the cards below to see how microschools compare!
1. Class Size
Microschools offer a mix.
Which Learning Environment Fits Your Student Best?
Homeschooling: It’s usually just you and your kid(s) at the kitchen table or in a dedicated space at home. Homeschoolers may attend a co-op or small group activities. Group activities are usually parent-led as a collaborative effort between families.
Microschooling: Picture an open classroom with an open co-working space vibe. Microschools vary in size and structure, but usually have 10-20 students in total across multiple age groups.
2. Social Opportunities
Social time is built into the microschool day.
How Important Is Daily Social Interaction for Your Child?
Homeschooling: You’ll need to schedule playdates and co-ops to get that social time. Co-ops are typically parent-organized between a few families.
Microschooling: Socializing is built-in and a key part of the educational experience, with intentional activities for kids to build social emotional skills. Kids interact with a consistent small group of peers and their teacher.
3. Learning Structure
Microschools offer flexibility and structure.
Do You Prefer Full Control Over Curriculum Planning?
Homeschooling: You’re the architect of the curriculum, deciding what gets taught and when. Homeschool parents decide every detail.
Microschooling: There’s a structured curriculum, led by an educator. Curriculum is often flexible and decided upon in collaboration with the student and family. It can include a mix of traditional, online, or project-based activities, as well as a variety of focus areas.
4. Cost
Microschools have set tuition plans.
What Kind of Education Budget Works for Your Family?
Homeschooling: Costs depend on the curriculum, supplies, and activities you choose. State funding may be available for educational services if your state offers an Educational Savings Account (ESA) program for homeschoolers.
Microschooling: Microschools are tuition-based, with parents dropping off students for full-time or part-time attendance. Pricing varies, and some schools offer different plans. ESAs may help cover tuition costs, depending on your state.
5. Teacher Role
Microschools are led by educators.
Do You Want to Be the Primary Teacher?
Homeschooling: In a homeschooling setting, parents usually take on the primary role of teacher. This means planning daily lessons and learning. The approach varies family to family.
Microschooling: A microschool teacher typically manages daily activities and curriculum. While parents may have input in shaping what their kids work on, microschools offer support from an experienced educator.
6. Location
Microschools have dedicated locations.
Is Learning Better at Home or in a Community Setting?
Homeschooling: Homeschooling offers a quiet, familiar environment that can be adapted to each child’s learning style and pace. Parents often create cozy learning spaces. They may incorporate outdoor activities.
Microschooling: For families seeking an established community, microschool environments are designed to encourage group learning and collaboration. Children learn alongside peers, benefiting from both structured lessons and interactive, hands-on projects.
7. Curriculum
Microschools involve families in curriculum.
How Much Structure and Flexibility Do You Want?
Homeschooling: Homeschooling allows parents to fully customize their child’s curriculum. Parents have the freedom to adjust the pace, revisit topics as needed, and explore subjects based on their child’s interests.
Microschooling: Microschools are very similar, although different schools take different approaches to curriculum. Individualized and small group learning allows teachers to adapt learning to each student, with room for individual exploration and student-driven projects.
8. Parent Involvement
Microschooling lets parents stay involved.
How Much Involvement Can You Commit To?
Homeschooling: Parents are deeply involved every day. They manage the teaching, grading, and curriculum planning, along with coordinating any extracurricular activities or group meetups. It’s a hands-on commitment.
Microschooling: Microschool parents have more say in what their kids learn at school. They allow parents to focus on work or other commitments while still providing a more personal education. It’s like homeschooling away from home.
9. Assessment
Microschools can help track growth.
How Will You Know Your Kids are Prepared to Succeed?
Homeschooling: Many homeschool families focus on project-based evaluations or portfolios to show progress and growth. Standardized tests are optional, giving families the flexibility to track growth in their own way.
Microschooling: Microschool teachers may assess student learning collectively, but can also provide personalized feedback to support individual growth. This shared assessment approach helps maintain educational consistency while still recognizing individual needs.
10. Community
Each microschool community is unique.
How Important Is Community for Your Family?
Homeschooling: Families who homeschool often build their own communities through co-ops, support groups, and local ties. Parents arrange playdates, group outings, and extracurricular activities.
Microschooling: A sense of community is built into the microschooling model. Students form bonds over shared learning experiences. Parents often become part of this community through organized events, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative projects, creating a network of support and connection.
