Microschools in Florida
Could a Microschool Be Right for Your Family?
Microschools are small, supportive school communities led by caring educators who make learning personal.
✅ Inviting school spaces where kids develop a love for learning
✅ Inspiring educators who guide and motivate each student
✅ Learning that fits each child’s needs and strengths
✅ A welcoming community where kids feel connected
How Microschools Support Florida Families
Would your student benefit from a more personal approach to learning? Whether you’re in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, or anywhere in between, there may be a microschool near you. Browse our directory to explore a wide variety of microschools in Florida.
Homeschool & Online Students
Florida is home to a large community of homeschoolers and online students. Microschools provide independent learners with the perfect mix of support and connection. Explore hybrid schooling and flexible curriculum options below.
Non-Traditional Learners
With a diverse population, Florida offers a range of educational options for neurodiverse, exceptional, and bilingual learners. Find a microschool that engages your student in a way that suits their unique needs.
Public & Private School Students
While Florida offers a variety of school options, your local school may not be the right fit. Microschools offer a supportive, low-stress environment where kids can build confidence and find success on their own terms.
Microschools in Florida
Find the perfect microschool for your student! Search the map below to explore microschools in Florida.
Are Microschools in Florida Eligible for Step Up Scholarships?
Many microschools in Florida are eligible for school choice programs, including scholarships distributed by Step Up for Students. These programs make it easy for Florida families to funds for tuition and other educational services. Depending on the school and provider, there are several scholarship opportunities available to help cover the cost of microschool tuition.
Here are a few of the most common microschool scholarships accepted by schools in Florida:
- Step Up Scholarships: Step Up is one of several organizations offering programs to cover private school or microschool tuition in Florida. All Florida families are eligible to apply.
- Personalized Education Program (PEP Scholarship): Designed for students to create their own personalized learning path, this scholarship allows families to choose from a variety of curriculum options and educational service providers.
- Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA): Provides funding for students with unique learning needs or disabilities, helping them access specialized educational resources.
Florida Microschools vs. Traditional Schools
Microschools in Florida offer unique opportunities that go beyond the classroom, with flexible, hands-on learning experiences that engage students in real-world activities. Whether it’s participating in coastal cleanups, visiting local parks, or exploring the state’s rich history through field trips, microschools provide immersive learning experiences that connect students to their communities and the world around them.
Here’s how microschools in Florida compare to public and private schools:
Microschools in Florida
Small classes for personalized attention: Students receive more one-on-one time with instructors, allowing them to focus on their strengths and grow in a supportive environment.
Flexible schedules: Many microschools offer hybrid or part-time options, letting families design schedules that best fit their needs.
Community-driven learning: With a focus on collaboration, students engage in meaningful projects, like environmental cleanups or internships with local businesses, giving them hands-on, real-world experience.
Interest-based curriculum: Students explore subjects that resonate with them, integrating learning with real-world applications.
School Choice Funding: Florida families can access funding through various scholarship programs like Step Up for Students and the Family Empowerment Scholarship, making microschool tuition more affordable.
Flexible enrollment: Students can register as homeschoolers or private school students, depending on the microschool’s structure.
Ideal for personalized support: Great for families seeking a more intimate and flexible education option.
Traditional Schools in Florida
Larger class sizes: Public and private schools often have larger classes, making it harder for students to get individualized attention.
Fixed schedules: Most traditional schools follow a rigid schedule, which may not always fit the needs of every student or family.
Less community-focused: Larger schools can feel impersonal, with fewer opportunities for hands-on or experiential learning.
Standardized curriculum: Students follow a set curriculum based on their grade level, with less flexibility for personalized or interest-based exploration.
Tuition-free public schools: Public schools are tuition-free, while private schools may have tuition fees and financial aid options.
Standard enrollment: Students register as full-time learners with their public or private school, adhering to established requirements.
Best for traditional education: Ideal for families who prefer a structured, traditional education model with clear expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a microschool?
A microschool is a small, student-centered community where educators design learning around each student’s needs. Typically, these schools have small class sizes, creating a more personal school environment. Microschools often offer hybrid school options with flexible schedules and curriculum offerings.
People often compare microschools to the one-room schoolhouses you’d find in early rural America. They can also be described as a mix between homeschooling and traditional school, combining the best of both worlds.
How do I enroll my child in a microschool in Florida?
Enrollment typically involves reaching out to the microschool directly. Each microschool may have a slightly different process, but it’s usually a simple and direct process. Many schools also offer tours or introductory meetings so you can find the right fit for your child.
Can I use Step Up scholarships for a microschool in Florida?
Yes, you can use Step Up For Students scholarships for a microschool in Florida, provided the microschool meets the eligibility criteria set by the program. Step Up For Students and the AAA Scholarship Foundation are two organizations that administer school choice programs and scholarships for Florida families to attend eligible private schools and microschools.
- Step Up Scholarship: Provides financial assistance for private school tuition to eligible Florida families.
- Personalized Education Program (PEP) Scholarship: Designed for students to create a personalized learning path, this scholarship helps fund tuition at eligible microschools.
- Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA): Offers funding for students with unique learning needs to attend eligible private schools or request services from educational providers, including microschools.
- Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO): Allows families to use scholarship funds for tuition at eligible private schools, including microschools if they are registered as a private school.
What types of students benefit from microschools?
Florida microschools are perfect for a variety of students. Homeschoolers and online learners can find the community, structure, and enrichment they need to enhance their programs, with the added benefit of personalized attention and flexible schedules. Non-traditional learners—like gifted students, those with unique learning needs, or English language learners—thrive in the hands-on, self-paced environment that microschools offer. For families seeking alternatives to traditional public or private schools, microschools provide a supportive, low-stress setting where students can gain confidence and progress at their own pace.
What is behind the growth of microschools in Florida?
The growth of microschools in Florida is tied to the state’s strong support for educational choice and the growing demand for more personalized learning options. Florida has long been a leader in homeschooling and school choice. As families seek alternatives to traditional public and private schools, microschools offer smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and flexible learning schedules. This makes them an appealing choice for students with different needs, whether they’re homeschoolers, gifted learners, or those needing a more supportive environment.
The availability of state scholarship programs like Step Up For Students and the Family Empowerment Scholarship has also made microschools more accessible to a wider range of families. With a focus on community, hands-on learning, and tailored educational experiences, microschools have become an exciting and growing option for families in Florida who want something different from the traditional school experience.