Microschool FAQs

While each microschool can look very different from the next, all microschools are intentionally small, multi-family educational settings. They are often called “modern one-room schoolhouses” because they typically have multi-age classrooms and include opportunities for students to learn flexibly.

Many microschools serve 15 or fewer students, while others serve over 100. Some microschools have a single site, while others are part of a network of schools scattered across the nation or serving a particular state or community.

Microschools offer something between these two schooling types. While microschools may include supplemental, extracurricular, or part-time options or approach full-time academic programs differently, they will provide or facilitate a core academic program.

Microschools can be public, private, or home instruction programs. In Mississippi, Microschools will typically be private schools or home instruction programs due to the regulations that govern public settings.

Anyone can open a microschool. From parents and families who band together to create new education options to teachers ready to open their own schools, the beauty of microschools is that anyone with an idea can creatively plan to offer a small, unique education opportunity in their community.

Private microschools do not have to be accredited in Mississippi. This may be a wise choice or even necessary depending on the school model or community, but each microschool can make that decision independently.

They can be. Because microschools are small and flexible, there are many opportunities to reduce or creatively address typical costs, such as facilities, staffing, and curricula. Private microschools may employ unique tuition models, fundraise, or even access or offer scholarships for students.

The timeline for developing an microschool idea and making progress toward launch depends on experience, context, and other factors. However, one of the attractions of microschools is that they can be planned and opened quickly – generally within two to twelve months.

Microschools are growing across the nation, including in Mississippi. Some have existed for years, while others have launched in the past two to three years in response to needs that became evident during the pandemic. Microschools are serving students in urban, suburban, and rural areas across the state, from Jackson to Hattiesburg, Pontotoc, Vicksburg, Byram and more.