Outschool is an online marketplace where independent teachers offer live classes for students aged 3 to 18. It covers a wide range of subjects and interests, allowing for interactive, small group learning.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
What is Outschool?
Outschool is like Airbnb for education. It’s a marketplace where independent teachers give live, online classes to kids aged 3 to 18. Founded in 2015, Outschool features over 140,000 classes. You can find everything from algebra to Dungeons & Dragons. All classes are live on Zoom, allowing for real interaction. Teachers set their own prices and create their own lessons from anywhere.
What subjects are available
Outschool really has a lot to offer. You’ll find traditional subjects like math, science, history, writing, and foreign languages. But it shines with enrichment classes. Think coding, art, music, debate clubs, and book discussions. There are even special interest groups for Minecraft fans or marine biology lovers. For homeschoolers who follow interest-led learning, this variety is a huge plus.
Using ESA funds
Good news! Outschool is an approved vendor for Education Savings Account programs in many states. Families can pay directly using ClassWallet in states like Arizona, Texas, and Utah. Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship also covers Outschool classes. If you have an ESA in your state, check their ESA page for details on eligibility and payments. They provide itemized receipts for reimbursements too.
Choosing quality teachers
Since Outschool is an open marketplace, the quality of teachers can vary. Before signing up, read reviews and look at the teacher's background and ratings. Teachers are required to have teaching experience or expertise, but that can be broad. Use the reviews to find teachers with multiple classes and great feedback. Starting with a single class is a smart way to test the waters before going for a full semester.
The bottom line
Outschool is best as a supplement to your main homeschool curriculum, not a full replacement. It’s perfect for subjects where you want expert help or for topics that excite your child. Plus, many states allow ESA funds to be used, making it easier to access. Just take some time to read teacher reviews. The quality of your experience depends on the instructors you choose.
