Homeschooling, Microschools, and AI Drive Major Shift in U.S. Education

Prime Highlights

Homeschooling and microschooling have surged across the U.S. since 2020, signaling a long-term shift toward individualized learning.

Technology and AI are reshaping classrooms, enabling customized lessons and giving students more control over their learning process.

Key Facts

The Homeschool Hub at Johns Hopkins University reported that homeschooling more than doubled in 90% of states in 2023–24.

A 2023 Gallup poll found only 26% of Americans have high confidence in public schools, fueling the move toward alternative education models.

Background

The U.S. K–12 education system is undergoing a major shift as families move away from standardized schooling toward individualized learning. Since 2020, homeschooling and microschooling have expanded rapidly, supported by flexible work arrangements, new technologies, and favorable policies.

The Homeschool Hub of Johns Hopkins University reported that in 2023–24 homeschooling more than doubled in 90% of all reporting states. According to experts, this is an indication that the change in American schooling is not short-lived.

Before the pandemic, microschools were a rare occurrence. They are proliferating all over the country today and most parents are enrolling their children at the youngest age. Education writer Kerry McDonald has published research findings that show that parents are using these models not only as a last resort, but as a choice in the first place.

Remote work has also influenced education choices. Parents are taking a more active role in learning as the number of people working from home has tripled since 2019. Families are seeking more flexible learning programs that suit their careers.

The trend has been enhanced even further by school choice policies in states such as Arizona, where public funds can follow students. This has encouraged education entrepreneurs to begin new microschools and networks.

Classrooms are also being transformed by technology and AI. Intelligent technologies will assist in customising the lesson to the pace and ability of each child. Teachers think that AI can be used as a mentor, and students will have greater control over the learning process.

Another cause of the shift is declining confidence in state schools. In a 2023 poll conducted by Gallup, only 26 percent of Americans said they had high confidence in public schools. It is estimated that homeschooling, micro schools and AI-based learning will grow further in the coming years.