Important: We’ve updated how self-paced classes are created and managed. Some class editing spaces may look different than others. These updates do not change how families enroll and access self-paced classes, and learners will continue to move through classes at their own pace. Learn More
Self-Paced classes offer a fully asynchronous learning experience on Outschool. Instead of meeting live, learners move through lesson content independently while you provide feedback and support.
This format expands access for families who want more flexibility and gives teachers a way to reach more learners without adding additional live sessions.
Creating a self-paced class
To create a self-paced class, follow these steps:
Start a new class and select Self-Paced Class as the class type.
Complete your class details according to Outschool’s Class Policies.
Add classroom content for each lesson block, including videos, readings, and assignments.
Preview your class to review how it will appear to families and how learners will experience your lesson content.
When your class is ready, publish it to make it available to families.
For more information on creating and submitting a new class, visit Listing Your First Class.
Enrollment, pacing, and access in self-paced classes
When a family enrolls, Outschool automatically creates a new section for that learner. Each section has its own classroom, where learners can access lessons, submit assignments, and communicate with you.
Here’s how enrollment, pacing, and access work in self-paced classes:
Enrollment start date: Enrollment begins on the purchase date.
Enrollment status: Enrollment shows as Not Started until the learner enters the classroom. Once the learner enters, the enrollment moves to In Progress, and the teacher support weeks begin.
Teacher support: Teacher support begins when the learner enters the classroom, or automatically two weeks after enrollment if the learner has not entered.
Refund eligibility: Once a learner enters the classroom, refund eligibility ends, even if this happens within 24 hours of purchase.
Content release: Lesson access follows the selected enrollment option, either weekly release or full access upfront
Content access: After the teacher support period ends and the enrollment is marked as completed, learners retain access to class content for 12 months.
Managing self-paced classes
You can update your class content or enrollment settings at any time:
New enrollment setting: You can control whether families can join your class. Turn this setting off to pause new enrollments and turn it back on when you're ready to accept more learners.
Update your class content: You can edit your class content at the class level at any time, and updates apply to new enrollments. Each section keeps the version of the class content that was active when the learner enrolled, but you can also personalize content by editing directly within a learner’s section
For more guidance on using classroom tools, visit Classroom Features for Teachers.
How pacing works in self-paced classes
Families can choose to enroll with full access upfront or on a weekly schedule when signing up. Learners who enroll weekly receive lessons released each week. Learners with full access upfront can access all lessons immediately.
Learn more about the family experience in Self-Paced Classes for Families.
Self-Paced Class FAQs
How long do I support learners in a Self-Paced class?
You support learners for the number of teacher support weeks specified in your class listing. Teacher support weeks begin when a learner enters the classroom and continue for the number of weeks specified in your listing. Learners can move through the class at their own pace and access lessons for one year after teacher support is completed. After the teacher support period ends, classroom communication concludes, but learners can still review the materials.
What if a learner doesn’t enter the classroom right away?
If a learner does not enter the classroom, the teacher support weeks automatically begin two weeks after enrollment. Once support begins, it continues for the duration set in your listing.
Can I offer support to learners after the class end date?
If you’d like to continue supporting a learner beyond the original class duration, you can extend teacher access for that enrollment from the learner’s enrollment settings and adjust the support end date
When can parents leave reviews for self-paced classes?
For self-paced classes, parents may leave a review once their learner has engaged with the class, such as by completing a lesson or communicating in the classroom. Reviews can be submitted before the teacher support weeks end, but must be submitted within 30 days after support concludes.
Can I customize lessons for individual learners?
Yes. You can customize lessons by editing or adding content within a learner’s section to tailor content or assignments. Changes you make apply only to that learner’s section.
How do I upload or update lesson videos?
You can upload pre-recorded videos within your class content. Videos must be under 1 GB, which typically supports up to about an hour of standard-quality recording. You can replace or update videos at any time. Changes apply to future enrollments.
Can I use third-party tools in my class?
Yes. You can use approved third-party tools that follow Outschool’s policies. All class communication must remain on the Outschool platform. Learn more about Using Third-Party Tools with Learners.