First off, if you’re making a K-12 education decision for your child, you’re not alone. Tens of thousands of Colorado parents are making similar decisions each year. Secondly, you can do it! In Colorado, you have access to more school choice options than you might realize. Knowing and navigating these options can help you find a great school. And remember, every child is different. So, the best school for your neighbor’s child may be different than the best school for your child.
Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Colorado at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.
Most children in Colorado (76.5%) attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, and operated by school districts. Public schools are funded by federal, state, and local government. Did you know that Colorado spends, on average, $12,255 per public school student each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.
Colorado has unrestricted open enrollment for public schools. What this means is that you may be able to send your child to any public school in Colorado, regardless of where you live or where the school is located. You can take advantage of this important option by visiting multiple public schools near you and discovering which is the best fit for your family. Since Colorado has a law prohibiting public schools from charging tuition for transfer students, open enrollment is always a free option for families.
Another widespread public school choice in Colorado are charter schools. These schools are tuition-free public schools that have extra freedom to innovate with learning methods. If traditional public schools are a little like luxury liners that are able to serve many people but slower to turn when the wind changes, charter schools are a little like sailboats, which are built for a smaller number of people but are easier to adjust and navigate.
Each public charter school has a charter that explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. This purpose might be providing a STEAM program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. One recently-opened charter high school focuses on agriculture, food, health, and environmental stewardship; it even has a soil and seed lab! If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance.
You can also choose magnet schools! These public schools allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, like engineering or STEM. At a magnet school, all the subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track.
We interviewed one Colorado magnet school, New Emerson School at Columbus. Students at New Emerson combined the ideas of a library and a laboratory to make a “libratory.” Cool stuff!
Share on:
Colorado Private Schools
Additionally, Colorado families can choose from private schools, which come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. These schools are nonpublic schools that charge tuition.
Unfortunately, in Colorado there are no state-run scholarship programs to help families afford private school tuition. However, there may be privately funded scholarships available. ACE Scholarships, for instance, works to provide scholarships for disadvantaged students in Colorado and other states. Also, the federal government allows parents to save for K-12 private school tuition using tax-preferred 529 savings accounts.
There are also many online schools serving specific grades. For example, students statewide in grades 4-12 who are interested in career technical education may wish to check out Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, which specializes in real-world training for specific careers. Students in grades 9-12 who need extra academic and social support to excel may want to consider Pikes Peak Online School.
You can dive into a full list of online options at the Colorado Department of Education. Note that some of the online options listed are available only to local students.
In addition, Colorado Digital Learning Solutions is the official state virtual school and offers part-time courses for middle-school and high-school students. While Colorado Digital Learning Solutions charges fees, students attending Colorado traditional public schools and public charter schools may have their fees subsidized. Another part-time option for some Colorado students is My Tech High, which partners with Colorado Early Colleges and the Vilas School District to offer online learning opportunities for students ages 5-18.
We recently interviewed a Colorado online school, GOAL Academy. This online school has drop-in centers where students can work and frequent school field trips, offering families a unique blend of virtual and in-person education.
Homeschooling is also available to Colorado families. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and is permitted in all 50 states. As both technology and school choices have spread in Colorado, homeschooling is an increasingly popular choice with more support and resources than ever.
In Colorado, requires notice of your intent to homeschool, if you are using the state’s homeschool statue, 14 days prior to homeschooling annually. It is recommended that you formally withdraw from your current school so that your student is not marked truant.
Today, many Colorado families today are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning, close-knit relationships, and emphasizing children as individual learners.
Here are a few real examples of microschools in Colorado:
Zealous Schools is one organization operating a few microschools as independent schools in Colorado.
In Denver, Embark Education blends study and real world experience, allowing students to work half-hour shifts at a nearby coffee shop and bike shop.
Anastasis Academy is a Christian microschool in Centennial focusing on experiential learning and small, mixed-age classes.
North Star Microschool is a home-based learning center modeled after the one-room schoolhouse.
La Luz Education is an independent microschool / homeschool enrichment program for sixth and seventh graders. The program is tuition-free and offers education in both English and Spanish.
Montessori Peaks Academy is a Colorado public charter school, but offers several free enrichment programs for homeschool students.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Each spring, parents face one of the biggest decisions they can make for their child’s future: What school environment will their child spend about 1,000 hours in next year? Let’s dive in to school choice in California.
Making that decision with confidence starts with knowing your options; you may have more school choices than you realize. Understanding these options can help you find a school where your child grows and learns to the best of their ability. Remember, each child is unique. So, the “best” school for your child may be different than the “best” school for your neighbor’s child. That’s okay!
First off, most children in California (70.1%) attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. California spends an average of $14,985per public school pupil each year.
Open enrollment is an important form of public school choice; open enrollment refers to whether a state allows parents to send their children to schools outside of their district. In California, parents of students assigned to low-performing schools may be able to transfer their children to another school based on the state’s limited open enrollment laws. In general, school districts in California can also set their own open enrollment policies, so parents can check with their local district to learn more. As a real-world example, the William S. Hart Union High School District only accepts transfers within its district for a few student groups, including victims of bullying, foster youth, and children of active military.
Parents can request that the school they select through open enrollment provides transportation assistance.
Different public schools may have different cultures and missions. For example, we recently spoke to Sonia Flores, the principal at California’s Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy, which was ranked in the top 50 public high schools in the United States. She told us that, while the school serves all students, its special mission is to support “students who are first in their family to go to college, or students who come from a low-income background who face obstacles that prevent them from being successful in a comprehensive high school setting.”
Secondly, families in California have another tuition-free option in charter schools. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are public, free, and usually have no requirements for entry. What distinguishes charter schools is that they have extra freedom to innovate with learning methods. In addition, public charter schools are accountable to authorizing entities, such as colleges or school districts, for results.
The first charter school in California opened in 1994 in San Carlos. Today, about one in nine of California’s public school students attend a charter school. The state has around 1,000 charter schools, which can be found in this school directory. Each charter has a particular focus and strives to fill a unique role in the local community. For example, this could be providing a STEAM program or a rigorous literacy program. When we interviewed the executive director of one of California’s largest charter schools, Granada Hills Charter School, we learned that the school serves students from 60 countries who, collectively, speak more than 40 languages!
Depending on where you live in California, you may also be able to choose a magnet school. These free, public schools allow kids to focus on specific themes, like science or the performing arts. If your child learns best by diving deeply into a subject he or she is passionate about, a magnet school could be a good fit.
In addition, you can consider private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. There are about 3,815 private schools across the state of California, and these schools offer families unique learning environments. For instance, private schools may be religious schools, non-sectarian Montessori schools, or schools designed for children with learning differences. 8.6% of the K-12 student population in California attends a private school.
The average tuition for private schools in the state is $15,147 for elementary schools and $20,808 for high schools. Tuition can vary quite a lot, and may be much lower in some cases. Unfortunately, in California there are not currently any state-run scholarships to help families afford private school tuition. Privately-run scholarships may be available.
California doesn’t have an official state virtual school, but there are several free, full-time online learning options for students. In California, a fully online school is only allowed to serve students in contiguous counties, not students statewide. Because of this, some education management organizations operate multiple online schools to be able to serve students from across the state. Two of the biggest of these online school “networks” are California Connections Academy and California Virtual Academies.
California has more than 30 online charter schools, giving every California student a fully online option. California Pacific Charter Schools is a free online choice for students in more than a dozen California counties. Meanwhile, Method Online School serves southern California students, and Compass Charter Schools serves Los Angeles, Yolo, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
K-12 students in Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, and Orange counties can also consider IQ Academy-Los Angeles. While much of the learning is facilitated by technology, this learning program offers in-person field trips and meet-ups as well. Students in grades 9-12 needing additional academic support to overcome obstacles may wish to consider Insight Schools of California.
Additionally, some districts have created their own online schools, like Davis School for Independent Study,West Contra Costa Unified Virtual Academy, El Dorado Union High School District’s Pacific Crest Academy,Elk Grove Unified School District’s Virtual Academy, and Vista Virtual Academy. Students in the district or who have received an interdistrict transfer can apply. Los Angeles Unified School District’s Virtual Academy served nearly 18,000 students during the 2021-2022 school year. In response to the appetite for online options, the district created six new theme-based online schools for the 2022-2023 school year. Each online program has a unique focus, such as computer science or leadership and public service.
You can also choose homeschooling, the process of parents educating students at home. In California, 2.7% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. The state requires notice of your intent to homeschool between October 1 – October 15 of each year if you are homeschooling as a home-based private school. It is recommended that you formally withdraw from your current school so that your student is not marked truant.
If you choose to homeschool, you are required to teach courses commonly taught in public schools, but specific standardized tests are not required if you are homeschooling as a home-based private school. In general, children who are homeschooled may face roadblocks if they want to participate in public school sports or activities in California, but other sports leagues may be available.
We recently spoke to the Cox Family, a California family that found that homeschooling was the best fit for one of their three children. As mom Erica Cox put it, finding the right school for your child requires being open to thinking outside the box: “If you want your kid to be a successful student, you need to find the right type of school and environment for them to thrive in. Don’t assume because it works for one [student] it will work for the others.”
Share on:
California Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning
Today, many California families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning, close-knit relationships, and emphasizing children as individual learners.
Here are just a few examples of the many microschools and innovative learning choices in California:
Silicon Schools “funds the creation of new schools that foster innovation and personalization to discover the next generation of schools in America.” Their grantees include several microschools and other innovative educational initiatives.
Chronos Academy, a microschool in Larkspur, evolved from a cohort program for homeschoolers to a private school with intentionally small classes.
The Players Academy, a network of full-time learning centers that offer hybrid learning for student athletes, is opening locations in Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, and Walnut Creek.
In Oakland, the Oakland REACH offers virtual learning hubs to help students receive support and academic and social enrichment.
Global Village School is a homeschool/private school hybrid that was founded back in 1999. The school focuses on self-directed distance learning, social justice, and sustainability.
The Open School is a small, self-directed school for creative learners. The Open School has a campus in Santa Ana and a virtual program for non-local families.
Acton Academy Venice Beach is part of that Acton Academy network that primarily emphasizes self-directed learning and entrepreneurial thinking in a collaborative environment.
Praxis Elite offers an innovative middle school curriculum that combines academics and athletics in equal measure.
Julian Charter School is hybrid-style public charter school that serves more than 2,000 students.
Seeds of Love Collective focuses on developing holistic educational pathways in connection with nature. Their Open Wilderness Literacy & Science (OWLS) microschool offers outdoor education with hands-on learning experiences for learners aged 6-11 to cultivate community, friendships, and joy in learning.
Inner Fire Academy provides an intimate and tailored learning environment for homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools, specializing in gifted children aged 8-12 with a focus on customized, engaging education.
Ellemercito Academy is a Los Angeles-based microschool focused on experiential, place-based learning.
Angeles Workshop School is a student-led private school in Los Angeles serving up to just 20 students.
Brightworks in San Francisco is a small school that seeks to foster students’ advocacy and love of learning through project-based experiences.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Share on:
Download the School Choice Snapshot for California
Arkansas parents, this post is for you. Each year you face one of the biggest decisions you can ever make for your child: Where they attend school. Knowing all your school choice options in Arkansas can help you select the best fit for your family.
Most families in Arkansas (80.7%) choose traditional public schools for their child. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by federal, state, and local government. Did you know that Arkansas spends about $11,266 per public school pupil each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.
If you would like to participate in open enrollment, contact your local district. Arkansas law prohibits districts from charging tuition for transfer students, so open enrollment is always free. Generally, transportation is not covered by the school you use open enrollment to select, unless that school district is under facilities distress or a special agreement is made between the receiving and sending districts.
Open enrollment can be a valuable way for you to have options within the public school system; you can visit multiple public schools and decide which is best for your family.
Additionally, you can consider charter schools. In Arkansas, 6.5% of all K-12 students attend a charter school. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that are allowed extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. As of 2023, Arkansas has about 95 public charter schools for parents to choose from.
Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a language immersion program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance.
In Arkansas there are both conversion schools and open-enrollment schools. Conversion schools are traditional public schools that have converted to charter schools. They usually only serve students within their district. Open-enrollment charter schools are run by a governmental entity, higher learning organization, or non-sectarian organization and can draw students from various districts. In 2023, the LEARNS Act eliminated a cap on the number of charter schools that can be opened by nonprofit organizations in the state, paving the way for more schools.
As the Arkansas Department of Education puts it, “Beyond the two basic types of charters, the concepts put in place by a public charter school are as broad as the imagination.” For one example of what charter schools offer Arkansas families, check out LISA Academy, a system of high-performing STEM charter schools. Another Arkansas charter school we talked to, Founders Classical Academy, makes classical education available to families in a free, public school environment.
Share on:
Arkansas Magnet Schools
Magnet schools are another option. These are free public schools that allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as engineering or the performing arts. A magnet school teaches all subjects through the lenses of that specific track. These might be a good option if your kid learns best by focusing in on a subject he or she is passionate about.
For example, Apple Glen Elementary School, located in Bentonville County, is a “visible learning” school, meaning that learning centers around the students. The students take responsibility for their education through self-evaluation and student-led activities. Some additional examples include Mary Mae Jones Elementary School and Hot Springs Park Magnet, which both offer International Baccalaureate programs.
Private schools are nonpublic schools that charge tuition. There are about 190 private schools across the state of Arkansas. These private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. The average tuition for private schools in the state is $5,910 for elementary schools and $6,689 for high schools.
0.2% of all K-12 students in Arkansas participate in a private school choice program. In 2023, Arkansas created a new scholarship program to help families afford nonpublic learning environments. Families who participate in the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Accounts program can have 90% of their child’s state education funding (about $6,600 in 2023-24) deposited in an online account. Parents can then use that funding to pay for approved expenses, like tuition at an eligible private school.
For 2024-25, the program is open to students with disabilities, homeless students, foster students, first-time kindergarteners, students currently in the Succeed Scholarship program, children of active duty military personnel and veterans, children of first responders, and students enrolled in the previous school year in D or F-rated public schools or Level 5 Intensive support school districts. Eligibility to apply will expand to any Arkansas student by 2025! Find all the details in our Arkansas LEARNS Act Explainer.
There are many reasons to give online learning a try, from sports schedules to bullying issues to medical needs. Arkansas offers several free, full-time online learning options for students, like Arkansas Connections Academy and Arkansas Virtual Academy. These are multi-district, fully online options. More options are launching too: Two additional statewide virtual charter schools have been approved to open, and several more are in the pipeline for approval.
For part-time classes, Virtual Arkansas offers online options for any Arkansas student, though online classes for students in grades K-6 are limited. Students enrolled in a public school can take all or some of their Virtual Arkansas classes online. While Virtual Arkansas’ website lists fees for courses, the local school district pays those, not students and their families.
Parents can also choose homeschooling! Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home. As both technology and school choices have spread in Arkansas, homeschooling is an increasingly popular choice.
In Arkansas, 4.9% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. The state requires notice of your intent to homeschool your child by August 15 of each school year. If you are making the decision to homeschool mid-year, you must provide notice 5 days prior to withdrawing. In the case that you move, you must file your notice to homeschool within 30 days of establishing residency at your new location.
You are not required to teach specific subjects or use specific standardized tests if you choose to homeschool in Arkansas. Your child might still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at the local public school, though restrictions may apply. Additionally, homeschooled students with disabilities in Arkansas may be eligible to access special education services from their local school districts.
In the case that you want to switch back to public school, the school will require a transcript with courses taken and grades, as well as a portfolio, for placement into classes.
In 2023, Arkansas created a new scholarship program to help families afford nonpublic learning environments. By 2025, homeschoolers will be able to opt into the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account program and keep homeschooling, using the program funding for their approved homeschool curriculum. Just keep in mind that homeschoolers who participate in the Educational Freedom Account program will be required to take an annual test and may need to meet additional requirements that other homeschoolers statewide are not obliged to meet.
Today, many Arkansas families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning, close-knit relationships, and emphasizing children as individual learners.
Here are a few examples of innovative learning options in Arkansas:
ACRES is a new microschool opening in Brookland in fall 2023. Families will register as homeschoolers but come together for mixed-age learning with a Socratic style.
The Decker School in central Arkansas reimagines education through child-led exploration. Families can enroll part-time as homeschoolers, or participate in a full-time program.
Arkansas’ new Educational Freedom Account, which is phasing in over the next two years, will provide participating families with flexible funding that can be used for private school expenses, tutoring, and more.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
If you live in Arizona, you have access to more K-12 education options than you might realize. Navigating these options can help you find a school where your child thrives, but it can also feel overwhelming. This guide will breakdown the main types of school choice in Arizona, as well as provide additional education resources.
Interested in learning more about Arizona’s ESA program? Check out our deep dive blog on the Empowerment Scholarship Account program and Arizona School Choice.
Most children in Arizona (68.3%) attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. Arizona spends an average of $9,611 per public school pupil each year. You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.
Arizona has unrestricted open enrollment for public school. What this means is that you can send your child to any public school in Arizona, regardless of where you live or where the school is located, as long as the school has capacity. Each district’s open enrollment policies must be available in English and Spanish, and must include transportation provisions. These include transportation up to about 20 miles each way for students with a disability or IEP, and can include other students, too. For example, you can read about the open enrollment process in the Scottsdale Unified School District.
Arizona has a law prohibiting public schools from charging tuition for transfer students, so this option is always free. You can take advantage of open enrollment by visiting multiple public schools near you and discovering which is the best fit for your family. Traditional public schools may differ in learning methods and one may just “feel different” than another to you.
For example, one traditional public school in Arizona we talked to, Coyote Springs Elementary School, has a unique focus on “authenticity in learning.” Pamela Clark, the school’s instructional specialist, shared one of the school’s cool practices for the beginning of the school year. It’s called “two for ten.” She said, “We want everyone on campus to spend ten minutes with a child for a couple of weeks just getting to know them, talking about things other than school, and every person on campus participates, including teachers, custodians, the cafeteria staff.”
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that have extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. Arizona has more than 500 charter schools that parents can choose from. In fact, at least 84% of Arizona students have access to at least one charter in their area.
Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. For example, Arizona Autism Charter School focuses on the educational needs of children with autism, while others may focus on language immersion or mathematics. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance.
We recently interviewed one of Arizona’s very first charter schools, Benjamin Franklin Charter School. When we asked the charter school’s Director of Education, Diana Dana, what makes her school unique, here’s what she shared: “Because we are not restricted by boundaries, we are able to welcome any family that is looking for something more than what their neighborhood school offers in a caring, wholesome environment. Many parents choose to be a part of something special with us because we provide an ‘A’ rated education and family-friendly amenities such as affordable before- and after- school childcare and free school supplies. We take pride in removing barriers to an excellent, tuition-free education.”
Share on:
Arizona Magnet Schools
You can also choose magnet schools. These free public schools allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as health sciences or the performing arts. At a magnet school, all subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track. These might be a good option if your kid learns best by focusing in on a subject he or she is passionate about!
There are many magnet school options in Arizona. For instance, the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona currently lists twelve magnet schools. These include schools that focus on communication arts, dual language, Montessori, and gifted study. Meanwhile, in Goodyear, Centerra Mirage STEM Academy is a magnet school focusing on hands-on STEM learning and enrichment. And, Gallego Primary K-3 Fine Arts Magnet School in the Sunnyside Unified School District focuses on art and creativity.
Share on:
Arizona Private Schools
You probably know that private schools are nonpublic schools that charge tuition. But did you know that, since 2018, the federal government has allowed parents to save for K-12 private school tuition using tax-preferred 529 savings accounts?
There are more than 450 private schools across the state of Arizona. These private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. Arizona’s Gateway Academy, for example, a private school located in Scottsdale, is providing an inspiring education for students with autism spectrum disorders.
The average tuition for private schools in Arizona is $9,619 for elementary schools and $13,766 for high schools. There are currently five state-run scholarship programs, which can help families afford private school tuition. One of these is the nation’s very first tax-credit scholarship program, enacted in 1997. All K-12 students interested in choosing private school are eligible to apply for aid. Arizona launched another individual income tax-credit scholarship program in 2012. Arizona also offers a tax-credit scholarship program focusing on scholarships for low-income children. Fourth, “Lexie’s Law” provides tax-credit scholarships for students with special needs.
Finally, Arizona has an Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program that was adapted in 2022 to expand eligibility to all Arizona students. Participating families can receive scholarships of about $7,000 or more for qualifying educational expenses, including private school tuition, online education, tutoring, transportation, and education therapy. As of 2024, 9.8% of Arizona students are participating in this popular program.
In order for funding to transfer to one of these schools, families switching to an online school may need to initiate withdrawal from their previous school. You can learn more about the online school community in your state at AZ Parents for Education.
Homeschooling is another school option in all 50 states. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and allows for highly customizable education. 3.4% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. If you homeschool in Arizona, your student might still be eligible to participate in sports or classes at your local public school!
If you move to a new county during the school year, you must file a letter of termination, then submit a new notice of your intent to homeschool in the county you moved to. In the case that you want to switch back to public school, you must file a letter of termination.
Keep in mind that Arizona has a funding assistance program called the Empowerment Scholarship Account program that can help make homeschooling more affordable for families.
Increasingly, Arizona families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning, close-knit relationships, and emphasizing children as individual learners.
Here are just a few examples of the many microschools and nontraditional learning choices for families in Arizona:
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account provides participating families with education funding that can be used flexibly for approved learning expenses, like private school tuition, home education, tutoring, and more.
Prenda Microschools offers tuition-free learning pod options for families through a partnership with accredited online schools in Arizona.
Endeavor Academy is a microschool situated in Mesa that follows an in-home approach to education.
Baker Creek Academy is a small, collaborative, student-driven school in Eagar that prioritizes community.
Great Hearts Online has piloted a microschool program where families can enroll in the classical online school but receive in-person learning support.
Public online schools like ASU Prep and Sequoia Choice have launched learning-pod-like models where students work on their online school curriculum in person together a few days a week.
KaiPod Learning offers learning pods for both homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools.
Based in Phoenix, Spark Community Schools offers small classroom-style learning to grades K-8.
The Black Mothers Forum has launched at least five microschools in Arizona, specifically geared toward meeting the needs of minority communities and their families.
Adamo education combines in-person instruction in small microschooling environments with digital learning.
Primer is a microschooling network with schools in Scottsdale and South Tempe.
Kino School is an example of a small, innovative private school with mixed-age learning focused on student interests. While it’s been around since the 1970s, it shares some of the characteristics of microschools today.
iCubed Learning provides personalized learning pods for homeschoolers, online students, and those enrolled in hybrid programs, offering one-on-one teaching experiences with certified educators.
Trinity Arch Preparatory School for Boys offers a tailored learning pod environment focusing on a liberal arts education and character development in a Christian, boys-only setting.
Arizona State University offers a year-long fellowship that families can apply for if they’re interested in starting their own microschool.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
If you live in Alaska and are making a decision about K-12 education for your child, this post is for you. Where you send your child to school is one of the most impactful decisions you can make, but you’re not alone in it. Thousands of Alaska parents make school choices each year. And remember, each child is unique. So, the “best” school for your child may look different than the “best” school for your neighbor’s child.
Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Alaska at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.
By far, most families in Alaska (68.8%) and around the country choose traditional public school. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by federal, state, and local government.
Did you know that Alaska spends an average of $19,540 per pupil in public school? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.
Alaska has limited open enrollment laws for public schools. What this means is that parents of students who are assigned to a particular neighborhood school may in some cases be able to transfer their children to another school in their district. For example, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has an online application portal where families can apply to a school outside their zoned “attendance area.” In other cases, children may be required to attend the school assigned to them by their district.
Open enrollment is an important way that parents have access to a broader variety of public schools. Find out more about public schools in your state at the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development and contact your school district to learn about your open enrollment options. You can also learn more about Alaska’s open enrollment options in this 50-state report.
Share on:
Alaska Charter Schools
Depending on where you live in Alaska, public charter schools may be another public school option available to you. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are public, free, and usually have no requirements for entry. What distinguishes charter schools is that they have extra freedom to innovate with learning methods and are accountable to authorizers for results.
Alaska passed charter school legislation in 1995 and currently has more than 30 charter schools that serve more than 7,000 (5.8%) students. Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. For example, one of Alaska’s newest charter schools is Knik Cultural School, which offers Alaska Native culture and values-based learning opportunities, such as fishing, moose hunting, and berry picking! If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a good old-fashioned lottery system is typically used to determine admittance.
A third free, public school option is found in Alaska’s magnet schools. Magnet schools allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as engineering or the performing arts. Magnet schools teach all subjects through the lenses of their specific track. In Alaska, 12.2% of all K-12 students attend a public magnet school.
Alaska has a handful of magnet schools scattered throughout the state. For example, Barnette Magnet School, located in the Fairbanks North Star Borough District, describes its offering this way: “Barnette’s magnet or ‘draw’ is a combination of: small exploration classes, a community-based Friday in Fairbanks Program, and quarterly all-school Exhibit Nights. These are the elements of the school that set it apart from other schools and make the Magnet School experience a rewarding one for both students and parents.”
Families in Alaska can also consider private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Private schools may offer a unique curriculum, smaller class sizes, or a faith-based tradition. Overall, there are more than 50 private schools across the state of Alaska serving 3.1% of all K-12 students. These private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. The average tuition for private schools in your state is $7,154 for elementary schools and $6,881 for high schools.
Unfortunately, there are no state-run scholarship options in Alaska at present, but private scholarships may be available. Additionally, Alaska has a funding assistance program that can make some private school courses more affordable for families. Essentially, the state sets aside funds in the form of an annual allotment for students enrolled in a state-funded correspondence program. Families can then use their student allotment to request reimbursements for approved educational expenses. Currently, this may include courses at private schools (though not full-time tuition).
Whether your child wants to accelerate learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. Of course, virtual school is different and may feel like “drinking from a fire hose” at first, but for many families it becomes the perfect fit. Alaska doesn’t offer any statewide online schools or multi-district online schools, but families can consider national online learning programs, like Virtual Learning Academy Charter School, The Keystone School, and Laurel Springs School, for a fee.
On the district level, middle- and high-school students in Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District can enroll in online courses through the Alaska Digital Academy. Plus, the ASD Virtual Program offers a free, fully online home learning program that Anchorage families can choose through their neighborhood or choice school. The virtual learning program is staffed by Anchorage School District teachers and allows families to maintain a connection to their local school. The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District also offers online options for grades 6-12, and you can always ask your district about whether an online program is available to you.
In 2022, the Alaska legislature approved a new virtual education consortium. Once established, this will provide a library of virtual classes available to Alaska students. Additionally, Alaska has many correspondence school offerings, some of which are free, that families can choose from.
Alaska parents can also choose homeschooling, which sets a high bar for flexibility and customization for education. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and is an option in all 50 states.
In Alaska, 10.3% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. The state only requires notice of your intent to homeschool if you are homeschooling as a religious private school. If so, you will need to provide notice by the first day of school. Of course, it is recommended that you formally withdraw from your current school so that your student is not marked truant. If you decide to switch back to public school, a portfolio of work or assessments will be used for placement.
You are not required to teach specific subjects or use specific standardized tests if you choose to homeschool in Alaska. If you homeschool, your child might still be eligible to participate in sports or activities at local public schools – reach out to your district to learn more.
Alaska stands out among the states for its flexible funding assistance program available to many homeschoolers! Essentially, the state sets aside funds in the form of an annual allotment for students (including homeschoolers) enrolled in one of more than 30 state-funded correspondence programs. According to Alaska’s Department of Education & Early Development, “This allotment can pay for items such as a student’s books, classes, school supplies, technology support, tutoring, music or activity lessons, and other items related to the student’s education.”
Today, many Alaska families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning, close-knit relationships, and emphasizing children as individual learners.
Here is one example of a microschool started by homeschoolers in Alaska: The Green Room in East Anchorage is a learning community offering in-person classes for homeschoolers, from chemistry to wholeness and health classes.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
K-12 education in America is experiencing a once-in-a-generation transformation, as tens of millions of parents rethink their children’s education and make crucial decisions about how and where their children learn. From exploring their school choice options to expressing interest in nontraditional learning models, parents are eager to find better or supplementary learning environments for their children. Parents don’t see this a dichotomous; a majority of them are open to change even as two thirds of all parents (67.9 percent) remain largely satisfied with the schools their children attend.
What do we mean by rethinking? Parents choosing new schools, parents considering options more frequently, and parents seeking to round out their children’s education by thinking outside the box and exploring new or nontraditional learning options.
These trends are led by Black and Hispanic parents, who are significantly more likely to explore the education options available for their children than white parents. Young millennial parents – those between the ages of 18 and 29 – are also rethinking their children’s K-12 education in overwhelming numbers.
These findings are from two census-balanced surveys of a combined 3,820 U.S. parents of school-aged children, conducted from January 3-6, 2023.
Half of all parents considered or are considering choosing new schools for their children.
At any point in the past year, did you think about, consider, search for, or choose a new or different school or learning environment for any of the school-aged children in your household? (N=3,820)
TOTAL
AGE
RACE OR ETHNICITY
18-29
30-44
45-60
> 60
Black or African American
Hispanic or
Latino
White
(Non-Hispanic)
Yes
53.7%
63.3%
55.7%
49.7%
42.5%
64.5%
64.6%
46.2%
No
46.3%
36.7%
44.3%
50.3%
57.5%
35.5%
35.4%
53.8%
16.6 percent of all parents chose new schools for their children within the past year, 11.3 percent considered new schools, and 25.8 percent are currently considering new schools.
In total, 53.7 percent of parents considered or are considering choosing a new school.
Black, Hispanic, and young millennial parents were most likely to consider new schools.
Do you think that your community offers the right number of schooling options for parents to consider for their children, not enough options, or too many options? (N=1,651)
TOTAL
AGE
RACE OR ETHNICITY
18-29
30-44
45-60
> 60
Black or African American
Hispanic or
Latino
White
(Non-Hispanic)
The
right amount of options
48.3%
39.8%
49.1%
51.3%
58.3%
50.4%
43.5%
51.9%
Not enough options
48.1%
53.4%
47.8%
46.2%
39.7%
45.3%
52.8%
45.2%
Too many options
3.7%
6.8%
3.1%
2.5%
1.9%
4.3%
3.7%
2.9%
64.5 percent of Black parents and 64.6 percent of Hispanic parents considered new schools for their children, compared with 46.2 percent of white parents.
63.3 percent of parents aged 18-29 explored, are exploring, or plan to explore school choice options for their children, compared with 55.7 percent of parents aged 30-44, 49.7 percent of parents aged 45-60, and 42.5 percent of parents over the age of 60.
Parents considered a wide variety of education options for their children.
Which of the following statements best describes your view of the different options that may be available for your children’s education? (N=1,651)
TOTAL
AGE
RACE OR ETHNICITY
18-29
30-44
45-60
> 60
Black or African American
Hispanic or
Latino
White
(Non-Hispanic)
I wish
I had more information about the schooling options available for my children.
64.7%
75.3%
65.1%
58.8%
56.4%
71.2%
75.7%
57.7%
I have all the information I need about the schooling options
available for my children.
35.3%
24.7%
34.9%
41.2%
43.6%
28.8%
24.3%
42.3%
Nearly half of parents (45.6 percent) said they considered traditional public schools within their neighborhoods, while 38.2 percent considered public schools outside of their district or zones.
31.5 percent of parents considered public charter schools, 29.1 percent considered private or faith-based schools, 22.9 percent considered homeschooling, 20.8 percent considered full-time online schooling, and 4 percent considered microschooling or pod learning.
Half of parents want more options for their children’s education, and most parents want more information about school choice options.
48.1 percent of parents, including majorities of Hispanic parents (52.8 percent) and young millennial parents (53.4 percent), said their community does not offer enough education options for families. Only 3.7 percent of all parents said their community offers too many education options.
64.7 percent of parents, including 75.7 percent of Hispanic parents, 71.2 percent of Black parents, and 75.3 percent of young millennial parents, said they “wish they had more information about the schooling options available for [their] children.”
As we talk about school choice, we cannot forget the importance schools play in decisions over buying or renting homes – or ignore the demand for nontraditional options.
68 percent of parents said that when choosing to rent or purchase a residence, it was important for them to find a residence within a specific school district or school zone.
At 74.4 percent, suburban parents were most likely to indicate that a school zone or district was important in their home choice, and 39.6 percent described it as “very important.”
More than a third of parents (35 percent) said their children had pursued out-of-school learning projects in cooperation with other families, including microschooling and pod learning. Black parents (48 percent), Hispanic parents (38.2 percent), and young millennial parents (38.4 percent) were among the most likely to indicate that their children had pursued out-of-school learning projects.
Head to Conoce tus Opciones Escolares‘ site to find our survey analysis in Spanish with focused insights on Hispanic and Latino parents. Find out more about National School Choice Week or how school choice works. If you’re a journalist covering education issues, we invite you to check out our coverage resources.
Teachers play a crucial role in the success of every student. Their continuous dedication knows no bounds as they guide, support, and inspire students to reach their full potential across the nation––which is more than deserving of a celebration!
Teacher Appreciation Week, which lands on May 6-10, is the perfect opportunity to show your gratitude for all the hard work that teachers do. While there are tons of ideas on the web on how to thank a teacher, we have compiled a list of some fun, easy teacher appreciation gift ideas!
This week, we appreciate the things – some big and some small – that so many teachers do every day to help kids. Often, these things are outside of any written job description, but these actions build bonds of trust between educators and families that help facilitate learning.
As it gets later in the school year and markers begin to dry out, supplies are a great way to show your appreciation for all that teachers do! But, do you know what is better than supplies? A supply cake! This is a great way to turn ordinary school supplies into a fun appreciation gift; and, it is super easy to make. We also have #schoolchoice supply gift tags to enhance your cake decorating skills.
Are you looking for a more sentimental way to thank a teacher? Nothing shows your appreciation more than giving a ‘Best Teacher Award’! These awards are a fantastic way to get your child more involved in the Teacher Appreciation Week celebration and are for those who want a more personalized touch.
The true key to unlocking anyone’s heart is food! Food is a simple yet thoughtful way to show your appreciation for all that teachers do. Add one of our food-inspired gift tags to your present to make this gift even sweeter!
Gift cards are great tokens of appreciation! They are versatile – practically any business accepts gift cards – and, with our custom National School Choice Week gift card holders, they make the perfect gift for teachers!
One of the things teachers love most is hearing from their students just how much of an impact they have had – and what better way to do this than with a poem? Whether you rhyme your words, create a haiku, or use the acrostic template below, your teacher is sure to cherish your words for years to come.
Thank you cards first started being sent in the United States in 1840 – thanks to the postage stamp! This method has been around for decades for a reason- it’s a fantastic way to let someone know you appreciate them. This teacher appreciation week, join students across the country in letting teachers know how thankful we are for them.
PS: No printer? No problem! Take a screenshot of the thank you image below, add text onto the image with your phone’s photo editor, and share it with your teacher! If you post it to social media, be sure to use #schoolchoice.
7. Specialized Thank You’s
A simple “thank you” truly goes a long way, but we’ve got some creative ways to give the message a little more ‘umph’.
Social media posts are a fun, simple way to let the world know how much you appreciate your teacher! If you want, you can add personal photos or handwritten notes to the post. We have put together a shareable graphic that you can use to let others know you are celebrating:
As parents navigating the ever-changing landscape of education, we understand the importance of providing your children with every opportunity to excel. Whether you’re supporting your child’s academic journey, helping them prepare for exams, or encouraging them to explore new skills, the internet has evolved into a treasure trove of free tutoring resources near you that can be a game-changer.
In essence, this guide will help you navigate the sea of free tutoring resources, giving you the tools to steer your child’s education towards success.
Table of Contents
How to Find Free Tutoring
If you know the right places to look, you can easily keep tabs on tutoring options in your community. We’ll walk you through a few places you can quickly search for options. You can also jump straight to our lists below for some of the national and state-specific tutoring options available at no cost to families.
Among the most common places you can find free tutoring are libraries, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs. Checking the websites or calling your local branches of these organizations can help you locate in-person homework help, tutoring, and sometimes even mentoring.
You’ll also want to check with your current school and district to ask whether they can arrange free tutoring for your child. Many offer in-school tutoring and some partner with nearby colleges or universities where undergraduate students offer homework assistance for K-12 students.
As a bit of background context, under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act from 2002-2015, low-performing and low-income schools were required by law to offer free tutoring services to eligible children. Today, under the Every Student Succeeds Act, it is up to states and schools to decide whether to offer free tutoring. Many schools have decided to continue to offer tutoring services and maintain their partnerships with tutoring providers.
Additionally, you can search for stand-alone tutoring non-profits by Googling your city and “free tutoring.” Many college and even high school students were inspired to start local tutoring initiatives during the pandemic, and some of those remain active and thriving.
Finally, don’t discount the value of in-person learning assistance from your own personal network. Do you have a friend or family member who may be able to provide homework help for your student?
Does Tutoring Work?
But hold on, does tutoring even work? Well, the short answer is yes! Many parents, educators, and researchers attest that tutoring can have tangible benefits for kids’ learning. For example, researchers writing for the Brookings Institute called tutoring “remarkably effective at helping students learn,” and said that “tutoring can reliably help students catch up.” As they go on to describe, the impact of tutoring can be more or less effective depending on who is doing the tutoring, what grade level the student is in, and other factors.
Tutoring is generally defined as one-on-one or small group class. According to that definition, the University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University, studied the impact of academic gaps during the pandemic and the effects of tutoring. According to this research, it is important to understand tutoring as a complementary effort, distinct from learning in the classroom. Most evidence in this study focuses on literacy programs for young children, but there is strong positive evidence of tutoring’s effectiveness in middle and high school, especially in math.
However, the evidence for online tutoring is mixed and still emerging. This is an area that requires more research, however, two new research from Spain and Italy offer encouraging signs that tutoring online can work to help children complete unfinished learning.
MITfound that tutoring programs show positive impacts on learning processes and are beneficial for students. Also, a recent pilot program, implemented by California University, evaluated the results of online tutoring for K-12 students and the results have shown positive results.
Of course, every child is unique. Not every tutoring resource may work well for your child. If an online tutoring experience makes your student uncomfortable, for example, you may want to evaluate whether your library or a family friend can offer in-person homework help instead.
How to know if my child needs Tutoring?
Every child is different, however, the most obvious way to identify if your child needs support is if there is a change in the usual grades your kid use to have. Is your kid failing in all classes or a specific one? There are so many factors that could influence your child’s academic performance; the environment, mental health, distractions, health problems, or difficulty learning specific topics. But don’t worry! All of this is normal and it is important to access the tools that are out there to help your child.
Other signs parents should pay attention to is if your child is having trouble organizing the assignments, experiencing anxiety about going to school, melting down over homework or spending too much time on assignments. All of this could be a clear sign of the student encountering challenges and it’s important to take actions and find solutions.
With everything students (as well as parents and educators) have faced in the last few years, it’s particularly important to identify when your child may need tutoring support. Luckily, we’ve rounded up options for free tutoring in your state.
Tips for Using Free Tutoring
If you decide to use free tutoring, keep in mind that tutoring groups differ in the subjects they cover and approaches they use. Some are small group sessions while others are one-on-one. Some are online or hotlines while others are in-person. Some have learning games and tools they provide for students, while others require students to bring their homework and specific questions.
To make the most of the tutoring experience, help your student prepare well. Work with your student to identify what topic or subject they’d like extra help in and write down questions in advance, if possible. If you are using an online platform like Zoom for the tutoring session, double-check that the technology is working before the meeting so that your student can make the most of their time with the tutor.
Experts recommend that before seeking a tutor, it’s a good idea to connect with your child’s teacher to identify the issues they think need work. Other recommendations involve creating a comfortable space to ensure your child has a space without distractions for their tutoring sessions. Also, stay involved in the process; ask about your student’s progress and how you can help at home to obtain better results. On other hand, not all tutoring modalities or tutors are a good fit for all kids, so it is important to maintain open communication with your child.
Also remember that each tutoring organization has its own requirements for tutors. Many, but not all, require background checks. If child safety policies are not listed on a tutoring program’s website, you can always ask for a copy of these policies.
Finally, some tutoring groups are staffed specifically by trained teachers or by college students, while high schoolers or even middle schoolers participate as tutors in other cases. Don’t write off homework help just because it isn’t from someone with a graduate degree! Instead, focus on finding a tutor who can explain and practice concepts well with your child.
“One of the things that makes it easier to be a tutor than to be a classroom teacher is that you’re doing a specific task with kids with materials that are designed to support that. A much broader range of people can do that… Classroom teaching is a much more complicated job.”
Bored of Boredom: Bored of Boredom is a Los Angeles-based, student-led tutoring service for kids in grades K-8. It operates nationwide and has even had international students use its resources.
Learn to Be: Learn to Be is a national nonprofit that uses a pay what you can model to act as a free or affordable option for all families. Learn to Be offers 1:1 online tutoring in all K-12 subjects. Students can bring the school work or topics they are struggling with and receive personal support.
Pandemic Professors: Pandemic Professors serves K-12 students in more than 15 states and counting. The online tutoring non-profit primarily serves students (for free) from low-income communities.
Schoolhouse.world:Founded by Sal Khan of the acclaimed Khan Academy, Schoolhouse.world is a platform for free, online, peer-to-peer tutoring. Students can receive live help in sessions with 1-10 students. Currently, Schoolhouse’s classes center around math and SAT Prep and are available to students nationwide who are at least 13 years old.
UPchieve: UPchieve is a non-profit that provides free online 1:1 high school tutoring to those who need it. Tutoring is currently available in math, science, reading & writing, SAT and college prep. The organization’s goal? To scale Upchieve to all 8 million low-income high school students in the U.S. by 2030!
Varsity Tutors: Varsity Tutors offers large group classes online for free, including classes on elementary reading and phonics to help students become more independent readers. Varsity Tutors also offers 1:1 individualized tutoring for a fee. Click the “Free” filter to search exclusively for free offerings.
Wave Learning Festival: Wave Tutoring is a free tutoring program that takes place via Zoom. Students can bring questions to free sessions in math, science, language, or humanities and have them answered by veteran tutors.
425 Tutoring: Founded in Seattle, 425 Tutoring is a free, student-led tutoring service with tutors across the country. Talented high school students provide group tutoring sessions in math, English, and other subjects for K-6 students over Zoom or Google Meet.
Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families: Service members, civilian personnel, and their dependents can receive free online tutoring, wherever they live. This program is a partnership with Tutor.com that provides military-connected students with online homework help 24/7.
Sign up to learn even more about School Choice in your state!
"*" indicates required fields
State-specific Free Tutoring
Click on your state on the map to learn about options near you. Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of state options. Rather, it offers a sampling of available options and suggestions for where to discover more.
Alabama:
Statewide:Homework Alabama provides free online tutoring through Tutor.com for all Alabama students in grades K-12. Homework Alabama is available through local public libraries throughout the state. Learning Express Library is another statewide online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Jacksonville: The Teaching / Learning Center at Jacksonville State University gives teacher candidates firsthand experience while helping local students with their tutoring needs. Elementary and secondary students can receive 1-4 hours of free, one-to-one tutoring per semester week with teacher candidates.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Alaska:
Statewide: Live Homework Help provides free online tutoring through Tutor.com for all Alaska students in grades K-12. Live Homework Help is available through local public libraries across the state.Learning Express Library is another free, statewide online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Arizona:
Statewide:Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. Varsity Tutors offers free tutoring services to eligible K-12 students through Arizona’s Achievement Program.
Tucson / Pima County:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. It is available through local library branches.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Arkansas:
Statewide:Arkansas Tutoring Corps offers free tutoring during the school year through qualified schools in Arkansas. As of 2023, Arkansas has passed the LEARNS Act that allows families to use state funding to pay for qualifying educational expenses including tutoring services.
Central Arkansas Library System: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
California:
Statewide: Harvey Mudd College operates a Homework Hotline during the school year to help students with math and science questions. The Homework Hotline welcomes callers from any city and county in the state of California. A third statewide option is MasteryHour. Founded by a teacher, MasteryHour provides free, online math tutoring for K-12 students, led by volunteer students from top colleges and universities. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring through your local library.
Bakersfield:Do the Math California allows students to call a hotline or email their math questions for free academic support.
Los Angeles County Library:Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Napa County Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
San Diego Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Southern California:School on Wheels provides one-on-one online tutoring for families experiencing homelessness or students living in a group home.
Torrance Public Library:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Colorado:
Statewide:Tutors 4 Change offers tutoring in subjects such as math, science, english, history, and SAT/ACT Math. The suggested “payment” is 99 cents per hour, as the nonprofit’s mission to provide everyone with affordable access to a good education.
Boulder Public Library and Boulder Valley School District students: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Jefferson County Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Longmont Library:Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Connecticut:
Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Hartford Area: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Greater New Haven Area: New Haven Reads offers free, one-on-one literacy tutoring to any student in grades 1-12 who is struggling with reading.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Delaware:
Delaware County Libraries:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Florida:
Statewide: As of 2023, Florida has since unveiled the Family Empowerment Scholarship that that allows families to use state funding to pay for qualifying educational expenses including tutoring services.
Broward County Library:Live Tutoring is available for students in grades K-12, in both English and Spanish.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Georgia:
Statewide:GA Tutors offers free 1:1 online tutoring in math, science, language arts, and social studies.
Metro Atlanta Area (Fulton County Public Library, Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb County Public Library):Fulton County Library System offers free tutoring resources for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Hawaii:
Statewide: The Online Learning Academy at the University of Hawaii at Manoa provides free online math and science tutoring for Hawaii public school students in grades K-12. Hawai’i Tutoring provides year-round tutoring services to students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Idaho:
Boise Public Library: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Twin Falls Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Illinois:
Danville, Chicago, LaGrange, Freeport, Palatine, Collinsville, Springfield: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Elmwood Park Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Indiana:
Statewide: AskRose Homework Help serves students in grades 6-12 in math and science tutoring.
Indianapolis: Children’s Dyslexia Center provides free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Iowa:
Bettendorf Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
West Des Moines Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Kansas:
Hays Public Library: Hays Public Library has partnered with Fort Hays State University to offer tutoring services to students of all ages.
Kansas City:The Learning Club offers in-person homework help with one-on-one volunteer tutoring. Students are primarily in grades 1-6, but can be older. Also, families in the Kansas City area can access Brainfuse through the Kansas City Public Library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
“Although virtual tutoring may not be quite as effective as in-person sessions, the positive results point to a potential solution to the growing educational gap.”
Boone County Public Library: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Jessamine County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Lexington Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Scott County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Louisiana:
Statewide:Homework LA provides free online tutoring through Tutor.com for all Louisiana students in grades K-12. Homework LA is available through local public libraries throughout the state.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Maine:
Bangor, Portland: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Maryland:
Baltimore:The Dyslexia Tutoring Program offers free, one-on-one tutoring to eligible low-income children in reading, writing, and spelling. Also, families in the Baltimore area can access Brainfuse through the Baltimore County Public Library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Massachusetts:
Statewide: School on Wheels provides one-on-one online tutoring for Massachusetts families experiencing homelessness or students living in a group home.
Boston Public Library: This library offers free homework help to students in grades K-8. Homework help is provided by high-achieving high school students. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Boston North, Central Massachusetts, and Greater Boston: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Michigan:
Statewide: GVSU K-12 Connect Virtual Tutoring offers free, virtual one on one tutoring and homework support for students in grades K-12.
Ann Arbor District Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Canton Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Great Lakes Bay Region; Southeastern Michigan:Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Highland Township Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Novi: Connect Me provides free online test preparation, help with skipped topics due to COVID-19, and general tutoring for low-income students and students with essential worker parents.
Waterford Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Minnesota:
Hennepin County Library:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Saint Paul Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Mississippi:
Madison County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Missouri:
Midcontinent Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Scenic Regional Library:Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
St. Louis County Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
University City Public Library:Free tutoring and homework help is available through this library. Tutoring is provided by student members of the National Society of Black Engineers.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Montana:
Bozeman Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Omaha Public Libraries: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Nevada:
Las Vegas Clark County Library District: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Las Vegas Clark County Area: Andson Academies offers free after-school tutoring and homework help for students in grades K-12. Tutoring is delivered by licensed school teachers and aides in a small group format.
Las Vegas Valley: After-School All-Stars provides free after-school programming, which includes homework help, for at-risk youth.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
New Hampshire:
Nashua, Seacoast: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
New Jersey:
Statewide: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Use any New Jersey library card to access this resource.
Burlington, Hasbrouck Heights, Northfield, Scotch Plains, Tenafly: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Jersey City Free Public Library: Learning Express Library provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Short Hills and Basking Ridge: Middle and high school students at an independent school in the region founded TutorX to provide free homework help for other students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
New Mexico:
Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Public Libraries: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
New Mexico State Library: Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Central New York:Empower CNY provides free tutoring and leadership enrichment for students local to Central New York. Tutoring currently takes place online. But, the program is currently working to offer in-person opportunities by partnering with community centers, local libraries, and other non-profit organizations.
Central New York, Rochester: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
New York City:Common Denominator offers one-on-one math tutoring for below-level New York City kids in grades 5-8. Additionally, the Community of Volunteer Educators (COVE) supports students with free tutoring in preK-12 subjects, including science, math, social studies, foreign languages, and more. Families in the New York City area can also access Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse through their library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
North Dakota:
Statewide:Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12. North Dakota residents can access this resource with their local library information.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Ohio:
Cleveland Public Library: This library offers free, in-person one-on-one and group tutoring in partnership with Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University.
Columbus: The Central Community House provides tutoring after school for children ages 5-11.The Ohio Hispanic Coalition provides an afterschool program with homework help for Latino/Hispanic students. Additionally, the Columbus Metropolitan Library offers “Virtual Reading Buddies” to help students in grades K-3 practice reading. Families in the area can also access Brainfuse through the library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Norwood, Southeastern Ohio: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Oklahoma:
Eastern Oklahoma Library System: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Pioneer Library System: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Southern Oklahoma Library System: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Tulsa City-County Library: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Oregon:
Multnomah County Library: This library offers a variety of free tutoring services, such as tutoring by volunteers and college students for K-12 students.
Washington County Cooperative Library Services:Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Pennsylvania:
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, Pittsburgh, Reading, Western Pennsylvania: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
West Philadelphia: The West Philadelphia Tutoring Project is a program at the University of Pennsylvania that provides a high-demand weekly tutoring program for Philadelphia students.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Rhode Island:
Cranston:Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
South Carolina:
Statewide: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12. South Carolina residents can access the resource with their library information.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
South Dakota:
Statewide: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Tennessee:
Statewide: Tennessee’s Homework Hotline offers over-the-phone tutoring for students in grades K-12 in a great variety of subjects. Tutors are available to offer help in seven different languages.
Knox County Tennessee Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Spring Hill Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Texas:
Statewide: Texas A&M’s Aggie Homework Helpline provides free online tutoring to students in grades pre-K-12. Tutoring can take place via phone or Zoom, and tutors can help with homework, test review, reading practice, and more.
Austin Public Library:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Brazoria County Library System: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
DeSoto Public Libraries: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Fort Bend County Libraries:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Houston Public Library:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Utah:
Statewide: Learning Express Library is a free homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. It is available through Utah’s Online Public Library.
Salt Lake County Library Services: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Vermont:
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Virginia:
Statewide: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring and is available through the Library of Virginia.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library: Brainfuse HelpNow provides free online tutoring in English and Spanish for students of all ages.
Northern Virginia Area: GIVE Youth is a student-run non-profit that provides free tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Richmond Public Library: The library’s Homework Help offers tutoring sessions for students in grades K-5.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Washington:
The Seattle Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
425 Tutoring: Founded by Washington students, 425 Tutoring aims to support K-6 students with free virtual tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
West Virginia:
Kanawha County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Wisconsin:
Madison, Milwaukee, Upper Wisconsin: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Milwaukee Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Wyoming:
Where to look: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Get ready to put on your dancing shoes and have some fun! We are excited to announce that the NSCW dance is back this year!
Special thanks toIndian River Charter High School from Vero Beach, Florida, for hosting this year’s dance and sharing their groovy steps with to celebrate National School Choice Week 2024.
Sharing your own dance video is a great way to get people talking about school choice. We encourage you to tag us using @SchoolChoiceWeek or use #schoolchoiceweek wherever you post it online! Have fun, and thank you for celebrating with us!
This year’s song is ‘Ready Now’ performed by Golden Blue. The song is fully licensed, and you may download it for your use. Find the song’s lyrics here.
Want your school to be considered for creating next year’s dance and tutorial video? We’d love to hear from you! Tag your dance video with #schoolchoiceweek or send us a direct message on any social media platform.
As a parent, you want the best education and the best future possible for your child. If he or she is being evaluated for an IEP or you’re thinking they may need some extra help in their educational journey, it can be intimidating to enter the acronym-heavy world of special education. Our mission is to empower and support you, the parent, to make the best decisions for your child’s education, no matter what type of school you choose.
So what does the term “special education” actually mean? Special education is specially designed instruction provided at no cost to a family to meet the specific needs of a child with a disability. Whether you’re navigating the special education process with your own family or just want to better understand how special education works, we’ve created a parents guide to special education to help you along the way.
What to ask when choosing a school for a special needs child
Get a quick rundown
More Education Resources Signup
Sign up to learn even more about School Choice in your state!
"*" indicates required fields
What is Special Education?
Special Education Law
Special education, as we think of it today, has not always been accessible to students with disabilities. In fact, it wasn’t until 1975 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act that a federal law protected the rights of students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate public education and ensured access to a program that met their needs.
Child Find is a part of IDEA that legally requires schools to find children who have disabilities and need special education services (hereafter referred to as ‘services’). Child Find applies to children from birth through age 21 – including those students who are being homeschooled or are in private schools (more on that in How to Continue Your IEP, Even If You Start Homeschooling).
While the specifics vary by state and district, all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must have a process in place to identify students with disabilities regardless of their school choice. Once a student is thought to have a disability, it is the responsibility of the LEA to conduct an evaluation and make an eligibility determination. Each school district must also have a process for identifying and evaluating children who may need special education services.
Besides identifying children who may need special education and related services, Child Find also informs parents and guardians of the services available to them.
IEP vs. 504 Plan
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans offer formal assistance for K-12 students who need extra support in school. A 504 Plan is a plan for how a school will ensure a child with a disability or impairment has the same access to the learning environment as their non-impaired peers. An IEP is a plan for a child’s special ed experience to ensure they make meaningful educational progress.
Related Services provide extra help and support so kids can get the most benefit from their education. Often, related services are a part of the special education process. IDEA lists the following as possible related services, but this list is not exhaustive.
If an IEP Team sees that a child has needs in a related service area, this can be evaluated as part of the formal evaluation process. In some cases, a student’s evaluation might indicate a need only in a related service area. For example, maybe a child only needs support in the area of fine motor skills. In this situation, an IEP might be written to provide a related service only. However, federal law says it is each state’s decision whether to allow related services to stand alone on an IEP. Related services can also be provided under a 504 plan if the challenges don’t have an impact on academic learning.
Online Services
For over 20 years, online education for students with disabilities has been occurring. Currently, over 38 states have online instruction! These online schools provide special education and related services by using small group or individualized online instruction, delivery of specialized content virtually, and other related services as indicated by the students’ needs.
Here are some articles and resources that have been shared about effective online learning and special education services:
Schools can utilize online learning tools, innovative staffing models, and community partnerships to address the needs of students with disabilities and other children facing unique learning obstacles or emotional challenges.
The Special Education Process
While each state has its own process for special education, IDEA outlines some basic steps that’ll be the same wherever you live:
1. Identify Needs
There are two ways that a student may be identified as possibly needing special ed and related services: through Project Child Find or by a referral or request for evaluation. Once a student has been identified as potentially needing services, an IEP Meeting will be scheduled where the IEP Team will review all available data and determine if they are going to conduct a formal assessment. If the decision is made to move forward with formal evaluations, parental consent is required before beginning.
2. Formal Evaluation
A formal evaluation is conducted to decide if a student has a disability that requires special education and related services. The evaluation also determines the specific areas of need and the best services for addressing that need. The evaluation that takes place must be individualized to the student and their suspected area of disability. Your State’s IDEA regulations will set the timeline for completion of the evaluation. If they do not, the federal IDEA regulations of 60 days after the parent gives consent applies.
If parents disagree with the results of the evaluation, they have the right to take their child for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). If you want to learn more about IEEs, Private Evaluations: What You Need to Know by Understood is a good resource.
3. Determine Eligibility
Once the requested evaluations have been completed, the IEP Team will schedule another meeting to review results and determine eligibility for special education and related services. The IEP Team, including the student’s parent or guardian, will sit down to review evaluation results and decide if the student is a “child with a disability” as defined by IDEA. If a child is found eligible, IDEA requires that the Team must meet to write an individualized education program (IEP) for them within 30 days.
4. Write an Initial IEP
After a child has been deemed eligible for special education and related services, the school will work with the parents to schedule an IEP meeting. The meeting invitation must state the purpose of the meeting; date, time, and location; who will be attending the meeting; and let parents know that they may also invite people to the meeting.
At the initial IEP meeting, the IEP Team discusses the child’s needs and writes the IEP. An IEP is a legal, written document that has two general purposes. First, it sets reasonable learning goals for a student. Second, it states the services that the district will provide. The IEP’s learning goals address a student’s participation in the general education curriculum, extracurricular activities, and any nonacademic activities.
While the format and content of an IEP varies by state and is customized for each child, IDEA outlines specific components that must be included:
– Current Performance: A statement of the child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (including how their disability affects involvement and progress in the general education curriculum)
– Annual Goals: Measurable, annual goals (academic and functional)
– Measuring Progress: Description of how progress towards annual goals will be measured and when progress reports will be provided
– Special Education & Related Services: Statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids that will be provided and a description of the program modifications or supports that will be provided (including who will be providing these supports)
– Participation with Nondisabled Children: Explanation of the extent (if any) that the child will receive services in a setting other than their regular class with nondisabled peers
– Participation in State and District-Wide Assessments: Statement of individual accommodations that are needed for the child to demonstrate their knowledge on state and districtwide assessments
– Dates and Places: The projected date for the beginning of services and modifications, as well as their anticipated frequency, location, and duration
– Transition Services Needs: If the student will turn 16 during the life of the IEP, IDEA requires:
– Measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments (related to training, education, employment, and/or independent living skills)
– Age of Majority: Beginning no later than one year before the child reaches the age of majority under State law, the IEP must include a statement that they have been informed of their rights once they reach the age of majority
Prior to a school system providing any special education and related services, parental consent must be acquired. Services will begin as soon as possible once consent has been given. If parents do not agree with the IEP that has been developed, they have the right to discuss their concerns with the IEP Team. If an agreement cannot be reached, parents or the school can work through mediation or ask for assistance from their state agency. Find more information on this process in your state’s Parental Safeguards document.
5. Provide Services
Once consent has been received, the school makes sure that the IEP is carried out exactly as written. Each of the child’s teachers and service providers has access to the IEP and is made aware of their responsibilities as outlined by the IEP.
6. Monitor Progress
The child’s teachers and service providers keep track of the progress the child makes toward educational goals. Regular progress reports are provided during the year and the results are discussed at the annual IEP review.
7. Annual Review of IEP
At least once a year the child’s IEP is reviewed by the IEP Team. However, the IEP can be reviewed more frequently if the parents or the school request it. At the annual review, the child’s progress is discussed as the child continues to grow, and the IEP Team makes appropriate updates to the IEP.
8. Reevaluation
At least every three years, the child must be reevaluated for continued eligibility for special education and related services and to determine the child’s educational needs. This evaluation is sometimes referred to as the “triennial.”
Special Education and Your School Choice
Traditional Public Schools
All traditional public schools are required to identify and provide services to students with disabilities according to IDEA law.
Public Magnet Schools
Public magnet schools are free public schools that focus on particular themes. As they are publicly funded, they are required by law to identify and provide services to students with disabilities.
Public Charter Schools
Charter schools are public schools that are created by school districts, colleges, nonprofit organizations, or other entities. These schools are allowed to determine many of their own policies and practices, but since charter schools are public schools, they are required by law to identify and provide services to students with disabilities.
Online public schools are usually run by state governments, school districts, or charter schools. All online public schools are required to identify and provide services to students with disabilities according to IDEA law.
To learn more about what special education looks like at an online public school, check out our Q&A with Sarah Betz, an online special education teacher at Ohio Distance and Electronic Learning Academy.
Special education varies widely from private school to private school. Some independent schools are designed to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities. Other private schools may offer accommodations, but not specially designed instruction. While private schools may choose to offer special education, they are not required to by law.
Students with disabilities may also receive a service plan through the local education agency (LEA). IDEA law requires that all LEAs set aside funding for students with disabilities whose parents choose to send them to private school. As this money is limited, these students receive “equitable services”. Equitable services are services similar to what the student would receive in an IEP, however, often fewer services are available than what a child would receive at a public school. These services may be provided on the private school premises or transportation may be provided to the service site.
States vary in terms of how much IDEA funding is set aside to provide services to students with disabilities in the private school and homeschool setting. In several states, this funding is used for private school students only. However, some states consider homeschooled students to be in “private schools”, making equitable services available to homeschoolers! A handful of states have specifically expanded the eligibility of equitable services to include homeschoolers.
In at least 31 states and the District of Columbia, homeschooled students may automatically qualify for special education services. To see what is available in your state, check out our round-up here.
DoDEA Schools
Did you know – the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) operates 160 schools in 8 districts across 11 countries, 7 states, and 2 territories serving our military families? DoDEA schools follow IDEA law to identify and provide students with disabilities with a free, appropriate education. All military families should know about the Exceptional Family Member Program which connects families to the resources and programs they’ll need as they relocate around the country and the world. They may also be eligible for the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) which provides financial assistance to beneficiaries with special needs for an integrated set of services and supplies.
All schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education are required by IDEA law to identify and provide services to students with special needs. These schools must utilize the special ed eligibility criteria and the state standards and assessment system in which they are located, in addition to the processes laid out by the Bureau of Indian Education.
Native American Disability Law Center – The Native American Disability Law Center’s mission is to advocate to ensure the rights of Native Americans with disabilities are enforced, strengthened, and brought into harmony with their communities.
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Alabama all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Alabama are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Alabama have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. Homeschooled students are not eligible for special education services provided by their school district for free.
These are some Alabama-specific resources to help you further understand school choice for students with disabilities:
The Plan Language of Special Education – Auburn University, Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling (SERC) & the Alabama State Department of Education
Autism Society of Alabama – The Autism Society of Alabama works to improve services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy.
Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL) – FV of AL aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities by providing tools to make informed decisions, advocacy, partnerships, and resources on health care.
The Arc of Alabama – The Arc of Alabama is a nonprofit, volunteer-based membership organization who advocates for the rights and protections of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing information and referral services, educational opportunities, and public policy initiatives.
Special Needs Resource Project – Alabama – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Alabama.
Alaska
In Alaska, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Alaska are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Alaska considers homeschooled students taught via correspondence courses in the state to be privately schooled for the purposes of determining access to special education services. Read more about the rules at State of Alaska Correspondence Program Regulations. To learn more about homeschooling your student with disabilities, check out our round-up of resources!
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Alaska:
Stone Soup Group – a statewide nonprofit that provides information, support, training, and resources for families caring for children with special needs.
The Arc of Anchorage – The Arc of Anchorage has a full array of disability services from birth throughout life.
Special Needs Resource Project – Alaska – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Alaska.
Arizona
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Arizona all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Arizona are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Arizona have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may qualify for equitable services. Parents of homeschooled children can also apply for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) and other state-run scholarships. For more information about homeschooling your students with disabilities, check out our guide!
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Arizona:
The Arc of Arizona – The Arc of Arizona advocates for the rights and full community participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by improving systems of supports and services, connecting families, inspiring communication, and influencing public policy.
Parent Support Arizona – Parent Support Arizona offers education and civil rights advocacy; connects families with local resources and supports families as they navigate the public education system, state developmental disability system, and behavioral health system.
Special Needs Resource Project – Arizona – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Arizona.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Arkansas are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state of Arkansas considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purpose of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may qualify for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide!
These are some Arkansas-specific resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Your Rights Under the IDEA Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in Englishand Spanish
Arkansas Disability Coalition – a statewide nonprofit that empowers individuals and families to pursue opportunities for improvement in health, education, quality of life, and inclusion.
The Center for Exceptional Families – works to improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities, including students transitioning to adult life beyond high school.
Special Needs Resource Project – Arkansas – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Arkansas.
California
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in California all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in California are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in California have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities in California, check out our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in California:
Parent Training and Information Center – parent-directed nonprofit organization that provides parents with training and information they need to enable them to participate effectively in helping their children with disabilities.
California Community Parent Resource Centers – helps ensure that underserved parents have the training and information they need to enable the parents effectively in helping their children with disabilities.
Special Needs In My City – a one-stop online resource offering information, parent advocacy, emotional support, and social connections for families.
The Arc of California – The Arc promotes and protects human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – California – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in California.
Colorado
In Colorado, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Colorado are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Colorado considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with special needs, check out our guide!
Here are some Colorado-specific resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Parent and Child Rights in Special Education: Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in English, Spanish, and more.
PEAK Parent Center – offers an array of free and low-cost services to families of children with disabilities and self-advocates.
Thrive Center – The THRIVE Center exists to provide parents with information and training about disabilities; parent and children’s rights under IDEA and other laws; and resources in the Denver Metro area.
Disability Law Colorado – offers legal representation, information and referrals to people with disabilities, older people, and their families.
SWAAAC (Statewide Assistive Technology, Augmentative, and Alternative Communication) – provides multidisciplinary Assistive Technology services to provide students with disabilities equal access to the curriculum and full participation in their education and classroom.
Colorado Talking Book Library – CTBL provides audio, Braille, and large print books for people who can’t read standard print.
Parent to Parent of Colorado – an organization that connects families with their network of families across Colorado and to the resources that they need.
The Arc of Colorado– The Arc of Colorado promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – Colorado – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Colorado.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Connecticut are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not eligible for special education services provided by their school district for free.
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for student with disabilities in Connecticut:
The Arc of Connecticut – The Arc of Connecticut is an advocacy organization committed to protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and promoting opportunities for their full inclusion in their communities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Connecticut – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Connecticut.
Delaware
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools in Delaware all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Delaware are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Delaware have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. As of 2021, homeschooled students may be eligible for some special education services provided by their school district. For more information regarding homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide!
These Delaware-specific resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
The Arc of Delaware – The Arc of Delaware is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and serving Delawareans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – Delaware – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Delaware.
Florida
In Florida, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Florida are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Florida considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. Parents of students with disabilities can also apply for the Family Empowerment Scholarship. For more information regarding homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide!
Here are some Florida-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for student with disabilities:
Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents of Student with Disabilities – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc of Florida – The Arc of Florida is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Florida – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Florida.
Georgia
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools in Georgia all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Georgia are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Georgia have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. In Georgia, homeschooled students are considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide.
These Georgia-specific resources will help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Parent to Parent of Georgia – offers a variety of services to Georgia families such as support, information, education, and leadership development.
The Arc of Georgia – The Arc Georgia works alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to promote and protect the human rights for all and actively support full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lives.
Special Needs Resource Project – Georgia – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Georgia.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, traditional public schools and charter schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Hawaii are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state of Hawaii considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide!
Here are some Hawaii-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Parent Information Network: Hawaii – this parent to parent organization in Hawaii that provides information, support and referral to parents of children and young adults with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.
Hawaii Autism Foundation – helps families identify needs and find solutions that will assure individuals have the tools and transitional support they need.
The Arc of Hawaii – The Arc in Hawai’i provides services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Oahu.
Special Needs Resource Project – Hawaii – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Hawaii.
Idaho
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Idaho all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Idaho are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Idaho have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. Homeschooled students can dual enroll in their public school; however, under state regulations, homeschooled students may not dually enroll solely for the purpose of receiving special education services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Idaho:
The Arc Idaho – Idaho The Arc is committed to serving individuals with developmental disabilities by working to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the supports they need to achieve independence in all facets of their lives.
Special Needs Resource Project – Idaho – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Idaho.
Illinois
In Illinois, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Illinois are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state of Illinois considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information regarding homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Illinois-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
The Arc of Illinois – The Arc of Illinois advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and community organizations to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, learn, and play in communities across the state.
Special Needs Resource Project – Illinois – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Illinois.
Indiana
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Idaho all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Idaho are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Indiana have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. Homeschooled students in Indiana are considered privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Indiana:
Indiana Department of Education Notice of Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Navigating the Course: Finding Your Way through Indiana’s Special Education Rules – a practical resource to help parents available in English and Spanish.
Indiana IEP Resource Center – the IEPRC provides resources, professional learning opportunities, and technical assistance to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Indiana Family to Family – Indiana’s Parent to Parent organization that works to give support, answer questions, and provide information and resources to families of children with special needs.
The Arc of Indiana – The Arc of Indiana is committed to all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities realizing their goals of living, learning, working, and fully participating in the community.
Special Needs Resource Project – Indiana – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Indiana.
Iowa
In Iowa, traditional public schools, charter schools, online public schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Illinois are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Iowa homeschooled students taught through a program of “competent private instruction” may dual enroll in their local public school for the purposes of receiving special education services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide.
Here are some Iowa specific resources to help you understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Procedural Safeguards Manual for Parents (Parental Rights in Special Education) – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Unilateral Placement by Parents – Iowa Department of Education guidance for parents who choose to place their students with disabilities in a private school.
ASK Resource Center – The state of Iowa’s Parent Training and Information Center for families of children with disabilities that provides advocacy, training, resources, and supports.
The Arc of Iowa – The Arc represents, supports, and acts on behalf of individuals and their families regardless of level of ability or membership in The Arc.
Special Needs Resource Project – Iowa – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Iowa.
Kansas
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Kansas all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Kansas are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Idaho have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. Homeschooled students are considered as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. To find out more about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Kansas-specific resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Parent Guide to Special Education: A Companion to the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook – available in English and Spanish.
Families Together, Inc. – The Kansas Parent Training and Information & Family-to-Family Health Information Center providing support and information for families of children with disabilities.
Kansas Parent Information Resource Center – promotes meaningful family engagement by developing resources, developing parent advocacy, offering professional learning to educators, and providing technical assistance to educators.
Special Needs Resource Project – Kansas – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Kansas.
Kentucky
Traditional public schools and magnet schools in Kentucky all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Kentucky are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Kentucky have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state of Kentucky considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Kentucky:
KY-SPIN– KY-SPIN is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to link families and individuals with disabilities to valuable resources.
The Arc of Kentucky – The Arc of Kentucky holds a vision of a positive future for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; a future for communities with services and supports that will promote lives of value.
Special Needs Resource Project – Kentucky – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Kentucky.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, traditional public schools, charter schools, online public schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Louisiana are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for services from their school district for free.
These Louisiana-based resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Louisiana’s Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities: Special Education Processes + Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans – Families Helping Families is a resource center staffed by trained, knowledgeable parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs.
The Arc of Louisiana – The Arc of Louisiana advocates with and for all people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families so that they shall live to their fullest potential.
Special Needs Resource Project – Louisiana – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Louisiana.
Maine
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in Maine all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Maine are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Maine have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students are considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services, provided that the student is enrolled in a program “recognized by the Department as providing equivalent instruction” to private schools. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Maine:
Notice of Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Special Needs Resource Project – Maine – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Maine.
Maryland
In Maryland, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Maryland are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students in Maryland do not automatically qualify for special education services provided under IDEA, although local districts can choose to make services available. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Maryland-specific resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Nonpublic Special Education – Information regarding tuition assistance for students placed in nonpublic education settings by the IEP Team as part of the IEP process.
The Arc of Maryland – The Arc of Maryland is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the rights and quality of life of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – Maryland – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Maryland.
Massachusetts
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in Massachusetts all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Massachusetts are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Massachusetts have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Massachusetts:
The Arc of Massachusetts – The Arc of Massachusetts provides education and systems of advocacy to families, the public, and more.
Federation for Children with Special Needs – The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities.
Family Ties of Massachusetts – Family TIES is a project of the Federation for Children with Special Needs that provides information and referral services, emotional support, and training to parents of children and youth with special needs.
Parent/Professional Advocacy League – The Parent/Professional Advocacy League is a statewide, grassroots family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children, youth and their families.
DisabiliyInfo.org is a website run through INDEX, a program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, a Center for Excellence at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. INDEX collects and keeps up-to-date information on programs, providers, and services in Massachusetts that have something to offer people with disabilities.
In Michigan, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Michigan are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and may be eligible for equitable services, provided the parents have registered their homeschool with the Michigan Department of Education. For more information on homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Michigan-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Education Process Fact Sheet explaining the special education process including the steps from evaluation to eligibility, program, specialized instruction, and placement – available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Family Matters – Family Matters is an outreach effort from the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education to provide parents with information about special education and other resources.
Michigan Alliance for Families – Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children’s education.
The Arc of Michigan – The vision of the Arc of Michigan is that all people realize and fulfill their dreams of having employment, education, meaningful relationships, and living independently within their community.
Special Needs Resource Project – Michigan – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Michigan.
Minnesota
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in Minnesota all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Minnesota are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Minnesota have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students are considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible to receive equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Minnesota-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Minnesota Department of Education: Part B Notice of Procedural Safeguards Parental Rights for Public School Special Education Students – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc of Minnesota – The Arc of Minnesota promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing information, assistance, and education.
Special Needs Resource Project – Minnesota – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Minnesota.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Mississippi are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Parents of students who wish to attend private schools can also apply for the Educational Savings Account program, which provides parents with funding to pay for special education services. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information regarding homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Mississippi:
The Arc of Mississippi – The Arc of Mississippi works to include all children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in every community.
Special Needs Resource Project – Mississippi – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Mississippi.
Missouri
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in Missouri all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Missouri are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Missouri have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible to receive equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Missouri-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
The Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Missouri – available in English and Spanish.
Procedural Safeguards Notice: Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – available in English, Spanish, and ASL (Part 1 & Part 2).
Project ACCESS – Project ACCESS is a collaboration between Missouri State and The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that offers training, resources, and support services to school district personnel who serve students.
The Arc of Missouri – The Arc of Missouri works to support and empower persons with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy and education, expanding individual choices and promoting community inclusion.
Special Needs Resource Project – Missouri – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Missouri.
Montana
In Montana, traditional public schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities. Private schools in Montana are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Montana-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
IDEA Special Education Part B: Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in English and Spanish.
Montana Empowerment Center – Montana Empowerment Center provides online resources and individualized assistance to help Montana parents and educators support and enrich the lives of children with disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Montana – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Montana.
Nebraska
Traditional public schools and magnet schools in Nebraska all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Nebraska are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Nebraska have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for student with disabilities in Nebraska:
Disability Rights Nebraska – Disability Rights Nebraska protects, supports, and promotes the rights of people with disabilities in Nebraska.
The Arc of Nebraska – The Arc of Nebraska provides advocacy to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – Nebraska – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Nebraska.
Nevada
In Nevada, traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities. Private schools in Nevada are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Nevada considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Nevada-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Education Rights of Parents and Children – available in English and Spanish.
Special Needs Resource Project – Nevada – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Nevada.
NEAT Services – NEAT Services is an educational advocacy, tutoring, and homeschool help provider in Southern Nevada for children and young adults with disabilities and learning difficulties.
New Hampshire
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in New Hampshire all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in New Hampshire are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in New Hampshire have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students in New Hampshire are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for special education services provided by the school district. Parents may qualify for income-based scholarships that can fund special education services, tutoring, or homeschool expenses.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in New Hampshire:
New Hampshire Special Education Procedural Safeguards Handbook – available as both written and audio files in English, Spanish, and more.
Parent Information Center – The Parent Information Center (PIC) provides services designed to help parents understand their child’s special needs and the laws that govern the special education process.
A Family Guide to Special Education in New Hampshire by the Parent Information Center – available in English and Spanish.
NH Connections – NH Connections provides child care, early learning and afterschool resources & referrals for families, providers and communities.
University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability/UCED – The IOD promotes full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons by strengthening communities and advancing policy and systems change, promising practices, education, and research.
In New Jersey, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities. Private schools in New Jersey are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. In New Jersey, homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible to receive equitable services from their school district for free.
These New Jersey-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
New Jersey Department of Education Parental Rights in Special Education – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Learning Resource Center (LRC) Network – The LRC Network provides materials and resources to support the education of students with disabilities. The Centers provide regional and targeted professional development and technical assistance to both educators and families of student with disabilities.
The Arc of New Jersey – The Arc of New Jersey is the state’s largest organization advocating for and serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – New Jersey– This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in New Jersey.
New Mexico
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in New Mexico all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in New Mexico are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in New Mexico have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. In New Mexico, homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in New Mexico:
EPICS – is a Community Parent Resource Center serving families who have Native American children with disabilities or developmental delays in NM, including those with special healthcare needs, and the professionals that work with them.
Parents Reaching Out – Parents Reaching Out is a nonprofit organization that works with parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals.
The Arc of New Mexico – The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – New Mexico – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in New Mexico.
New York
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools in New York all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in New York are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in New York have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state of New York considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible to receive equitable services for free. For more information about homeschooling your student with disabilities, check out our round-up here!
These are some state-specific resources to help you further understand special education and school choice in New York:
Special Education in New York State for Children Ages 3-21: A Parent’s Guide – in English and Spanish
New York State Education Department Procedural Safeguards Notice: Rights for Parents of Children with Disabilities, Ages 3-21 – available in English, Spanish, and more!
The Arc New York – A family-based organization for people with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – New York – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in New York.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in North Carolina are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschool students may be eligible for special education services provided by their district for free. For more information about homeschooling your student with disabilities in North Carolina, visit our round-up here!
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for your student with a disability in North Carolina:
The Arc of North Carolina – The Arc of North Carolina is committed to securing for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work, and play.
Traditional public schools in North Dakota all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in North Dakota are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in North Dakota have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students are not considered as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education and are not eligible for free services from their district.
These North Dakota-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Needs Resource Project – North Dakota – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in North Dakota.
Ohio
In Ohio, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Ohio are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Ohio homeschool and private school students with disabilities are eligible for the Jon Peterson Scholarship program, which provides parents with scholarships of up to $27,000 annually in lieu of providing them with a free and appropriate public education. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Ohio-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
The Arc of Ohio – The Arc of Ohio advocates for human rights, personal dignity, and community participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Ohio – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Ohio.
Oklahoma
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Oklahoma all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Oklahoma are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Oklahoma have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Parents or guardians can apply for the Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarship to attend a participating private school. In Oklahoma, homeschooled students with disabilities are not eligible for special education services to be provided by their school district for free.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Oklahoma:
Parents Rights in Special Education: Notice of Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc of Oklahoma – The Arc of Oklahoma educates, empowers, advocates, and supports individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, through a network of programs and services designed to ensure a high quality of life for all Oklahomans.
Special Needs Resource Project – Oklahoma – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Oklahoma.
Oregon
In Oregon, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Oregon are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state considers homeschool students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services provided by the district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Oregon-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Procedural Safeguards Notice: Parent Rights for Special Education K-21 – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc of Oregon – The Arc of Oregon promotes and defends the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – Oregon – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Oregon.
Pennsylvania
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Pennsylvania all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Pennsylvania are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Pennsylvania have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Pennsylvania homeschool students may be considered eligible for special education services provided by their local district. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Pennsylvania-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Parents’ Rights: Understanding the Procedural Safeguards Notice by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network – available in English and Spanish.
Pennsylvania Parent Guide to Special Education for School-Age Children by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network – available in English and Spanish.
PEAL Center – The PEAL Center is an organization of parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs who educates and empowers families to ensure that children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs lead rich, active lives.
The Arc of Pennsylvania – The Arc of Pennsylvania promotes the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – Pennsylvania – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, traditional public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Rhode Island are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Rhode Island:
Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN) – RIPIN’s mission is to help individuals, parents, families, and children achieve their goals by providing information, training, education, support, and advocacy.
The Arc Rhode Island – The Arc Rhode Island leads state-level public policy activities as well as provides training, public awareness and education, and grassroots advocacy building to protect the rights of Rhode Islanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Rhode Island – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Rhode Island.
South Carolina
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in South Carolina all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in South Carolina are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in South Carolina have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Parents can apply to the Exceptional Needs Children Fund to receive a scholarship towards private school if your child has a disability and you believe that the assigned public school does not meet their needs. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These South Carolina-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Federation of Families of South Carolina – The Federation of Families of South Carolina works to provide leadership in the area of children’s mental health through education, awareness, support, and advocacy for families.
Family Connection South Carolina – Family Connection of South Carolina works to change lives by making connections, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion for those with disabilities and special healthcare needs.
The Arc of South Carolina – The Arc of South Carolina promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetime.
In South Dakota, traditional public schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in South Dakota are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for determining access to special education services and are not eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free.
Here are some South Dakota-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
South Dakota Parent Connection – The South Dakota Parent Connection provides individual assistance to families and professionals, workshops for families and professionals, electronic and printed publications and online resources, and connects families to other organizations that can provide assistance.
Special Needs Resource Project – South Dakota – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Tennessee all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Tennessee are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Tennessee have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide. Parents of special needs students can also apply for the Individualized Education Account program, which gives parents funds to pay for special education services. If you’re interested in the Individualized Education Account program, you can obtain more information and an application at the Tennessee Department of Education.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Tennessee:
Tennessee Department of Education Notice of Procedural Safeguards: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc Tennessee – The Arc Tennessee empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to actively participate in the community throughout their lifetime.
Special Needs Resource Project – Tennessee – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Tennessee.
Texas
In Texas, traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Texas are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Texas-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Education in Texas A-Z Index – This index by the Texas Education Agency has listed many education-related topics alphabetically linking to where they are used on the TEA’s website.
Notice of Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
SPEDTex – SPEDTex provides information and resources to help parents understand their child’s disability, their rights and responsibilities under IDEA,and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services.
Partners Resource Network – The Partners Resource Network is a nonprofit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers that help parents understand their child’s disability; understand their rights & responsibilities; obtain and evaluate resources and services; and participate in planning services.
The Arc of Texas – The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Texas – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Texas.
Utah
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Utah all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Utah are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Utah have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Parents of students with disabilities who would like to enroll their students in a private school can apply for the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship Program (CSS) to help with tuition. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education and are not eligible for services by the school district for free unless they are dually enrolled in a public school. However, starting in 2024, the Utah Fits All Scholarship will provide flexible funding for families choosing to enroll in a nonpublic school option, like homeschooling. Families can use this funding for customized learning needs, including occupational, behavioral, physical, audiology, or speech-language therapies.
These Utah-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Utah State Board of Education Special Education Rights of Parents and Children Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Utah Parent Center – The Utah Parent Center (UPC) helps parents, children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities to live included, productive lives by providing information, peer support, training, and advocacy.
Autism Council of Utah – The Autism Council of Utah works to foster collaboration, communication, and learning among families and agencies by promoting access to resources and responsible information.
Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE) – TAESE works to improve results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities by providing access to expertise and technical assistance services; facilitating activities to help agencies meet state and federal requirements; and designing, organizing, and implementing a variety of professional development activities.
Utah Developmental Disabilities Council (UDDC) – The Utah Developmental Disabilities Council advocates for, and strengthen leadership skills in, individuals with disabilities and their families.
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind – The Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind support students across the state of Utah and serves as a leader across the country and around the world for the education of students who are deaf, blind, or deaf-blind.
Utah State Instructional Materials Access Center (USIMAC) – The USIMAC provides the proper materials in the format that will give students the greatest success in the classroom – including Braille, Large Print, and PDF/DAISY/EPUB
Special Needs Resource Project – Utah – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Utah.
Vermont
In Vermont, traditional public schools and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Vermont are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. In some cases, Vermont homeschool students may be eligible for special education services provided by their school district for free. While not strictly required by law, some districts elect to provide special education services to homeschoolers through a Services Plan. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Vermont:
Vermont Association of the Deaf (VTAD) – VTAD’s goal is to create a better world for the deaf individuals and their families through community outreach, advocacy, education, legislative efforts, and collaboration.
Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health – The Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health supports families and children where a child or youth (0-22) by providing families with peer support and information; empowering families, youth, and young adults to navigate service and support systems; and advocating for accessible, flexible, and quality family centered and driven services.
Vermont Interdisciplinary Team (I-Team) – The Vermont I-Team provides technical assistance for teams working with students (3-22), along with training to school district personnel, family members, community service providers, and general community members.
Vermont Family Network – The Vermont Family Network works to empower and support all Vermont children, youth, and families, especially those with disabilities or special health needs.
Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) – VATP helps individuals of all ages find accessible solutions to overcome barriers at home, work, and in the community as related to disability and aging related needs.
Special Needs Resource Project – Vermont – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Vermont.
Virginia
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Virginia all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Vermont are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Vermont have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services provided by their school district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Virginia-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Virginia Department of Education Parent Ombudsman for Special Education website – An Ombudsman is a person who serves as a designated neutral party who advocates for a fair process and provides confidential, informal assistance and support to parents, guardians, advocates, educators, and students with disabilities in non-legal special education matters.
PEATC – PEATC provides tools and information to empower Virginia students with disabilities (birth-age 26) and their families.
Center for Family Involvement – The Center for Family Involvement works with families to increase their skills as advocates, mentors, and leaders so that families, children and young adults with disabilities can lead the lives they want.
Virginia Family Special Education Connection – The Virginia Family Special Education Connection website provides a one-stop-shop for parents, families, and caregivers of children with special needs.
I’m Determined – Critical Decision Points – This guide, created by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, assists in helping families make decisions at critical points in their education.
The Arc of Virginia – The Arc of Virginia is the statewide advocacy organization made up of people with developmental disabilities, their family members and their allies, who are fighting for A Life Like Yours, for Virginians.
Special Needs Resource Project – Virginia – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Virginia.
Washington
In Washington, traditional public schools and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Washington are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students in Washington can receive “ancillary services” from their home district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities in Washington, visit our guide.
These Washington-state-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Washington Sensory Disability Services – Washington Sensory Disability Services supports the developmental and learning needs of children aged birth to 21 who are deaf or hard of hearing; are blind or low vision; are deafblind.
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) – WATAP provides resources and services to persons who face challenges related to disability and aging to help in the selection and use of assistive technology.
WEA Special Education Support Center – The WEA Special Education Support Center provides training to all educators, parents, and service organizations.
The Arc of Washington State – The Arc of Washington State advocates for and beside children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – Washington – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Washington.
West Virginia
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in West Virginia all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in West Virginia are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in West Virginia have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschool students are not considered privately schooled students for determining access to special education services and are not eligible to receive equitable services from their school district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in West Virginia:
West Virginia Parent Training and Information (WVPTI) – WVPTI is a nonprofit parent organization that works to empower families as advocates and partners in improving education, health, and transition outcomes for their children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs.
The Arc of West Virginia – The Arc of West Virginia works to ensure a satisfying and productive life for the citizens we serve with intellectual, cognitive, and related developmental disabilities and their families.
In Wisconsin, traditional public schools and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Wisconsin are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Local districts do not have to provide special education services to homeschooled students; however, they may choose to do so. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Wisconsin-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Part B: Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in English, Spanish, and more.
An Introduction to Special Education by the Wisconsin Department of Instruction – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Special Education in Plain Language: A User-Friendly Handbook on Special Education Laws, Policies, and Practices in Wisconsin – available in English and Spanish
Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI) – WSPEI helps families and school districts by assisting families with navigating special education and partnering with schools through technical assistance, trainings, and programs.
Wisconsin Family Ties – Wisconsin Family Ties provides information and referrals, family support, education, and Parent Peer Specialists to assist families of children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders.
Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones – Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones is a nonprofit organization that provides educational workshops, parent support groups, family events, community building activities, and service referrals to families of children and youth with diverse abilities.
Arc of Wisconsin – The Arc of Wisconsin provides information and referral services, individual advocacy to address education, employment, health care and other concerns, self-advocacy initiatives, residential support, employment programs, leisure and recreational programs.
Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin (ASW) – The ASW builds relationships and partnerships with other community agencies with the goal of building autism friendly, inclusive communities.
Family Voices of Wisconsin – Family Voices of Wisconsin is a statewide network of families who have children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities by providing information, training, and leadership opportunities.
Well Badger Resource Center – The Well Badger Resource Center is a health information and referral program that assists in finding needed programs and services such as early intervention screening.
Special Needs Resource Project – Wisconsin – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Traditional public schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Wyoming all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Wyoming are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Wyoming have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services provided by their school district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Wyoming:
Special Needs Resource Project – Wyoming – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Wisconsin.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., traditional public schools and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Washington, D.C. are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. In D.C., homeschooled students are considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Washington, D.C.-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
10 Basic Steps in Special Education takes the special education process and breaks it down into the basic steps, linking to more information for each step. (PDF) (web)
The Contents of the IEP post shares what parents can expect to be part of their child’s Individualized Education Program.
The Office of the Student Advocate by the State Board of Education of Washington, D.C. created Knowing the Difference: 504 Plan or IEP to provide quick and accessible information on some of the major differences.
The PROGRESS Center put together a list of Resources for Families and Students that highlight the resources that can be used to support the development and implementation of high-quality educational programs for students with disabilities.
Special Education Guide is an online resource for parents and educators who want to master the terminology, procedures, and best practices in special education. Here are some of their resources:
The Center for Learner Equity provides family resources that cover a range of topics relevant to families, including informative research projects surrounding navigating special education and school choice.
The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) focuses on encouraging the use of mediation, facilitation, and other collaborative processes as strategies for resolving disagreements between parents and schools about children’s educational programs and support services.
The TIES Center works to create sustainable changes so that students with significant cognitive disabilities can fully engage in the same instructional and non-instructional activities as their peers while being instructed in a way that meets individual learning needs.
Understood put together What is Child Find? – an article discussing how Child Find works, what happens when an evaluation is requested, and what happens when schools don’t follow Child Find.
The information in this guide to special education is designed to help families who are interested in learning more about the school choice options for students with disabilities in their state. Our mission is to provide families with the information they need about all the school options available – traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, and at home – so they can choose the right fit for their child. Read more guides about the other types of schools.
Educational Innovations: A 50-State Guide to Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning
Microschooling. Course choice. Parentpreneurs. Youth-directed education. Enrichment center. Freedom to play. Educational innovation. Unbundling education. Education a la carte.
Education is evolving, and if you’ve stumbled into an education conversation or joined a parent discussion group recently, chances are you’ve heard of learning arrangements or styles you didn’t even know existed. Today, many families are finding the flexibility, customization, and community they desire in learning arrangements at least partially outside their traditional public school or parochial school. Today, more than 1 million families participate in “microschooling,” localized learning groups they’ve discovered or designed. While families who microschool may legally be homeschoolers or private schoolers, they share an entrepreneurial mindset that sets them apart.
Beyond microschooling, many families are simply mixing and matching different education types; for example, enrolling part-time in public school classes, online classes, or apprenticeship programs while homeschooling. To help you understand microschooling and other unconventional learning choices in your state, we’ve created this guide.
What are microschools?
The basic concept of microschooling is pretty easy to understand: students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Usually, microschools address a local need and are formed when families in the same vicinity bring children similar in age together. Microschools are always “micro,” that is, somewhat small. They’ve been called “modern one-room schoolhouses.”
You may hear two different families use “microschool” to refer to two learning environments that look very different. Perhaps one is an at-home learning group of five students while the other is a private school serving nearly 100 children. Education researcher Kerry McDonald describes that the term “microschool” encompasses education models from “homeschooling collaboratives that may meet a few days a week in a local community space, to learning pods in a private home, to full-time, small, low-cost private schools that prioritize individualized learning and don’t plan to grow beyond a few dozen students.” Microschools can take place in homes, churches, libraries, public outdoor spaces, or commercial spaces.
While many think of microschooling as a pandemic phenomenon, there were small, creative learning environments like microschools long before that. QuantumCamp and Acton Academy were founded in 2009, and are two examples of early microschool learning programs. Outschool was founded in 2015 to offer small group, live online classes for K-12 students. That same year, Education Next wrote about how “from San Francisco to Austin, Texas, to New York, new forms of schooling termed micro-schools are popping up.”And it was back in 2018 that an Arizona dad started using the microschool learning model he’d call Prenda. Under the Prenda model, small groups of just 5-10 kids collaborate on project-based learning with the help of an adult mentor or guide. From one microschool in 2018, the Prenda model has spread to more than 300 microschools as of 2023.
Pre-pandemic microschool families were drawn to the microschool model because of their desire for freer, more creative learning environments than were otherwise available. Families who microschool today share that motivation. As Mara Linaberger, education consultant at MicroschooolBuilders.com, described, microschools are often focused on creating viable, sustainable education communities that leave a lasting legacy. Often microschools are inspired by a desire for students to be more self-directed, and educators to have more freedom in teaching methods. “I began to learn about all of the alternative forms of education,” Linaberger said. “And as I learned my excitement grew! As I learned about small schools using models such as Montessori, Waldorf, or Reggio Emelia, I started to dream about the possibility of new kinds of schools… one-room schools that were modern, innovative, and joy-filled spaces.”
What do microschools look like? Are they a completely new school type?
Here are the three most common formats you’ll see microschools take across the country today:
Learning centers for homeschoolers. A report by the National Microschooling Center indicates that about 44% of microschools take this format, catering to homeschool students. In states with strict private school regulations, this may be the most accessible format for families wanting to create a custom group-learning experience.
For example: Freestyle Learning Microschool in Chicago Heights, Illinois is a drop-off center where homeschool children can participate in academic workshops or receive support with their schoolwork.
In-person private schools. Many microschools operate as mini private schools. These microschools have done the work of meeting their state’s requirements for private education. Families enroll their students as private school students. Microschools in this format are particularly prevalent in states — like Arizona and Florida — that offer flexible scholarships called education savings accounts that families can use for private school. Families and microschool leaders in these states know that these programs can offer their microschool valuable resources while making it an accessible option for all families.
For example: Acton Academies are a network of “one-room-schoolhouses” across the country, typically launched by parent entrepreneurs looking for small classrooms and an inspiring learning environment for their child. Many, though not all, Acton Academies are formatted as small private schools.
Hybrid schools. Another popular microschooling format is a hybrid one. Hybrid formatting consists of lending a few days of learning each week in a brick-and-mortar school with a few days of at-home learning. Hybrid schools can have many names, including hybrid homeschools, collaborative schools, and collegiate model schools.
For example: Providence Hybrid Academy students in Pennsylvania spend six hours on campus on Thursdays and Fridays, and work from home Mondays through Wednesdays. While participating families at this school are legally homeschooling, they choose to commit to the curriculum and guidance of teachers at the school.
You can find examples of different programs that identify as microschools in your state in the State-by-State section of this post. While the above three types may be the most common forms you’ll see microschools take, there are others, like private membership associations. Some microschools simultaneously offer both private school and homeschool options, so families can choose whichever they prefer.
Plus, many traditional public school districts created small learning cohorts during the pandemic that allowed students to learn and socialize in-person. Some of these still exist today! In fact, a number of online public schools have created learning pod-like groups as an option for families.
In short, microschooling can fall under practically any school type —- traditional public, public charter, public magnet, online, homeschool, or private — and is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases!
“Micro-schools tend to… provide a much more personalized and self-directed learning experience for their students. If you did some research on small schools you’d likely find as many varieties of micro-schools as you do something like coffee houses, yoga studios, or nonchain restaurants.”
To get a sense of day-to-day life in a microschool, we recommend you check out the podcast LiberatED, hosted by Kerry McDonald. You’ll find stories of microschool founders and families from across the country.
What do microschools cost?
What about costs? As you can already see, microschools don’t fit into a mold. Some can be completely free to create and design, while others might cost hundreds of dollars each month. Many homeschool hybrids, microschools, and other unconventional learning programs do charge a tuition fee from participants. While this varies widely, it may be in the range of $175-$650 a month.
Both local communities and national organizations, like VELA Education Fund, are working to support families who wish to found or participate in microschools. In fact, some surveys indicate that educational entrepreneurship is happening across income levels, but especially among low and middle-income teachers and parents. Many of these teachers and parents are sacrificing their own money to start school initiatives customized to their children.
“A micro-school is not the right environment for every student, but there are students of all income levels who could potentially thrive in a micro-school’s highly relational, personalized setting.”
Melissa Steel King
As you’ll read about in the next section, there are some state-run scholarship programs that can help to offset the learning fees for homeschoolers who participate in a microschool, or the tuition fees at microschools that are arranged as private schools.
Beyond microschooling: Mixing and matching education through course choice, part-time enrollment, and more
As you can already see, microschooling often takes the raw ingredients of homeschooling or private schooling and rearranges those into something with a new, distinct character.
But educational entrepreneurship isn’t limited to microschools! Keep in mind that there are also many innovative private schools that, while they don’t identify as microschools, share some of the same tenets, such as an emphasis on self-directed learning. Just one striking example is the Sudbury Valley School, which has generated several similarly-styled schools across the U.S. At Sudbury, children freely pursue their own interests on a 10-acre campus with no traditional classrooms.
Parentpreneurs and course unbundling
There are also many families today who don’t consider themselves microschoolers yet who are undoubtedly innovators in education: They mix and match education formats — taking some classes through a local public school or an online school while also having the flexibility for family adventures and at-home learning. Here are three fictionalized examples based on the real stories we hear from families:
10-year old Shamika in Arizona is homeschooled but participates regularly in her local Barefoot University group, a forest school opportunity for homeschoolers. During the summer, she enrolls in ASU Prep Digital’s online summer school program, where students work 2-4 hours a day in both live lessons with a teacher and independent digital activities.
The Ramirez family live in Orlando and participate in Florida’s education savings account program, which means they receive about $8,000 for learning expenses for their son. They use these funds to choose a values-based education at their Catholic parish school, but still participate in a Spanish class and tutoring program at a nearby public school.
Adam is a highschooler in Nevada who participates in Nevada State High School, a free charter school for juniors and seniors who want to get a headstart on earning college credits. Since the early college school doesn’t offer sports teams, Adam has petitioned his local district public school, which has agreed to let him participate in their football program.
A growing number of states — like Arkansas,Florida, and Utah — have created state-run scholarship programs that homeschoolers are either already eligible for or will be eligible for once the programs phase in. Other states — like Oklahoma, Indiana, and Ohio — offer tax credit or tax deduction programs. These can make it easier for homeschoolers to pay for the curriculum, educational tutoring, or extracurricular activities they’re most interested in.
Many states are also recognizing the benefits of allowing part-time enrollment at public schools, which allows homeschoolers to take advantage of specific district offerings and provides an additional revenue stream for public schools. Both of these trends are “unbundling education,” expanding families’ abilities to mix and match.
Innovative education providers
Education providers also see state scholarships as valuable for offering families cost-free options. Open Sky Education, for example, is a non-profit developing faith-based and character-formation education in areas that offer scholarship programs. The network has created private schools that utilize a voucher program in Wisconsin, and charter schools in Arizona where students can tap into an education savings account.Microschools are among the network’s newest initiatives.
There are also some innovative programs developing to give families pre-built frameworks they can then customize. For example, Utah-based My Tech High is an education program administered by various public schools. While participating students are technically “public school students,” they can choose to take all classes at home or online if they wish. They can use the program’s flexibility to travel, take early college courses, or participate in local community activities.
Other educational innovations today emphasize how learning doesn’t have to take place on a campus. For those interested in apprenticeships, for example, start-ups like unCommon Construction offer highschoolers the opportunity to earn pay and high school credits while learning how to build houses. Online organizations like Preppy partner with schools to offer online career training for high schoolers. And, initiatives like Liberated Learners Centers focus on self-directed education at learning centers.
Some entrepreneurial learning environments are entirely online. The Socratic Experience is a private online school that shares many characteristics with today’s microschools. For example, it commits to learning cohorts of 15 students or less and focuses on making learning a purpose-driven experience for students.
Others utilize global travel. Project World School immerses teens in cultures through worldschooling. The program describes, “Designed for homeschoolers, unschoolers and democratic learners alike, we offer immersive multi-day retreats formed as Temporary Learning Communities. Each retreat utilizes the enigmatic landscape of our host country as the canvas for exploration and discovery.” Additionally, Clonlara Global Learning Community is an educational initiative serving families in more than 60 countries. Students can live anywhere in the world and travel while enrolled in the program.
Know what you’ve signed up for
As you’ve already seen, microschools and unconventional learning environments can take a variety of legal forms! Some are legally small private schools, others are support groups for online school students, and some are simply homeschool co-ops. Whether you’re microschooling with a group or just mixing and matching education options for your child, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for and whether it meets your child’s necessary school requirements.
If you are un-enrolling your child from their existing traditional public school, charter school, magnet school, or private school to homeschool or found a microschool, you are solely responsible for determining their own curriculum, lesson plans, and methods of instruction, in accordance with state laws and regulations. In many self-directed microschool arrangements, parents serve as teachers. In others, parents pool resources to hire teachers, tutors, or instructors. Each state has its own rules for homeschooling. Keep in mind that homeschooling is not just a style of instruction, it’s also a legal term that means that parents have taken full responsibility for educating their children in the home.
In some states, there is a limit on the number of students who can learn together before that group or microschool might be classified as a standalone private school. If a microschool offers a more formal education arrangement and families officially enroll in the learning group and exchange money for services, this may indicate that it is functioning as a private school. Acton Academy microschools, for instance, are usually established as private schools that charge tuition and use state-certified teachers.
There are also situations where parents keep their children enrolled in their local public, charter, or private school, but also participate in a local learning support group. The purpose of these learning support groups is to help students better acclimate to learning provided by existing schools so that students can learn together and parents can accommodate their individual work needs. Under the supervision of a parent, several parents, or a guardian, students may work together on lessons, classes, and activities provided by the children’s existing schools. Learning support groups may meet during the day, in the case of online learning, or after school.
Keep in mind that, in some cases where microschools are regulated as distance learning programs, arrangements that families make to regularly meet in person for their children to complete assignments together may be classified as in-home childcare. This has been the case, for example, with some Prenda microschools in Arizona.
State by state: Educational entrepreneurship examples
Below you’ll find a sampling of entrepreneurial education initiatives in your state!
Here are just a few examples of microschools and innovative learning choices in Alabama:
Hope United Academy in Madison is a Christian microschool specifically designed to serve students with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, high-functioning autism, or processing issues.
Legacy Builders Academy provides a microschool setting focused on personalized education, nurturing each student’s unique talents and fostering family involvement.
Morae Classical Schools, which aims to open campuses near military bases in Alabama, will blend classical education, online learning, and in-person activities, offering character-based education for children of military families.
Build UP in Birmingham is a small, early-college workforce development high school that provides low-income youth with career skills and paid apprenticeships.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Alabama may still be eligible to participate in sports at local public schools provided they meet their district’s requirements.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Alaska:
Here is one example of a microschool started by homeschoolers in Alaska:
The Green Room in East Anchorage is a learning community offering in-person classes for homeschoolers, from chemistry to wholeness and health classes.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Alaska may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. In fact, Alaska is one of the most flexible states when it comes to non-public students enrolling in public school offerings. Excel in Ed describes, “Alaska does not restrict the number of courses a non-public student may enroll in nor does the state restrict students to core or non-core academic courses. Alaska homeschool students could join the local marching band or take AP Chemistry from a qualified teacher.”
Here are just a few examples of the many microschools and nontraditional learning choices for families in Arizona:
The Arizona Innovation Hub launched in 2023 to help Arizona innovators launch schools and education services in the state. The Hub seeks to provide support and networking for a variety of innovators, “from the mom who is thinking about starting to offer a single class to an individual student or small group, to a season innovator launching a microschool or private school.”
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account provides participating families with education funding that can be used flexibly for approved learning expenses, like private school tuition, home education, tutoring, and more.
Endeavor Academy is a microschool situated in Mesa that follows an in-home approach to education.
Prenda Microschools offers tuition-free learning pod options for families through a partnership with accredited online schools in Arizona.
Great Hearts Online has piloted a microschool program where families can enroll in the classical online school but receive in-person learning support.
Public online schools like ASU Prep and Sequoia Choice have launched learning-pod-like models where students work on their online school curriculum in person together a few days a week.
KaiPod Learning offers learning pods for both homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools.
iCubed Learning provides personalized learning pods for homeschoolers, online students, and those enrolled in hybrid programs, offering one-on-one teaching experiences with certified educators.
Based in Phoenix, Spark Community Schools offers small classroom-style learning to grades K-8.
Baker Creek Academy is a small, collaborative, student-driven school in Eagar that prioritizes community.
Trinity Arch Preparatory School for Boys offers a tailored learning pod environment focusing on a liberal arts education and character development in a Christian, boys-only setting.
The Black Mothers Forum has launched at least five microschools in Arizona, specifically geared toward meeting the needs of minority communities and their families.
Adamo education combines in-person instruction in small microschooling environments with digital learning.
Primer is a microschooling network with schools in Scottsdale and South Tempe.
Kino School is an example of a small, innovative private school with mixed-age learning focused on student interests. While it’s been around since the 1970s, it shares some of the characteristics of microschools today.
Arizona State University offers a year-long fellowship that families can apply for if they’re interested in starting their own microschool.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Arizona may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including permanent, full-time online schools that are available to K-12 students statewide.
Arkansas:
Here are a few examples of innovative learning options in Arkansas:
ACRES is a microschool in Brookland that opened in fall 2023. Families register as homeschoolers but come together for mixed-age learning with a Socratic style.
The Decker School in central Arkansas reimagines education through child-led exploration. Families can enroll part-time as homeschoolers, or participate in a full-time program.
Arkansas’ new Educational Freedom Account, which is phasing in over the next two years, will provide participating families with flexible funding that can be used for private school expenses, tutoring, and more.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students with disabilities in Arkansas may be eligible to access special education services from their local school districts. Additionally, homeschooled students in Arkansas may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools, though restrictions may apply.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
California:
Here are just a few examples of the many microschools and innovative learning choices in California:
Silicon Schools ““funds the creation of new schools that foster innovation and personalization to discover the next generation of schools in America.” Their grantees include several microschools and other innovative educational initiatives.
Chronos Academy, a microschool in Larkspur, evolved from a cohort program for homeschoolers to a private school with intentionally small classes.
The Players Academy, a network of full-time learning centers that offer hybrid learning for student athletes, is opening locations in Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, and Walnut Creek.
Acton Academy Venice Beach is part of that Acton Academy network that primarily emphasizes self-directed learning and entrepreneurial thinking in a collaborative environment.
Inner Fire Academy provides an intimate and tailored learning environment for homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools, specializing in gifted children aged 8-12 with a focus on customized, engaging education.
In Oakland, the Oakland REACH offers virtual learning hubs to help students receive support and academic and social enrichment.
Global Village School is a homeschool/private school hybrid that was founded back in 1999. The school focuses on self-directed distance learning, social justice, and sustainability.
Praxis Elite offers an innovative middle school curriculum that combines academics and athletics in equal measure.
Seeds of Love Collective focuses on developing holistic educational pathways in connection with nature. Their Open Wilderness Literacy & Science (OWLS) microschool offers outdoor education with hands-on learning experiences for learners aged 6-11 to cultivate community, friendships, and joy in learning.
The Open School is a small, self-directed school for creative learners. The Open School has a campus in Santa Ana and a virtual program for non-local families.
Ellemercito Academy is a Los Angeles-based microschool focused on experiential, place-based learning.
Angeles Workshop School is a student-led private school in Los Angeles serving up to just 20 students.
Brightworks in San Francisco is a small school that seeks to foster students’ advocacy and love of learning through project-based experiences.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including permanent, full-time online schools that are available to K-12 students statewide.
Colorado:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and innovative education solutions in Colorado:
Zealous Schools is one organization operating a few microschools as independent schools in Colorado.
In Denver, Embark Education blends study and real world experience, allowing students to work half-hour shifts at a nearby coffee shop and bike shop.
Anastasis Academy is a Christian microschool in Centennial focusing on experiential learning and small, mixed-age classes.
North Star Microschool is a home-based learning center modeled after the one-room schoolhouse.
Ascend Micro School, a faith-based hybrid school in Colorado Springs, offers a community-rooted, learner-driven education for students in grades K-8.
La Luz Education is an independent microschool / homeschool enrichment program for sixth and seventh graders. The program is tuition-free and offers education in both English and Spanish.
Montessori Peaks Academy is a Colorado public charter school, but offers several free enrichment programs for homeschool students.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Colorado may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Connecticut:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
One example of homeschoolers gathering in a pod-like community is LearnerSpace in Bethel.
From Seeds to Sprouts is a Private Education Association establishing a one-room schoolhouse with collaborative homeschooling. From Seeds to Sprouts is located in Shelton.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
One of Delaware’s newest private schools is Cedar Creek, an Acton Academy school that focuses on curiosity, independence, and lifelong learning.
R.O.O.T.S. (Reaching Outside of Traditional Schooling) is a family-founded initiative to teach self-sufficiency and altruism in the Georgetown community. The program is located on a family homestead and teaches life-skills workshops.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Florida is one of the most vibrant states in the country for microschooling options. Here are just a few real examples of microschools and related resources in the Sunshine State:
As of 2023, two of Florida’s state scholarship programs are open to every student who wishes to enroll in a nonpublic school option, like private school or homeschool. Participating families are able to receive flexible funds for learning expenses like part-time tutoring, part-time enrollment in a college as part of a dual-enrollment program, or online learning costs.
Microschool Florida offers an awesome directory of learning pods and microschools around the state.
KaiPod Learning offers learning pods for homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools. One of KaiPod Learning’s partners in Florida, for example, is Steps Learning Center, which focuses on learning and self-advocacy for children with special learning needs.
Surf Skate Science is a non-profit South Florida homeschool co-op and education program.
Tapestry Academy in Boca Raton is an in-home microschool that describes itself as “homeschool meets day school.”
Steps Learning Center LLC offers a supportive learning pod environment for homeschool and online school students, focusing on hands-on, sensory, and technology-integrated education for non-traditional learners.
Colossal Academy is a micro-middle school that prioritizes learning through a humanistic approach.
Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale is a microschool that focuses on developing critical thinking skills through hands-on, technology-driven education.
Kind Academy in Coral Springs offers hybrid, part-time and full-time learning options for a small number of students, focusing on nature, art, and sensory learning.
FLEX Learning Academy is a hybrid homeschool program where you may find students out on field trips, engaging in Socratic discussion, learning through projects, or even doing yoga with goats.
Colossal Academy in South Florida is a progressive microschool centered on individualized learning, learning around the community, and engaging in real-world skills like cooking, farming, and video creation.
Compass Outreach and Education Center in Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of personalized learning choices, including homeschool support, tutoring services, virtual learning, and a full K-7 private microschool.
Kipe Academy is a microschool located in Polk City and offers hands-on learning for Kindergarten through fifth-grade students.
The Urban Cottage Educational Collaborative offers individualized, small-group sessions for homeschoolers, as well as tutoring for students enrolled in traditional school environments.
CREATE Conservatory in Mount Dora is a non-profit K-7 private microschool where “STEM meets the Arts.”
Spring Valley School is a student-led, Sudbury-style private school in Palm Harbor.
The Innovative Educators Network is a network of educators in South Florida committed to finding new and innovative ways to teach and inspire students.
Miami Mircrolearn Hub is a 6-12 microschool that offers a technology-infused education.
P.L.A.Y. School Academy offers a range of holistic K-12 education, enrichments and family wellness programs to serve homeschoolers and “afterschoolers”.
Primer Microschools has eight campuses throughout Florida and offers self-paced, passion-driven learning.
Broward County officials have issued guidance about learning pods, saying, “Programs that provide care and supervision to elementary school aged children must be licensed as child care unless they are registered as a private school with the Florida Department of Education or qualify for an exemption with our office.”
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students with special needs are eligible to receive “testing and evaluation services at diagnostic and resource centers” in Florida. Additionally, homeschooled students in Florida may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are real examples of microschools and other innovative learning resources in Georgia:
KaiPod Learning recently opened a Learning Support Group for Atlanta-area students. Students who homeschool or use an accredited virtual school can join the pod for community and educational support.
The Attuned Community School offers a diverse learning pod environment focusing on play-based, nature-based, and project and inquiry-based learning experiences.
TwiddleU specializes in education and therapy for Autistic and neurodiverse children, emphasizing hands-on and digital learning in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Spectacular Start is a homeschool learning pod in Atlanta that blends at-home learning with in-person classes in a supportive environment.
St. John the Baptist Hybrid School, a PK-12th program in Cobb County, offers Cognia-accredited classes up to 3 days a week. With alternating on-campus and homeschool days each week, families enjoy schedule flexibility and a strong academic setting.
Georgia Fugees Academy is a small charter school designed to meet the needs of refugee and new American students through wraparound services and soccer school.
Pass Pod is a microschool in South Atlanta that provides a curriculum centered around African American culture and real-world experiences.
St. John Bosco Academy is a hybrid school that blends in-person learning with at-home study.
Sometimes Learning Support Groups are district-run. For example, the DeKalb County School District won a grant to partner with a community non-profit and serve alternative education students through learning hubs.
Mercer University has announced the establishment of a transitional school, opening in fall 2024, for children with dyslexia. The innovative school will help prepare students to master skills to succeed in a more traditional school setting, and will also serve as a hub of dyslexia study and teacher training.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students with special needs may still be eligible for additional support from the State of Georgia. Additionally, homeschooled students in Georgia are eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools, provided they meet certain requirements.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Hawaii:
Here is one example of an innovative microschool resource in Hawaii:
Hawaii Kids Can has started an Ohana Pods initiative to connect and support families who are learning together either online or in-person.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Here are just a few examples of Idaho microschools and related resources:
One Idaho online school, Gem Prep Online, is starting pods called “learning societies” for interested families. While using the online school’s curriculum, small groups of students will work in the same space, whether that’s a church, home, or other building.
Low-income Idaho families can apply to the Empowering Parents Grant Program to receive funding for learning materials and services for their K-12 student. The program is open to homeschool and private school students as well as public school students.
Idaho has passed a bill that allows groups of parents to partner with their school district on “innovation classrooms,” like microschools within the public school setting. Similar to pods, these “innovation classrooms” could be small learning groups where kids use an alternative curriculum and are taught by a specific teacher.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Idaho may be eligible to take classes at local public schools, or participate in sports or activities, through the state’s dual enrollment programs.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Illinois:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in Illinois:
At The Classroom microschool in Bartlett, students meet for 20 hours a week of customized learning.
Freestyle Learning Microschool in Chicago Heights operates as a dropoff and enrichment center for homeschooled children.
Kairos Patriot Academy is a microschool operating out of Testament of Love Church in Carpentersville, with Biblical and constitutional focuses.
In 2022, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services issued a memo encouraging families operating pods out of homes to become licensed.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers with special learning needs may be eligible for services and support from local school districts in Illinois. Additionally, homeschooled students may enroll part time at local public schools and request to participate in sports and activities, though schools are not required by law to grant this request.
There are three Wildflower Montessori microschools in Indiana, in South Bend, Fort Wayne, and Clarksville.
All 10-12th grade students, including homeschoolers, are eligible to apply for the state’s new Career Scholarship Program. The program allows students who create a graduation plan to receive a flexible grant of about $5,000 for approved “earn-and-learn opportunities.”
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers are eligible to receive some special education services from Indiana school districts. Additionally, homeschool students in Indiana may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools, though restrictions apply.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Iowa:
Here are real examples of microschools and innovative learning options in Iowa:
The Community Academy Microschool aims to develop and offer year-round, community-based, extracurricular programming for community youth.
Yirah School House is a microschool based in Knoxville that offers a project-based learning style to students aged 7-11.
While not as “micro” as a microschool, Iowa BIG is an innovative, interdistrict public school initiative. Participating students learn by working on projects and in project teams developing initiatives they care about in their community.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers are eligible to receive some special education services from Iowa school districts. Additionally, homeschool students in Iowa may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools through dual enrollment.
Wichita Innovative Schools and Educators is a community group that supports families and educators who are seeking alternative education models for children. You can find a directory on their site of more than 20 alternative schools and educational co-ops.
Hear the story of one parent who started a Prenda-affiliated learning pod in Wichita on the LiberatED podcast.
Urban Preparatory Academy in Wichita provides alternative educational opportunities for children from low-income and working-class families. Most students use the state’s low-income tax-credit scholarship program to attend the small private school.
Arise Microschool is an intentionally small community-based microschool in Topeka, Kansas.
Wildflower Community School is a small independent school specializing in serving neurodivergent learners in Wichita.
ReWild is a microschool community in Hutchinson that seeks to restore and protect the natural rhymes of families and create more diverse, harmonious, and sustainable homes.
Some cities in Kansas, such as Shawnee, have developed city code to regulate remote learning support programs. You can always check with your local governance about whether they are developing regulations applicable to your learning pod.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Kentucky:
Here are a couple examples of microschools and related resources in Kentucky:
Wilmore Crossing Academy is a microschool with intentionally small class sizes that are often held outdoors.
Sphinx Academy is a full-time microschool in Lexington for gifted and talented highschoolers.
City Schoolhouse is a Christian neighborhood private school in Shively where students come to learn academic, social, and practical life skills.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling your child in a private, full-time online school for a fee.
Louisiana:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in Louisiana:
De Beau Microschool families participate in three hours a day of individualized learning, Tuesday through Friday.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help microschool is a small school community in Belle Chasse immersed in the Catholic tradition.
Sequitur Classical Academy in Baton Rouge offers a classical learning environment. While students are legally homeschooled, they participate in a common classical core, activities, and fellowship.
In 2021, Louisiana created a pod law that lays out some guidelines for school districts wanting to establish pods. Under this law, districts can create pods of at least 10 students that are linked to a school under their jurisdiction. Students in such a pod are taught by teachers and staff in the district. While established by a district, these pods can take place in unique locations like museums or libraries, or through virtual means.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschool students in Louisiana may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools, though restrictions may apply.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Maine:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in Maine:
With small group classes and multi-age learning, Roots Academy in Cape Elizabeth offers a “place-based, child-led, play-inspired approach” to education.
Learning support groups for students formally enrolled in a school may require licenses in Maine if instruction is compensated and there are more than three students in addition to any children living in the home.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschool students in Maine may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools. “ Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services has issued a statement that “Families who elect to provide home instruction completely themselves or through private arrangements with another adult—without involvement in their local school administrative unit (SAU)—need to formally submit a notice of intent to provide home instruction to the local superintendent and the Maine Department of Education (DOE).”
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including two free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Maryland:
Here are a couple of real examples of microschools in Maryland:
Montessori Luna is a bilingual Montessori school in Pikesville with a nature-inspired program.
Mysa Microschool in nearby Washington, D.C. offers place-based education with crowdsourced curriculum from around the world.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a private, full-time online school for a fee.
Massachusetts:
Here are a few of the innovative learning offerings around Massachusetts:
Sudbury Valley School in Framingham is a self-directed learning private school that has inspired similarly-modeled schools around the world.
Life Rediscovered is a learning center and community hub for homeschoolers in Westborough and North Easton. The center offers full-day academic and social programming, events, trips, and extracurricular classes, and monthly support groups.
Symbiosis Learning Center is an alternative to traditional middle and high school that welcomes a diverse student body, including those who may have social or emotional challenges, anxiety, or ADHD.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools, though restrictions apply.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including free public virtual schools that are available to students statewide and private online schools available for a fee.
Michigan:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
The Future of Learning Council in Michigan explores and promotes next-generation learning models, including microschools.
Blue Bridge School in Grand Rapids is a part-time, self-directed learning community for homeschooled children.
The online school WAY Michigan offers a microschool option to support online learning students.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Instruction did release a memo back in 2020 detailing rules applying to school-age child care, some of which may apply to microschooling arrangements.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers in Michigan may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Minnesota:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Founded by a teacher, Skola is a Christian microschool with a flexible schedule, emphasis on the outdoors, and values-based education.
The Gathering Learning Studio offers learning pods with a focus on small group learning, career exploration, and skill development in a faith-infused environment.
An example of a Learning Support Group that ran during the pandemic was Hope Youth Center, which provided full-time distance learners with tech, tutors, snacks, mental health support, and more.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers may be eligible to receive limited tax exemptions from the State of Minnesota to cover costs related to instruction, field trips, and parental time. Additionally, Minnesota homeschoolers may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Mississippi:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Micah’s Mission School offers a hybrid learning and resource environment for at-risk students. Students can participate in online independent learning, pre-work training, project-based learning, dyslexia therapy, and more.
Ivy Greene Academy is an Acton Academy-affiliated microschool focusing on each student taking a “hero’s journey.”
Kingdom Leadership Academy is a Christian microschool and homeschool hybrid learning center in Gulfport offering one-on-one instruction in small groups.
Harper Learning Academy is a non-profit program in Byram serving students with learning differences.
Embark, an initiative of Empower Mississippi, is a new schools accelerator that works with school founders to help them launch new innovative options, like microschools.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Here are real examples of microschools and innovative learning resources in Missouri:
CASCO Learning in St. Louis is a Spanish immersive learning collaborative center for families. The learning center offers enrichment classes, parent workshops, and even international learning trips.
Cale Academy is a learning environment based in Columbia that prioritizes student-centered and learning-style education.
Little Leaders Academy is an in-home program for pre-K through 1st grade children. The academy focuses on outdoor experiences, whole child learning, leadership, and hands-on activities.
EDGE is a globally-focused microschool serving highschoolers residing within Liberty Public Schools.
An annual “Remake Learning Days” event in Kansas City encourages teachers, students, and families to learn in-person in the community through events and hands-on learning.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers in Missouri may be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools if they enroll there part-time.
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in Montana:
Great Beginnings is a nature-based Montessori school and summer camp in Bozeman.
Peak Potential Academy is a project-based learning school for middle schoolers in Bozeman.
Opt Out is an intentionally small, “outside the box” learning program for Bozeman students in grades K-6. Opt Out combines project-based learning, outdoor education, Montessori, and Waldorf methods.
Montana Hybrid Academy in Whitefish blends remote learning with “bushcraft” (homesteading).
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Montana may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. In fact, a bill passed in 2023 clarified that homeschool students can enroll part-time in public schools, making it easier for families to blend home and public options.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time online private school for a fee.
Nebraska:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in Nebraska:
Trinity Academy, a Lutheran microschool in the classical liberal arts educational tradition, recently launched on the campus of Nebraska’s Concordia University in Seward.
Masterpiece Academy in Omaha is a microschool founded by a former public school teacher to help small groups of learners discover their passions and overcome challenges. Full-time and part-time educational support is available.
Acton Academy Lincoln is a learner-driven microschool serving all grades K-12 in Lincoln.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Nebraska who enroll part-time at their local public school may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes. In Nebraska, homeschooled families who come together to learn, such as in a microschool, are classified by the Nebraska Department of Education as a “multi-family unit.” There were at least 35 multi-family units registered for the 2022-23 school year in the state.
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
The National Microschooling Center is based out of Las Vegas and offers a plethora of resources for families and educators interested in microschooling. MicroschoolingNV is the National Center’s local partner.
Bloom Academy is the first and only self-directed microschool learning center in Las Vegas.
The Learning Outpost is a project-based homeschool learning center founded by a teacher.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers with special needs are eligible to receive special education services from local school districts. Additionally, homeschooled students in Nevada may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in New Hampshire:
Latitude Learning Resources offers enrichment programs — from Lego clubs to language classes — for homeschoolers in Derry.
New Hampshire’s Learn Everywhere initiative aims to allow high school students to gain high school credits outside of schools, through community activities and extracurriculars.
nLighten Learning provides small learning pods for both homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools, focusing on individualized, mastery-based education in a nurturing environment.
The Harkness House caps classes at 12 students and offers a student-led curriculum that aims to foster discovery and life-long learning.
For homeschool students and virtual school students in New Hampshire, KaiPod Learning offers free Learning Support Groups. Students attending “KaiPods” receive opportunities to socialize, collaborate, and receive educational support while completing their chosen curriculum.
New Hampshire’s state commissioner of education has said that learning pods are permitted by New Hampshire law and families may have family members or friends supervise children in the parent’s absence.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in New Hampshire may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in New Jersey:
Tranquil Teachings Learning Center is a private membership association offering flexible learning opportunities, including half-day and full day options, in Monmouth County.
The Village Electric is a flexible learning center in Mountainside that describes its offering as “colearning,” blending the benefits of homeschooling with the resources, staff, and community of a private school.
Founded by parents, Metsada Learning Network provides legal, technological, and administrative support to brick-and-mortar alternative learning initiatives in New Jersey.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time private online school for a fee.
New Mexico:
Here are a couple of real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Inspira Learning in Albuquerque is a Christian microschool offering K-5 instruction from a professional teacher, as well as tutoring and enrichment programs.
Acton Academy microschools currently serve families in Albuquerque and Cedar Crest.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in New Mexico may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools, though requirements can vary by school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
New York:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
There are at least four Acton Academy microschools either open or planning to open in New York — these are in Riverhead, Mount Vision, Rochester, and New York City.
Joyful Learning Academy in Brooklyn is a learning center for homeschoolers founded by a former public school teacher, focused on holistic living and creative learning.
Art of Words Community School is a small private school in Brooklyn focused on art, literature, community, and project-based learning.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time private online school for a fee.
North Carolina:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and innovative learning resources in your state:
Roots School is a private membership association based out of Durham that provides families the freedom to choose how their child will learn.
Burbrella Learning Academy operates an in-person microschool in Burlington, as well as an online learning microschool for non-local families.
Sometimes learning pods are district-run. For example, Edgecombe County Public Schools in rural North Carolina won a grant to test out learning hubs as a way to give students of all ages more flexibility in their education. The district is also experimenting with early learning pods for three and four-year-olds. Similarly, Guilford County Public Schools has partnered with community organizations to launch learning hubs and give students a blended learning option.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has required organizations to obtain a license in order to provide childcare for school-age children. Organizations contracting with a public school are exempt. Read about an affordable Learning Support Group in Charlotte that partnered with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers are eligible to enroll in North Carolina Virtual Public School, for a fee, to supplement their coursework, if approved by their school board. If your child was enrolled for one previous semester in a public school and had an IEP, they are eligible for the special education tax credit of up to $3,000 per semester, per child, that can be spent on special education expenses.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including two permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
North Dakota:
Here is one example of innovative, microschool-style learning in North Dakota:
Northern Cass School District has reimagined itself over the past five years as it has committed to creating a more personalized learning experience: “Middle school learners participate in studios where educators coach 6-week learner-centered high-engagement projects. This past fall, one studio was built around a Farm to Fork concept to teach about agricultural careers and to experience the world of food production by going out and exploring the real world.” A microschool program is also being piloted in high schools.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that, in some cases, homeschooled students in North Dakota may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time private online school for a fee.
Ohio:
Here are a couple of real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Founded in 2019, Bloom Learning Community is the first learner-centered microschool in Cleveland. Families can choose the program to supplement homeschooling or as an affordable private school option.
Acton Academy Columbus utilizes multi-age classrooms, self-directed learning, and peer-to-peer collaboration in a small, private school environment.
Azalea Montessori School is a microschool providing an authentic Montessori education for children up to the age of 12 in Norwood, Ohio.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Ohio may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Oklahoma:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Edupreneur Academy offers a free guide for parents interested in learning pods in Oklahoma.
Revise Collective MicroSchool is a “modern learning studio” serving grades 6-12. The microschool also offers virtual, homeschool, tutoring and afterschool offerings.
Cimarron School of Living Education in Edmund is a Charlotte Mason school combining homeschooling and private schooling. Students learn two days a week at the school and three days a week at home.
Through Oklahoma’s new Parental Tax Credit Act program, all private and homeschool students can apply for a refundable income tax credit.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Oregon:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Activate is a full-time microschool in Portland specializing in serving students with dyslexia.
Anchored Hope is an independent microschool in Sherwood that partners with and provides enrichment for families who homeschool, unschool, attend charters, or make other choices.
Madrona Folk School is a microschool in Grants Pass offering classes for homeschoolers in inspired academics, arts, and land-based living skills.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Oregon may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers with special learning needs are eligible to receive special education support and resources from local public school districts. Additionally, homeschooled students in Pennsylvania may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Orchid Montessori is a Wildflower Montessori-affiliated microschool for young learners in East Providence.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Rhode Island may in some cases be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
In Charleston, Classeteria is a growing learning where homeschoolers come together for enrichment classes and hands-on projects.
A Home For School offers a student-centered approach for homeschoolers and students in accredited virtual schools, where diversity is celebrated and each child’s unique culture is honored.
The Success Center in Goose Creek offers tutoring services and microschool learning for K-12 students.
Ignite Learning Center in Greenville offers a two-day class model supporting homeschoolers, un-schoolers, and other families looking for non-traditional education.
Hart Academy is a cottage school in Charleston founded by a former public school teacher inspired by the idea of hybrid homeschooling.
Peace of Mind microschool in Columbia offers individualized, small group work that blends online learning and hands-on lessons.
Mariner Learning Collaborative is a non-profit learning center for ages 10 to 19 that combines homeschooling with classes, workshops, and tutoring taught by staff, parents, and community volunteers.
South Carolina’s new Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (launched in 2024) makes private school, tutoring, and other personalized learning expenses a more affordable choice for economically disadvantaged children.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in South Carolina may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are examples of innovative, microschool-style learning environments in your state:
Grounding Roots is a homeschool co-op of holistically minded families teaching project-based learning and nature learning, from candle-making to art techniques.
Onward Learning is a community-led school that serves preschool to 8th-grade students with a child-centered and love-based approach to learning.
St. Joseph Academy is a Catholic classical school for Pre-K to 8th grade opening at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in South Dakota may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time private online school for a fee.
Tennessee:
Here are just a few real examples of microschools in Tennessee:
The Lab School is an innovative microschool located in the heart of Memphis that serves children ages 5-11.
Discovery Learners’ Academy is a nontraditional microschool in Chattanooga offering personalized academics, social emotional coaching, and discovery-based science and social studies.
Imani Montessori is a microschool and homeschool umbrella in East Nashville that seeks to cultivate free thinkers, creative, compassionate, and committed global citizens in service to humanity.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Tennessee may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Texas:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in Texas:
Spyrja Academy offers a blended learning environment for homeschoolers and students enrolled in online schools, with a focus on innovative instruction and community engagement for high school students.
Safari Small Schools is an innovative microschool that specializes in serving children with behavioral challenges.
Hedge School Cooperative is an Austin-based homeschooling cooperative that focuses on providing quality education.
Dallas Hybrid Preparatory is a district-run, hybrid learning arrangement that allows students in grades 4-6 to learn at a “small, boutique campus” two days a week, and at home three three days a week.
Leading Little Arrows is a hybrid school and multi-cultural co-op located in Arlington that embraces and celebrates students’ diverse cultural backgrounds.
Great Hearts Online, a classical virtual academy, is piloting classical learning microschools in Texas for families enrolled in their online program.
One Acre Farm’s “Farm School” is a learning pod in Porter for children ages four through seven to receive supplemental education with an outdoor focus.
Veritas Academy is a “collaborative” hybrid school that focuses on family leadership and togetherness in learning.
In an effort to keep learning pods a flexible choice for families, Texas legislators passed a bill in 2021 to protect learning pods from burdensome government regulations.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that in some cases homeschooled students in Texas may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Utah:
Here are a few real examples of innovative learning choices and related resources in Utah:
CHOICE Learning Center is an Acton Academy affiliate in Bountiful with a focus on learning as a lifelong endeavor. Aim Academy also operates Acton-affiliated campuses in Utah.
My Tech High, based out of Utah, offers flexible, student-tailored learning arrangements where students enroll full-time in a public school but learn online, locally in-person, or in a hybrid format.
Besides offering support for homeschoolers, Homeschool Hub Utah offers a list of hybrid education options for homeschool families wanting to partner with schools for specialized instruction and special education resources.
Family Lyceum in Clearfield began as a homeschool co-op but has evolved into a part-time, private education program that includes both personal mentoring for students and occasional classes for parents.
In this Forbes article, Kerry McDonald has shone light on some of the regulatory challenges that microschools in Utah face.
Once it launches in 2024, the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program will offer families flexible funding to customize their child’s learning.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Utah may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Vermont:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Mysa Microschool in Mad River Valley seeks to offer children a learning environment that is kind and cozy, where everyone knows them and they can develop confidence, self-advocacy, agency, and time management proficiency.
New World Adventure School in Springfield is a nature-based, inquiry-centered microschool for ages 3-6. The school believes that “children’s social-emotional well-being has ample space to expand in the great outdoors.”
Vermont Village School is a microschool that “reimagines school as a liberatory space for people of color.”
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Vermont may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
The Grand Magnolia School, a microschool in Richmond, has a cohort-based learning model and 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, allowing children to receive an extremely customized, intentional education.
Path of Life Learning offers a nurturing, faith-based learning pod environment for homeschoolers online school students.
Cultural Roots Homeschool Cooperative is a learning community with programming around the diverse cultural attributes, traditions, and histories of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.
Solstice Hybrid Academy provides homeschool-style learning with personalized guidance and creative opportunities in Norfolk.
Richmond Primary School is a private microschool located in Richmond that offers education for students from kindergarten to fifth grade.
Aquinas Learning, based out of Manassas, offers a classical homeschool curriculum that some families use together at Aquinas Learning centers, either in-person or virtual.
RISE Hybrid Academy evolved from a small community homeschool program to a nationally accredited, K-12th grade private school. The school offers on-site learning options as well as homeschool curriculum.
Dream Tech Academy in Hopewell was founded to give children a more personalized learning opportunity through small-group classes. The small school also offers tutoring and summer camp opportunities.
Path of Life Learning is a modern, God-centered small-group learning center. K-2 students use a classical homeschool curriculum while families of older students can choose the online or homeschooling curriculum that works best for them.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Washington may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. In addition, Washington homeschoolers are eligible to receive ancillary services, including “counseling, psychological services, testing, remedial instruction, speech and hearing therapy, health-care services, [and] tutorial services” offered by local school districts, at no additional cost.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
West Virginia:
Here are a few examples of innovative education options in West Virginia:
The Midian Leadership Project in Charleston aims to develop community leaders through holistic educational and social support and sports-related programming for young people ages 10 and up. The project hopes to expand into a small private school for boys.
City on a Hill in Fairmont is a microschool aiming to provide excellent academics with a Biblical worldview and focus on servant leadership.
Eyes and Brains Stem Center is a microschool located in Elkins that fosters critical thinking building and STEM-based learning.
Vandalia Community School in Charleston draws on Montessori principles and outdoors learning for its small-group learning experience.
MicroschoolingWV is West Virginia’s local partner of the National Microschooling Center.
Expression Prep Academy, starting in Huntington, is a microschool that emphasizes parent partnerships and critical thinking skills.
In most states, microschooling is more of a mentality than a legal distinction. Often, families participate in microschooling while homeschooling or being enrolled in a private school or online school. However, in 2022, West Virginia became one of the first states to sign official definitions of learning pods and microschools into law, distinguishing them from other types of schooling. According to the bill, a learning pod in the state is ““a voluntary association of parents choosing to group their children together to participate in their elementary or secondary academic studies as an alternative to enrolling in a public school, private school, homeschool, or microschool.”
West Virginia law defines a microschool as “a school initiated by one or more teachers or an entity created to operate a school that charges tuition for the students who enroll and is an alternative to enrolling in a public school, private school, homeschool, or learning pod.”
In West Virginia, families participating in learning pods or microschools are exempt from compulsory school attendance, but must meet certain requirements. For example, parents must notify the county superintendent or county board of their intent to participate in a learning pod or microschool, and students must complete annual assessments that are submitted to the county superintendent. With approval from their county board, students participating in a learning pod or microschool in West Virginia may participate in part-time classes at their local school.
Wisconsin:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Hickory Hill Academy is an innovative 10-acre private school that offers enrichment opportunities, like an afterschool environmental program.
Acton Academy Madison West is a private project-based and learner-driven elementary school in the Acton Academy network.
Kickapoo Valley Forest School, technically a public charter school, is an outdoor education program committed to an 1:8 child to adult ratio.
Field Workshop in Greendale, along with the Greendale School District and Greendale Parks and Recreation, has launched a pilot program to offer enrichment learning for homeschool and virtual learning students.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Wisconsin may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. Wisconsin allows homeschool students to access up to two courses per semester at a public school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Wyoming:
Here are a couple of real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Impact Wyoming is a group established in March 2020 to build stronger Wyoming communities through youth engagement.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Wyoming may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. In 2023, legislators expanded the definition of homeschooling in Wyoming so that it can include more than one family. This makes it easier for homeschoolers to form co-ops and collaborate without losing homeschool protections.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Additional resources
If you’re looking for more resources about microschooling and other mix-and-match education options, here are some next steps:
Join online communities and Facebook groups. Here are a couple of groups to give you a taste of what’s available:
Rebel Educator is a resource hub for parents, teachers, and entrepreneurs who are seeking or building alternative education models that challenge traditional schooling.
Modulo is an online resource offering tips on curriculum, social enrichment, childcare and navigating working from home with kids.
The National Center for Microschooling launched in 2022 to serve as a hub for microschooling stories and resources. Through it, families can find information about all types of microschools, from parent-led initiatives to corporate microschools to learning pods that partner with school districts.
The Yass Prize awards funding to education changemakers from any sector of education.
VELA Education Fund aims to support a diverse ecosystem of creative learning environments by providing microgrants to everyday entrepreneurs, as well as large grants for scalable learning models.
KaiPod Catalyst is an accelerator program for entrepreneurial educators to launch their own microschools in their communities over the course of 18 weeks.
Microschool Builders offers intensives, workshops, and collectives for parents and educators interested in starting their own microschool.
Keep an eye on new ed tech products developing. Some examples of these are a.school, an education management platform for microschools, Labster, which offers science lab simulations, Outschool, a hub of online class offerings, Lexia Learning, which offers literacy curriculum, and Beast Academy Math and Zearn Math. Sites like Get Selected and LearningPodsHub work to connect schools or families with teachers. SitterStream matches families with tutors who offer virtual classes in subjects like coding, dance, and theater.
Know how education innovation can support special needs children. One big motivator for families to customize education is a special learning need. In fact, one parent who discovered microschooling had this to say, “I have seen children who have struggled for years in a traditional school setting be transformed after only a few months in a Prenda microschool classroom. And because of their small size and supportive, personalized environment, microschools excel at embracing and accepting students with learning differences.”
The information in this guide is designed to help families who are considering microschools in their decision-making process. Our mission is to provide families with the information they need about all the school options available – traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, and at home – so they can choose the right fit for their child.
Email Signup
"*" indicates required fields
Escape the Internet with These Offline Learning Ideas
Whatever educational environment you chose for your child— traditional public school, public magnet school, public charter school, private school, online school, homeschooling, or microschool— it’s important to find a balance between time online and offline. Could you use some fun, offline learning activities?
There are plenty of great online learning resources you can use at home. But, it’s equally important to remember to give students’ eyes and bodies a break from screens. If your child’s attention span (or your internet connection) is wavering, give offline learning activities a try.
Don’t forget that students need mental and physical breaks from online learning. Allow time each week for fun, offline learning activities.
When asked to describe his #1 tip for engaging in learning activities at home, Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week, said this:
“You DO NOT need to mimic or replicate a traditional school setting in your home. So, if you only do one thing: Encourage your child to discover something productive that sparks his or her curiosity. Then, research it, learn more about it as a family, write about it, and discover the math and science surrounding it. Experts say curiosity is not only a bridge to learning, but to happiness.”
Here are some screen-free ideas for fueling your child’s curiosity. Your family may already be using some of these offline learning ideas, but we bet you’ll find a couple ones you haven’t tried on the list:
Play Board Games.
Sagrada is among the most popular games of 2023, but whatever game you have tucked away on the closet shelf can be a source of fun. Catan, Life, Apples to Apples, Clue, Yahtzee… Board games can support critical thinking and decision-making skills, as well as interpersonal communication skills. Include grandparents or friends in the fun via speakerphone.
Bake.
Dust off the recipe box. Baking is an offline activity that can be simple enough to help a preschooler with or challenging enough to excite a high school senior. Soft pretzels require just a few ingredients and allow children to practice rolling and twisting dough, boiling water, and baking. If you have a high schooler looking for a hefty challenge, encourage them to make make homemade pasta or choose a technical challenge from the Great British Baking Show for themselves. Math, motor skills, and taste buds will all soon be engaged.
One of the best at-home engineering experiments isn’t necessarily to build something… it’s to take something apart. Encourage your child to take apart a flashlight, old phone, old drill, old watch, or old stereo. Let the disassembly be a learning adventure, and don’t worry too much about putting it back together again.
Read.
Reading is not only vital for vocabulary and analytical skills, but also for memory and concentration. In The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading, Meghan Cox Gurdon writes, “Reading aloud is a restorative that can replenish what technology leaches away… It brings joy, engagement, and profound connection for children, teens, adults—everybody. Reading out loud is probably the least expensive and most effective intervention we can make for the good of our families.”
Encourage your student to read aloud, to you, to himself, or to a sibling. Consider setting up a Skype date so your child can read aloud to a relative or friend. Hand your child this list of 50 different ways to read and see how many they can check off in a week!
Bury Treasure.
An indoor scavenger hunt is a fun offline activity that explores problem-solving. Ask a family member to hide an item they consider valuable. Then, while the family member who hid the item gives clues, the rest of the family can search for the treasure. Once the hidden item has been found, ask the member who hid it to talk about why that item is important to them. Take turns until every family member has “buried treasure.”
Discover Classic Movies (or Classic TV).
While this activity involves a screen, it doesn’t necessarily involve internet, so we’ll still count it as an offline learning idea. Pop in an old DVD of a classic movie or television show, then discuss the differences between cinema and television from the past and what we see today. Let the discussion become an impromptu history or social studies lesson… What year was the movie or show you watched made and what has changed since then?
Sew.
Help your student tackle a simple sewing project. Ask them what they’d like to make and brainstorm how to make it happen together. Or, choose a project from this list of quick sewing ideas.
If sewing machines and needles sound daunting, consider letting your student use fabric scraps to DIY a notebook cover. Sewing can develop students’ creativity, logistical skills, and self-confidence, not to mention that it might come in handy in the future.
Build an Obstacle Course.
Encourage your child to create an outdoor obstacle course for the whole family to try out. If you have work out equipment, sports equipment, or squirt guns, incorporate use of them into the obstacle course. Besides combining fun and fitness into an offline activity, obstacle courses can be customized for students of any age.
Practice a Card Game.
Print out directions for Gin Rummy or Peanuts (which is also called Nerts). While they make take a round or two to learn, both can be addictively fun once you know how to play! Spoons is another great game, one that can be taught to children as young as five or six. Challenge older students to learn Blackjack or develop strategies for Hold ‘Em.
Draw Dream Houses.
Bring paper and markers to the table and invite your child to imagine and draw their dream house. Encourage them to add creative elements (like a slide from the playroom to the kitchen) and talk about what they would include and why. Use this offline activity to explore scale, spatial reasoning, and design thinking.
Create a Poem with a Marker.
Turn an old newspaper or mailer into word art with a marker or whiteout. If you’re using a marker, first draw a rectangle around words you like. Then, color everything else so that only your chosen words remain. That’s your poem. If you’re using whiteout, simply whiteout all the words you don’t wish to keep, until you’re left with a poem. After the poems are dry, use them to decorate the walls. Playing with words can be a wonderful way for students to engage their imagination and express their personality.
Juggle.
Encourage your child to begin learning how to juggle, either with their hands or their feet! Learning to juggle is obviously an exercise in patience, but it can also be a great way to develop dexterity and concentration.
Write a Short Story as a Family.
Work together as a family to plan out and write a short fictional story. Besides requiring collaboration, the activity will allow students to practice brainstorming, choosing their favorite ideas, and editing. Finish the story by picking a title for it and reading it out loud.
Plant A Garden.
It’s a good time of year to plant some seedlings, even if only for a container garden. Find recommendations for planning your garden. Gardening projects can nurture an interest in botany and encourage environmental stewardship. Plus, if you go outside to plant, the fresh air involved makes it the ultimate offline learning activity!
Give Dinner a Theme.
Choose a meal to make into an extra special social occasion. Have a themed dinner that family members dress up for: a fancy dinner, a silly dress-up dinner, a color-themed dinner, etc.
Or, if the weather permits it, make a picnic-themed meal and eat it in the backyard on a blanket. Invite a friend to join the special occasion.
Set Up Camp in the Backyard.
Borrow a tent from a friend and spend a night camping in your own backyard. Backyard camping can be an opportunity for children to enjoy the outdoors while developing basic camping skills. If you want to get fancy, you can also lead some camp activities or cook campfire food.
Mail Letters.
Help your child write a thank you letter to their teacher! Or, your child can write and mail a letter to a relative or friend, asking them to write back. If you’re interested in receiving international mail, help your child send a postcard through Postcrossing. After you register for a free account, Postcrossing will assign you a member’s address to send a postcard to. Once they receive your postcard, you’ll receive a postcard from another Postcrossing member in an international location. While it may take some patience, it can be very exciting to receive a postcard from Thailand, Lithuania, Japan, or elsewhere. It’s an exercise in writing plus geography!
Take a Color Walk.
A few years ago, an interactive art exhibit debuted in San Francisco celebrating the wonder of color and creativity. The temporary exhibit was so successful it was transformed into The Color Factory museums in New York, Texas, and Illinois.
But you don’t need a museum ticket to be surprised by the colors around you. Students of any age can go on a walk, indoor or outside, in search of colors. How many can be found on one walk around the neighborhood, or in a nearby park?
Take a Coin Walk.
Select a coin with your child and decide which side (heads or tails) represents right and which side represents left. As you go on a stroll outside, pause whenever you are at an intersection (or after a certain number of steps). Flip the coin and turn left or right according to which way it lands. Be on the lookout for whatever adventure awaits!
Look at Old Photos.
Discovering history at home may be easier than you think. For instance, you can go through old photographs with your family and talk about your heritage.
This can also be a great offline activity to include grandparents in over the phone or when they visit. Kids can ask them questions about their childhood and where they grew up.
Paint a Mandala Rock.
Use acrylic paint and Q-tips to paint geometric designs on smooth rocks found in nature. Start by painting a black circle on the rock and letting it dry. Then, use a round tool (such as a Q-tip, pencil eraser, or blunt colored pencil) to create symmetric patterns on top of the black. During this activity, it can be fun to notice and talk about which colors and patterns each family member chose to use.
Do a Jigsaw Puzzle.
Puzzles are timeless. They’re also valuable for improving memory and hand-eye coordination. Consider designating a side table in your home to a jigsaw puzzle. Encourage your child to go over and put a few pieces in whenever they need a break from other activities. If that sounds too simple, you can check out these ideas for making puzzles more challenging.
Pick Up a Musical Instrument.
Do you have a piano, a keyboard, a guitar, or another musical instrument in the house? Encourage your child to sit down and see what they can learn. Learning a musical instrument not only helps children develop motor skills, but can also be relaxing and build their imaginations.
