New Issue Brief: Microschooling in the Post-Pandemic Era

NEW YORK, NY — In the past two years, school closures and inadequate online options have sent millions of families looking for better school alternatives. For many families, microschools have provided a welcome solution, whether in the form of pods, hubs, or hybrid homeschooling. In response to this growing interest in microschools, the Manhattan Institute has released three case studies that describe how Idaho, New York, and Arizona have handled this growing sector of education. In this final installment of the series, senior fellow Andy Smarick summarizes the series’ findings and argues that for microschooling to expand and improve, state and local governments must ensure that parents, educators, and social entrepreneurs have the resources and freedom to develop, adapt, and sustain settings that meet students’ and families’ needs.

Click here to view the full issue brief.

About MI’s Microschooling Series

The Manhattan Institute’s new series on microschools studies the intersection of small learning environments and public policy. The series includes studies of Idaho, Arizona, and New York, and a summary report by senior fellow Andy Smarick. The passage of the first charter-school and private-school choice programs 30 years ago began an era of families and educators developing a growing array of K-12 options. The subsequent growth in homeschooling and the advent of online programs further expanded the number and types of learning environments available to American students. In recent years, small-school environments have become increasingly popular options, enabling students to learn in more intimate settings and allowing parents to be more engaged in their children’s schooling. The Covid-19 pandemic and recent debates about changes in school curriculum accelerated the expansion and diversification of such alternatives. The series explores these shifting dynamics and discusses pathways for continued growth. Click here to read more.