HQIM Review: Outschool

www.outschool.com

outschool homepage

Overview

Outschool is an online learning platform offering live, interactive classes for learners from ages 3-18. The platform covers a wide range of subjects, including traditional academic subjects like math, science, history, and language arts, as well as niche and interest-based topics such as coding, art, music, and life skills. Outschool allows learners to explore areas of interest beyond standard curricula, making it ideal for homeschool families, after-school programs, and other non-traditional educational environments seeking to expand offerings for students. Classes are taught by independent educators as contractors and can vary in quality, yet educators consistently follow an inquiry-based, hands-on learning approach, making classes accessible and highly engaging. Though tracking long-term progression might require additional effort, the platform’s interactive format and broad content make it an exceptional tool for fostering both academic and creative skills.

Our Assessment

  • Outschool classes are priced individually, which allows flexibility for different budgets. Some classes are available for as low as $12 (self-paced), while others may cost as high as $70 (1-1 in core subject areas). Outschool offers a range of price points, making it accessible for most families and community-based organizations. The ability to choose specific classes offers excellent value, especially for interest-based or specialized learning.

  • Outschool’s interface is user-friendly, allowing parents, teachers, and learners to easily browse, enroll in, and manage classes. The platform also provides tools for educators to create, schedule, and manage their classes. However, some younger learners may require assistance navigating the platform, especially during the initial setup process. The platform’s search and filtering system could also benefit from additional refinement to make finding the right classes even more intuitive.

  • Outschool offers high-quality, engaging content across a variety of subjects. Educators have the freedom to design courses, allowing for creative and inquiry-based learning experiences. While most classes are highly relevant and provide skill development, the quality can vary depending on the teacher therefore it is crucial to fully read class descriptions, educator profiles and reviews to help assess potential fit and quality. Learner progression depends on the class structure, as Outschool does not provide a uniform assessment system, so tracking long-term progress might require additional effort from parents or educators.

  • Outschool is highly engaging due to its live, interactive format. Classes are typically small, allowing for personalized instruction and discussion. Learners can choose from a wide variety of subjects, which keeps them motivated by exploring their passions and interests. The ability to interact with peers and teachers in real time enhances engagement, making learning both fun and collaborative.

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Implementation Tips for Homeschools and Community-Based Organizations

  • Identify Learning Goals: Start by setting clear learning goals, whether academic, social, or interest-based. Browse the wide array of classes on Outschool to find courses that align with these goals.

  • Schedule Classes: Outschool offers both one-time and ongoing classes, allowing you to build flexible learning schedules. Choose classes that fit into your weekly routine and ensure a balanced approach between academic and extracurricular subjects.

  • Use Interest-Based Learning: Leverage Outschool’s wide variety of unique and niche subjects to inspire learners to explore new areas of interest. This can help boost motivation and engagement, particularly for learners who may struggle with traditional subjects.

  • Track Progress and Discuss: While Outschool doesn’t provide a standardized assessment system, encourage learners to reflect on their learning after each class. Parents and educators can track progress by having regular discussions with learners about what they’ve learned and what they found challenging or exciting.

  • Integrate with Core Learning: Supplement Outschool classes with core homeschool curricula or other learning programs like Khan Academy. For example, a student taking an art class on Outschool can also complete related projects at home or extend learning with additional practice.

  • Foster Group Learning: If working with multiple learners, encourage group discussions or projects related to Outschool topics. You can enroll several children in the same class, promoting collaboration and group learning. There are also options to purchase a class buyout in order to have private group classes with your set of learners only. 

  • Support Independent Learning: Outschool can be a valuable tool for fostering independent learning. Encourage older students to take the lead in choosing classes that interest them and managing their learning schedules.

  • Consider Class Variety: Use Outschool to introduce a mix of academic and creative subjects, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Rotate between enrichment topics (coding, art, music) and core subjects (math, science) to maintain a balanced educational approach.