Public school isn't the only way. Find the small school that fits your kid.
For the growing number of families choosing a different path. Microschools, homeschooling cooperatives, learning pods, forest schools, Montessori studios, and learner-driven programs — mapped, searchable, and explained, so you can find the right one near you.
Find your kid's kind of school
Microschools come in many flavors. Pick the learning model that fits your child and we'll filter the map and list above to match.
New to these terms? Our plain-English glossary explains every learning model and homeschooling word in one place.
Why families are making the switch
Choosing a smaller, more personal school isn't a fringe move anymore — it's one of the fastest-growing shifts in American education, and the public data shows it.
Figures reflect the most recent state and federal reporting available as of 2026; school-choice and Education Savings Account (ESA) programs vary by state and change often, so confirm current eligibility with your state's education agency.
Questions parents ask before leaving public school
The basics on microschools, homeschool co-ops, and how this directory works.
What is a microschool?
A microschool is a small, independent school — usually 5 to 40 students across mixed ages — that offers a personalized alternative to traditional public or large private schools. They typically run low student-to-teacher ratios, flexible schedules, and learning tailored to each child, often blending modern curricula with hands-on, real-world projects.
How is a homeschool co-op different from a microschool?
A homeschooling cooperative (co-op) is a group of homeschooling families who share teaching, resources, and community — parents stay in charge of their child's overall education while kids learn some subjects together. A microschool is a standalone small school with its own staff. This directory lists both, so you can compare.
Why are families choosing alternatives to public school?
Parents tell us the same things again and again: they want a safer, smaller, more personal environment; learning that moves at their child's pace; more say in values and curriculum; flexibility for their family's life; and a real relationship between teacher and child. Microschools and co-ops are built around exactly those things.
How much do microschools cost?
It varies widely — many microschools range from roughly $5,000 to $15,000 per year, while homeschool co-ops are often far less. In a growing number of states, school-choice programs and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) can offset tuition. Each listing shows the school's own tuition where available.
How do I use this directory?
Browse the live map or search by city, state, or name. Filter by learning model — Montessori, classical, forest/nature, learner-driven, project-based, faith-based, or homeschool co-op. Click any school for a full explanation of how it works, its grades, tuition, ratio, schedule, and contact details.
I run a microschool or co-op — how do I get listed?
List your school free using the form below. Listing is free for every microschool and homeschooling cooperative through the end of 2026. Already see your school on the map? You can claim and edit your listing anytime, Yelp-style, so your information stays accurate.
Get your program on the map.
Reach the families already searching for a smaller, more personal alternative to public school. It takes a few minutes.
- Free for every microschool & homeschool co-op through 2026
- Add photos, your learning model, tuition, and schedule
- Claim & edit your listing anytime — you stay in control
- Appear on the live map and in search the moment you're approved
Your details are saved and our team will review them shortly. We'll reach out at the email you provided if we need anything, and your listing appears on the map once it's approved. Questions? Email hello@microschool.directory.
Run a microschool or homeschool co-op?
Get on the map.
List your program free and reach the families already searching for a smaller, more personal alternative to public school. Founders, pod leaders, co-op organizers, and guides — your community belongs here. Already listed? Claim and edit your page anytime, Yelp-style.