Mary Jo Fairhead, after a decade teaching in public schools, founded Onward Learning in 2022 to address the need for more individual attention in education. Operating with around 10 students per teacher, this microschool movement is gaining traction as parents seek alternatives to traditional schooling. The success of microschools coincides with potential expansions in education funding that could benefit them. While their growing popularity reflects a demand for tailored education, critics express concerns over the lack of regulatory definitions, which raises questions about standards in this diverse educational landscape.
"We know every one of our kids on a very personal basis," Fairhead said. "I know when they walk through the door if something's off, and I need to check in with them."
"It's my opinion that this type of learning could be beneficial for any child, but especially those kids that just need a little more space, either space to learn, space to run, and just a little less pressure," Fairhead said.
Critics worry that the category is poorly defined - it could encompass a homeschool or a group facilitated by a teacher in a church, allowing for minimal state and federal regulation.
Microschool advocates said kids learn best when education is tailored to best suit their needs.
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