Questions to Ask Microschool Founders When Choosing the Right Fit for Your Student

Microschools are personal by design, and selecting the right one should be too.

As a parent, you’re picking a place for academics, but you’re also choosing a community. And a philosophy that will mold your student’s day-to-day experience. 

Because microschools come in all shapes and sizes, asking the right questions can help you find the one that fits your student (not just in theory, but in real life).

Here are 10 meaningful questions to ask when meeting with a microschool founder, plus insight into what their answers might reveal.

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1. What is your educational philosophy?

Every microschool has a “why.” This question helps you understand the heart behind the model, whether it’s rooted in Montessori principles, project-based learning, classical education, or a blend. Look for values that align with your student’s learning style, curiosity, and needs.

“We believe education should build confidence before compliance. If a student feels seen and capable, everything else follows.”— Joy Meserve, COO, Changemaker Edu

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2. How do you support different learning styles and needs?

No two learners are alike. You might already know this if you have two kids! 

A strong microschool will be ready to talk through how they accommodate advanced learners, students with IEPs or 504 plans, or kids who simply learn best through movement, visuals, or hands-on activities.

Follow up and ask about flexibility in teaching approaches, use of adaptive tools, and how progress is personalized.

“In a microschool setting, you can pivot in real time. We don’t wait for a report card to show us what’s working—we adjust by lunch.” – David K. Richards, CEO of Changemaker Edu

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3. What does a typical day look like?

You probably already knew to ask this one, but just a reminder due to its importance. Microschools aren’t boxed into the structure of traditional schools. You might find a mix of interest-based learning blocks, outdoor play, and enrichment classes like coding or yoga.

To take things beyond the basics, ask for a sample schedule or even observe part of the day, if possible.

“There’s freedom in our structure. Students thrive when their voice is heard and they have choices - when students know what’s coming, but also when they have room to explore what lights them up while having the space to create their own personal journey toward mastery.” — Corrien Elmore,  Founder & Director of Freedom Arts Academy, a Changemaker Edu partner microschool located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

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4. What role do parents play?

Remember, it’s a community. In some microschools, parents drop off and go. In others, they may volunteer, co-teach, or help guide enrichment. This question helps set expectations and uncover opportunities for involvement, on your terms. To get more details, ask about communication channels, family events, and how decisions are made.

“We think of parents as partners, not just participants. Their voices shape our calendar, our culture, and our kids’ experience.” – Jennifer Rose Bates, Founder & Director of Rose EduHub, a Changemaker Edu partner microschool located in Snellville, Georgia

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5. How do you handle discipline and conflict resolution?

As much as you don’t want to think about it, problems will arise. With small groups and multi-age classes, relationships are front and center. It’s important to understand how the school approaches discipline, boundaries, and repair.

“At Uhuru Pathways, we believe discipline isn’t about punishment—it’s about partnership. When conflict arises, we lean into it as an opportunity to build emotional intelligence, restore relationships, and model accountability. Our students learn that their voice matters, boundaries are loving, and repair is always possible.” – Dr. Yazmene Thomas, Founder and President of Uhuru Pathways Learning Center, a Changemaker Edu partner microschool in Albuquerque, New Mexico

In the answers you receive, look for approaches rooted in respect, not fear. Does the school model emotional regulation, or just manage behavior?

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6. How do you track and share student progress?

Most microschools don’t issue traditional grades, but that doesn’t mean there’s no tracking or accountability. Look for portfolio reviews, narrative assessments, parent-teacher conversations, and student-led conferences.

Asked differently, how will I know how my student is growing? How do you communicate setbacks?

“We document progress in real time—photos, journals, projects, and portfolios. Parents don’t have to wait for a report card to see their student’s growth.” – Tiffany Cook, Founder and Director of The Love Learning Center, a Changemaker Edu partner microschool in Decatur, Georgia

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7. What makes your school community unique?

While community is a hot topic, every microschool will claim to have one. Your goal, though, is to really zero in on each’s own identity. Whether it’s outdoor learning, service projects, or student entrepreneurship, this question helps you understand the culture. As a bonus, ask what recent student-led initiatives or projects they’re proud of.

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8. How do you handle transitions—into the school and beyond?

School is about handling transitions, which can be tough for kids entering a new environment or eventually moving on to a larger school. Ask how the microschool supports both.

Whether your student is coming from homeschool, public school, or another microschool—what support systems are in place?

“As you know, our middle school years can be tough, so we spend the first few weeks simply building trust and comfort. You can’t expect deep learning until a student feels safe and known.” – Melissa Feiger, Founder and Director of Wander through Wonder Academy, a Changemaker Edu partner microschool in Lincoln Park, Illinois

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9. What are your class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios?

One of the draws of microschools is the promise of personalized attention. That said, the actual size and ratio can vary, and one microschool might think one number is appropriate, while another might think something larger or smaller is better. Some use co-teachers or learning guides, others lean into peer-to-peer collaboration.

Also ask about consistency - are kids with the same adult each day - and flexibility—can they regroup based on need?

“We cap our learning groups at 14. That allows us to go deeper, notice details, embrace their inner magic, and really tailor instruction without burnout.”— Christina Pipkin, Founder and Director of FAYE Learning Center, a Changemaker Edu partner microschool in Cypress, Texas

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10. What does success look like, for your students and your school?

Finally, success. This question taps into values and long-term vision. Some schools will talk about academic benchmarks; others will emphasize well-being, independence, or community impact.

Ask yourself: Do their markers of success align with yours?

"Success in our microschool isn’t just measured by what students know—but by who they’re becoming. When our children leave us more healed, more whole, able to express life skills—able to think critically, feel deeply, and lead with empathy—we know we’ve done something powerful." – Alysha Powell, Legacy Builders Learning Center Founder & Director, a Changemaker Edu partner microschool in Lincolnville, South Carolina

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Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers—Just Ask the Right Questions

You don’t have to be an education expert to find the right fit. What matters most is knowing what you value, what your student needs, and whether the founder’s answers feel honest, aligned, and grounded in care.

Microschools aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of them. With the right questions and an open conversation, you’ll find a place that feels not just like school, but like belonging.

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