Niche Microschooling: The Future of Specialized Education

Microschooling. That word in a nutshell can bring forth many iterations of meaning. Sometimes even confusion. What is it? And, why should you become acquainted with this avante garde concept of emergent schooling?

Microschooling is the reinvention of the one-room schoolhouse, and within the context of this article, an officially recognized (by the Board of Education) private school. A microschool typically has less than fifty students and is multi-tiered (many grade levels in one room) instruction. I run a really incredible Niche Microschool. It's the first in my county. The niche specialty of my school is Archaeology and Ancient World with Classical Method Instruction. I daydreamed about it for an entire decade before stepping away from my job as a private school administrator to go all in... all in on a dream with a purpose.

Tomorrow is the last day before summer break of the first academic year at my new school. We had an amazing first year. Memories were made. Real learning and understanding were accomplished. Modes and habits were broken. We thought outside the box. We dared go where my students had not traveled before. We were victors. We were adventurers. We were more than conquerors. We were... are outstanding.

I realize now more than ever that the current public education system has failed many children. It isn't a one size fits all mode of education, and there are some who will never be successful within a system of that nature no matter how hard someone tries to shove them into a box they never asked to enter. Why have we lost so many crucial skills along the way? At what point does the gadgetry lose its shine? When will we realize the heart of education isn't about passing tests for funding or pats on the back?

I would love to introduce the concept of niche microschooling to encompass multiple professions. I would be inspired to see a chemist microschool, or a film-making microschool, or any profession you could name. Could you imagine a school where the educators love their subject matter, have years of experience in that subject matter, and teach it to children who love that subject too? Sounds a bit like professors for a younger crowd, doesn't it.

Niche microschools teach all core subjects but have a concentration of the intended niche. It is expected that students will have a higher than average core understanding of the niche subject matter after completion of coursework. Depending on the education level of the instructor, some students can graduate with certificates in the niche subjects. Students who attain these simultaneous to their high school diploma are not only versed in the subject, but also hands-on application of the skills of their niche concentration. They have an obvious advantage over their publicly educated counterparts within the area of expertise. Depending on the specialty, this can carry over to scholarships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities that will reveal themselves as this matriculation trend catches on.

Just as public schooling isn't for everyone, neither is microschooling. But that is the amazing part; we can create all of these avenues and choices. Each family can choose what is right for them and their children. I talk to many educators actively in a failing system. They all have innovative ideas on how to implement change, but less than 5% even take the risk associated with making it a reality. For a moment, the "what ifs" linger in the air; the spark ignites; but then, the status quo returns. Don't let the status quo return. Leap into the change that only you can do.

Make tomorrow a future that no child feels inadequate, but overflowing with empowerment and confidence. How can we teach children to dream big and chase those dreams if we live in the shadow of self doubt ourselves. What if it all were so easy as a niche microschool with a few fearless, on fire leaders who are willing to make those dreams, reality! I took the leap. Won't you join me? The water is just fine.