Outschool

Multi_subjectGrades Pre-K–12

About This Curriculum

Outschool offers over 4000 small group video chat online courses for ages 3-18. They offer every subject, as well as just for fun electives such as a Harry Potter or Minecraft course. Many options available, and classes meet from 1-3 times a week & can be a one-time course up to a full semester course. Please enter at least 2 characters for name. Please enter at least 10 characters for details. Please enter a valid phone number. Please enter a valid email address.

Outschool: A La Carte Online Class Marketplace for Supplemental Learning

Outschool is an online platform offering over 140,000 live video chat classes for ages 3-18, ranging from core subjects to pop culture and hobby-based courses. It functions as a class marketplace where students can select individual courses rather than following a structured curriculum sequence.

Best for

Families seeking supplemental classes for specific interests, elective credits, or enrichment rather than comprehensive curriculum coverage

Evaluation Criteria

3 concerns · 1 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Teacher TrainingConcern

Teachers are vetted and background-checked but no comprehensive training program for curriculum delivery is mentioned.

Teachers are described as 'safe, vetted' with 'required background checks' and 'passionate about what they teach,' but no systematic training or professional development is referenced

Knowledge CoherenceConcern

The platform lacks a coherent knowledge-building sequence, functioning more as individual class selections than cumulative curriculum.

Students choose courses based on interests and needs rather than following a structured knowledge progression, with classes described as ranging from one-time sessions to semester courses without apparent coordination

Cross Curricular IntegrationConcern

Classes appear to be offered as standalone experiences without intentional cross-curricular connections.

The review describes courses as 'a la carte' selections covering diverse topics from 'tap dance to fractions' and 'coding to Pokémon painting' without mention of integrated learning experiences

Direct InstructionNeutral

Classes utilize live video instruction with small groups, which can facilitate direct teaching approaches.

The platform offers 'live online classes' with 'dynamic teachers' in small group formats, though specific instructional methods depend on individual teachers

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

No systematic retrieval practice or review mechanisms are described across the platform.

The review focuses on class variety and scheduling flexibility but makes no mention of built-in review, assessment, or retrieval practice features

Individual Subject RigorInsufficient Evidence

Subject rigor varies widely depending on individual teacher and class selection, with no apparent quality control standards.

While core subjects like math and language arts are offered, the review emphasizes that classes cover 'almost any subject you can think of' with teachers who are 'passionate about what they teach' but no mention of curriculum standards or rigor requirements

Sources: homeschool.com