“You don’t know what you don’t know” is often attributed to Socrates. I doubt he phrased it that way, but leave it to a 4th‑century philosopher to remind me of the obvious:
Some things present infinite learning opportunities.
Many individuals — parents, students, and other stakeholders — can speak to their understanding of why microschools are a critically important approach to educating students across the nation. My own path to understanding more about microschooling led me to ask founders for their perspective, and they did what the best educators do and offered their own insight in a way that sparked more curiosity (more on their answers below).
My first exposure to microschooling came through serving on a team that supported school founders in my home state of Mississippi. I loved that work and connected deeply with microschool founders. That shaped my early understanding of microschools — culturally, situationally, and academically. To be clear, Mississippi microschools are not monolithic; the founders are creative, resilient, wildly different people. Even so, working in one state long enough can provide a sense of familiarity that shapes perspective.
Within just a few weeks of joining the Center team, I learned more about the diversity of microschooling than I thought possible. In those early weeks, I spoke with founders from California to Florida, and I met the Center staff, which includes founders from South Dakota to West Virginia (not to mention Center founders Don and Ashley Soifer, who have their own experience launching a microschool in Las Vegas). Other valuable experiences that broadened my understanding included supporting the Center’s Sector Analysis Survey (2026 insights coming soon), which receives participation from founders in all 50 states, and engaging with other education leaders and resource providers.
Those first weeks and months taught me that working in the national microschooling movement was an incredible opportunity for lifelong learning, and I took my curiosity to the founders and asked them to tell me their view of microschools in one sentence or less. Each answer spoke to the spirit of the movement.
Here are a few founder thoughts on what microschools offer:
“A microschool is hope — offering solutions beyond one traditional option; community — relationships at the core; innovation — acting as the R&D that doesn’t currently exist.”
— Colorado Founder
“A microschool is a small, intentionally-designed learning community that prioritizes personalization, strong relationships, and student-centered learning experiences tailored to the needs of its learners.”
— Nevada Founder
“A microschool is an opportunity… for our kiddos… to learn in a safe space that offers hope for the child who feels unseen, challenge for the child who feels bored, encouragement for the child who feels weak, and consistency for each child to mature into his/her own person.”
— Georgia Founder
“A microschool is a small, relationship‑driven learning community where families and founders partner to build personalized, learner‑centered pathways that empower each child to realize their unique potential.”
— Arizona Founder
“A microschool is an intentionally designed, student‑centered learning environment that personalizes education, promotes independence and autonomy, and gives families the freedom to choose a learning experience aligned with their values.”
— Florida Founder
“A microschool focuses on the whole child while being a safe haven for children and youth to come as they are without judgment.”
— Mississippi Founder
As founders share their stories (all enlightening and humbling in unique ways), common threads emerge:
Some interesting key aspects of microschooling also surface:
The nimbleness and diversity of microschooling is one of the core strengths of the movement, and the ongoing learning opportunities are for students, yes, but also for anyone interested in joining the movement. Some states address the concept of microschooling differently, and microschools operate in compliance–but no matter the context, a thread of innovative adaptability weaves through the quilt of the microschooling movement, offering the opportunity of an adaptable, pioneering approach to meeting learners exactly where they are right now.
Thinking about starting your own microschool? Reach out to us at info@microschoolingcenter.org!