While microschools have been part of the U.S. educational system since the early one-room schoolhouses of the 19th century, the educational model gained momentum in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic as families searched for alternatives to virtual schooling.

In 2026, there are an estimated 75,000 microschools serving about 1.5 million students nationwide, according to an analysis published in May by the National Microschooling Center, a nonprofit supporting microschools’ development and operations.

But while microschools are growing in popularity, some say the model is challenged by a lack of federal and state definitions and standards, making it difficult to measure the sector’s impact on students as a whole. Only a small number of states such as West Virginia, Georgia and Utah currently have statutory definitions for microschools, sometimes referred to as learning pods.

The microschool sector, like traditional public schools and private school models, also faces increased pressure to boost enrollment to stay financially healthy.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Microschools?

Microschools across the nation are highly diverse in size, operations and locations, but typically maintain a small enrollment.

The median size of nonpublic microschools, which typically charge tuition, is 20 students, while the number for public microschools is 30 students, according to a survey of 1,000 microschools conducted between October 2025 and January 2026 by the National Microschooling Center. The surveyed microschools were those that were operating at that time, in the planning stages or had closed.

Most microschools serve younger students, with 87% teaching students ages 5-11. About 67% of microschools serve students ages 12-14, and 38% serve students ages 15-18.

Where instruction takes place varies, too. The National Microschooling Center found that 38% of microschools operate in commercial business facilities, while 22% operate out of houses of worship and 17% operate in private homes.

Project-based learning is the most popular instructional approach, according to the survey results. Self-directed learning and social-emotional learning were other common academic approaches, as were instruction guided by the Montessori method, faith or religion, nature and classical education.

Read the full article about microschools by Kara Arundel at K-12 Dive.