Outschool is a live online learning platform connecting independent teachers with students ages 3-18, offering over 140,000 interactive classes ranging from academic subjects to enrichment topics like coding, art, and special interests.
What is Outschool?
Outschool is a marketplace for live, interactive online classes taught by independent educators to students ages 3-18. Founded in 2015, the platform now hosts over 140,000 classes covering everything from algebra to Dungeons & Dragons. All classes happen live via Zoom in small groups, allowing real interaction between teachers and students. Think of it as the Airbnb of online education—individual teachers set their own prices, design their own curricula, and teach from anywhere in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Classes are live and interactive, not pre-recorded videos
- Prices typically range from $10-$15 per session, with some starting at $5
- ESA-approved in Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and several other states
- Best used as enrichment or supplement, not as a complete curriculum replacement
What Subjects Are Available
The breadth of offerings is genuinely impressive. Traditional academics include math at every level, science, history, writing, and foreign languages. But Outschool really shines in enrichment: coding classes, art instruction, music lessons, debate clubs, book discussions, and special interest groups around everything from Minecraft to marine biology. For homeschoolers following interest-led approaches, this variety is a significant draw. You can find classes on topics that would never appear in a standard curriculum.
Using ESA Funds
Outschool is an approved vendor for Education Savings Account programs in multiple states. Families can pay directly through ClassWallet in Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship also covers Outschool classes. If your state has an ESA program, check the Outschool ESA page for current eligibility and payment instructions. The platform provides itemized receipts for reimbursement submissions.
Choosing Quality Teachers
Teacher quality varies—this is the tradeoff of an open marketplace. Before enrolling, read reviews carefully and pay attention to the teacher's background and class ratings. Teachers must have "teaching experience, subject matter expertise, or a unique passion," but that's a broad standard. The review system is your best tool: look for teachers with multiple classes and consistently positive feedback. Starting with a single-session class before committing to a semester-long course is a smart strategy.
The Bottom Line
Outschool works best as a supplement to your core homeschool curriculum, not a replacement for it. It's particularly valuable for subjects where you want an outside expert, enrichment topics that spark your child's interests, or simply adding peer interaction to your homeschool week. The ESA eligibility in many states makes it even more accessible. Just invest time upfront in reading teacher reviews—the platform is only as good as the individual instructors you choose.
