Overview
Tiny microschools are soaring in popularity in Montana and across the nation. The basic concept of microschooling is straightforward: students gather in a small group with adult supervision to learn, explore, and socialize.
Education researcher Kerry McDonald explains that “microschool” encompasses a range of educational models, from homeschooling collaboratives that meet a few days a week in community spaces to learning pods in private homes, to full-time, small, low-cost private schools or “modern one-room schoolhouses” focused on individualized learning and intentionally limited to a few dozen students.
Interested in considering a Microschool for your student? We’ve put together this ultimate guide to Microschools in Montana to answer your questions.
What to Expect
The following are the three most common formats you’ll find microschools taking across the country today:
Learning Centers for Homeschoolers
Homeschooling families partner together to provide a group learning experience.
For example, Ignite Learning Center in Bozeman, MT partners with parents to support, encourage, and build community in their homeschooling journey. Ignite offers cross-curricular activities in multi-grade groups to provide hands-on learning, develop critical thinking, and build team skills.
In-Person Private Schools
Many microschools function as mini private schools. Families enroll their children as private school students.
For example: Acton Academies are a network of “one-room-schoolhouses” across the country, typically launched by parent entrepreneurs looking for small classrooms and an inspiring learning environment for their child. Many, though not all Acton Academies, are formatted as small private schools. Acton Academy Hamilton is an Acton-affiliated microschool.
Hybrid Schools
Families combine a few days of in-person learning each week in a brick-and-mortar school with a few days of at-home learning. Hybrid schools may be referred to by various names, including hybrid homeschools, collaborative schools, and collegiate model schools.
For example: Emerge School in Bozeman has students attend in-person classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, and complete their school work at home the other days of the week. While participating families at this school are legally homeschooling, they choose to commit to the curriculum and guidance of teachers at the school.
To get a glimpse of daily life in a microschool, we recommend listening to the LiberatED podcast, hosted by Kerry McDonald. Kerry recently visited Montana microschool founders to learn about their schools and what inspired them to create their unique programs.
LiberatED A Montana Microschool With Booming Enrollment
What do Microschools Cost?
Some microschools may be completely free while others may charge tuition. Microschool tuition typically ranges from $175 to $650 a month.
Microschools can be more affordable than a typical private school. Most microschools provide need-based or academic scholarships to help reduce tuition costs. Additionally, Student Scholarship Organizations like ACE Scholarships regularly offer financial assistance to hundreds of Montana students. Recently, the State of Montana created Education Savings Accounts to help families cover private school tuition for students with special needs, and those funds can be directed towards a microschool.
Click the links below to learn more about financial assistance available to families attending private schools, including microschools:
Education entrepreneurs interested in starting a microschool should check out our Microschool Provider Guide.
Know What You Signed Up For
As you can see, microschools don’t fit into a single mold and can take various legal forms. Sometimes a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, other times their student is formally enrolled in a private school. It’s crucial to understand what you’re signing up for and to familiarize yourself with your responsibilities as a parent.
For microschools modeled as learning centers or co-ops for homeschoolers, parents should also check out our Homeschool Guide for more details.
For microschools modeled as tiny in-person or hybrid private schools, parents should also check out our Private School Guide for more details.
Microschools in Montana
You can find some, but not all, microschools in Montana on our School Finder Tool. Some more informal microschools and co-ops may not be listed or publicly advertised. Our staff is always here to help your search as well, reach out to us today!
Here are a few examples of microschools and related resources in Montana:
- Opt Out is an intentionally small, “outside the box” learning program for Bozeman students in grades K-6. Opt Out combines project-based learning, outdoor education, Montessori, and Waldorf methods.
- Curious Minds & Acton Academy in Hamilton, MT is a student-centered school offering daycare, preschool and a full elementary to high school education program using the Socratic method, the “Hero’s Journey” and self-directed learning to equip each learner with the work ethic and relationship skills to be an independent learner.
- Infinity Education Center in Miles City, MT is bringing a unique approach to special education while offering educational programs for all students, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
More Resources
School Terms Glossary
Microschools could be an option for Special Needs students
National Microschooling Center
