With Pandemic Raging, More Parents Are Considering Microschools; What Are They?

With conversations raging on about whether or not it's safe to go back to school come fall, some parents are taking matters into their own hands. Across the US, the concept of "pandemic pods" are picking up steam as an alternative to both full-on virtual learning and sending children back to class amid COVID-19. Otherwise known as microschools, each "pod" is composed of roughly between three-to-six children of ideally similar ages and abilities who will gather at one family's home to learn from a teacher. Using this system, each parent will chip in to cover the educator's fees.

While the concept may seem like something reserved for elitist parents, given the safety concerns of traditional school, the lack of childcare available, and working parents' hectic schedules, it's being considered widely throughout the country. A private Facebook group called "Pandemic Pods" that was founded by families in San Fransisco, CA, already has nearly 21,000 members since it was created on July 7. Additionally, dozens of off-shoot groups based on location have cropped up so parents can better organize.

To keep reading this article, click here.