A Parent’s Guide to Microschools in Pennsylvania: What to Expect & How to Know if It’s Right for Your Family

When parents first hear about microschools, they often ask me the same questions:

💭 Can a microschool really replace our current public or private school?

💭 Will my child make friends in such a small setting?

💭 How does it actually work day to day?

These are important questions. Microschools are still not very common here in Pennsylvania, and many parents are exploring them for the first time.

At Fáilte Microschool in Norristown, serving families across the Philadelphia area and the Main Line, we’ve seen children who struggled in larger, traditional settings begin to thrive again. But before deciding if a microschool might be right for your family, it helps to understand how they work, what makes them different, and what daily life inside one looks like.

What Is a Microschool?

A microschool is a small, community-based learning environment — usually with fewer than 20 students — designed to provide personalized, flexible education. The model blends the consistency of a school community with the adaptability of individualized learning.

What makes microschools distinct from public or private schools is flexibility. They are not bound by the same regulations around seat time, testing schedules, or rigid curriculum pacing. This allows teachers to put each child’s individual needs first — slowing down when necessary, stretching forward when appropriate, and following curiosity when it naturally emerges.

In Pennsylvania, children enrolled in microschools are legally considered homeschoolers. Parents file homeschool paperwork with their district, while the microschool provides the instruction, curriculum, and day-to-day community.

Unlike homeschooling, microschools are led by educators and provide a consistent peer group. Unlike traditional schools, they emphasize adaptability, whole-child growth, and strong teacher-student relationships.

At Fáilte, this translates into multi-age classrooms, a holistic curriculum, and an environment where children feel safe, engaged, and inspired to learn.

The Microschool Movement in the U.S.

Microschools aren’t just a local experiment — they’re part of a growing national movement. As of 2024, more than two million children are educated in microschools across the United States.

The reasons for this growth are clear. Families are looking for:

• Smaller class sizes where their child won’t be overlooked.

• Individualized learning that adapts to strengths and struggles.

• Safe and inclusive environments that reduce stress and anxiety.

• Flexible structures not tied to rigid state requirements.

What to Expect in a Microschool

Every microschool is unique, but most share a few common features. At Fáilte, daily life looks different from what you’d find in a conventional classroom.

• Small Class Sizes: With just a handful of students, teachers know each child deeply — not just academically, but personally.

• Friendships That Matter: Parents often wonder how children will make friends in such a small group. In practice, the opposite is what actually happens: children form strong, lasting friendships precisely because the community is small and supportive.

• Individualized Learning: Lessons are flexible. A child who needs extra support in one area can receive it without stigma, while a child ready to dive deeper can stretch beyond the standard grade-level curriculum.

• Daily Rhythm: While microschools are not tied to state-mandated hours or testing schedules, they do follow a structured rhythm. At Fáilte, our days include a balance of academics, hands-on projects, movement, creative arts, and outdoor learning. Children know what to expect, while also having the freedom to explore when curiosity strikes. Unlike traditional schools, our day is intentionally shorter. Research shows that long school hours are not always developmentally appropriate, especially for younger or highly sensitive children. A shorter day allows students to engage deeply, build meaningful relationships, and still have energy left for family time, rest, and unstructured play — all of which are essential for healthy growth.

• Holistic Approach: Education is not just about academics. Emotional growth, creativity, and social development are equally valued.

• Safe & Supportive Environment: For many children, past school experiences have included bullying, anxiety, or feeling misunderstood. Microschools prioritize emotional safety so that children can focus on growth rather than survival.

Is a Microschool Right for Your Family?

Microschools are not the right fit for every child, but they can be transformative for some. Families often find us when their child is:

• Twice exceptional (2e): gifted while also navigating ADHD, autism, or learning differences.

• Neurodivergent or highly sensitive.

• Struggling in traditional schools due to anxiety, bullying, or rigid expectations.

• In need of a nurturing space to rebuild confidence and rediscover joy in learning.

If your child thrives in large groups, rigid schedules, or highly competitive environments, a microschool may not be the best fit. But for children who need more connection, flexibility, and belonging, it could be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Exploring a different educational path can feel daunting. Leaving behind the familiar systems of public or private school is a big step. But for many families, it’s also the beginning of healing and hope.

At Fáilte, our mission is simple: to create an environment where children can rekindle their love of learning, celebrate their unique strengths, and thrive beyond the limitations of traditional schooling.

If you’ve been wondering whether a microschool could be right for your family, I invite you to come see for yourself. We’d love to welcome you.