Microschools are less “micro” than they were a year ago, according to the latest analysis of the sector from the National Microschooling Center, shared exclusively with The 74.
The median number of students in a typical microschool was 16 in 2024. That number is now 22. This is the result of the increased experience of school founders, says Don Soifer, CEO of the center. Some microschools serve as many as 100 students.
Microschools are small schools typically operating from homes, commercial spaces or churches. About 2% of all U.S. students — about 750,000 — are estimated to be served by these schools. Eighty-six percent of microschool founders have an education background, compared with 71% last year.
Charter microschools and ones affiliated with public school districts are generally larger, with a median size of 36 students, according to the report.
The Indiana Charter School Board recently granted a charter to a microschool network within the 1,200-student Eastern Hancock district, near Indianapolis.
“There’s a growing number of families looking for something in between the traditional public school experience and homeschooling,” says Superintendent George Philhower. “Some are already homeschooling… but they’re also looking for community, guidance, or access to certified teachers and additional resources.”
Almost all microschools exist outside the public system. And the expansion of state-funded programs supporting private schools has propelled growth.
Of the 800 schools represented in the center’s survey sample, 38% receive state school choice funds, up from 32% in 2024.
As more microschools tap public education funding, they’re drawing increased scrutiny. At least three studies are ongoing to examine microschools and report student performance on some of the same measures public schools use, like iReady assessments and MAP tests from NWEA.
But critics argue microschools still lack adequate government oversight and may bypass building codes and civil rights laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, even if they receive public funds.
Supporters counter that microschool founders handle complex and sometimes mandatory regulations designed for large, traditional schools.
Texas recently passed a voucher program, and how the microschool model fares in the nation’s second largest state is being closely scrutinized.
But if microschools want to serve students on state-funded Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), they must meet the same requirements as other private schools — staying open for at least two years and getting accreditation.
Earning accreditation is costly and often an insurmountable barrier for many microschools. The process — usually including a financial audit, staff background checks and building inspections — can total up to $15,000.
Less than a quarter of microschools in one survey are accredited, but 80% percent would be interested in a process geared toward their non-traditional programs. One accrediting body, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, recently announced a pilot accreditation program for “innovative school models.”
As more microschools seek accreditation so they can accept students on ESAs, this is viewed as evidence that microschools are moving into the mainstream.
The 74
