Since 2021, state governments have enacted laws exempting small schools from local government regulations and advocating for public funding. One-room schoolhouses, also known as microschools, are experiencing a resurgence. These classroom settings cater to small groups of students across various grade levels and operate as private or public charter schools, depending on state regulations. Enrollment in microschools accounts for about 2 percent of the U.S. K-12 education sector, with potential growth projected to reach 10 percent in the future due to increasing school choice options in many states.
According to the National Microschooling Center (NMC) founder and Chief Executive Don Soifer, microschools are gaining popularity as they prioritize the needs of individual students and involve both teachers and parents in their organization. The majority of microschools serve children between the ages of 5 and 11, with a median number of 16 students per school. Many of these schools were founded by teachers or school administrators with public school credentials.
Additionally, a significant portion of microschools cater to neurodivergent children and others with special needs. While data on academic achievement is not included in the sector report, a case study on the Southern Urban Nevada Micro Academy (SUNMA) showed positive results in student performance after enrollment.
Despite challenges such as limited public funding and accreditation, recent laws in several states are fostering growth in the microschool sector. These laws exempt microschools from various local regulations, making it easier for them to operate in different types of spaces. Some states have taken steps to distinguish microschools from homeschooling and provide regulatory frameworks for their operation.
Overall, the microschool movement has gained momentum, especially in response to the pandemic shutdowns. With continued support and legislative changes, the future looks promising for the expansion of microschools and learning pods as viable alternatives in the education landscape. Can you please rephrase that?
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