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FAQ for Outschool Families
FAQ for Outschool Families

Answers to common questions about learning on Outschool

Updated over a week ago

The Basics

What is Outschool, and how does it work?

Outschool is a marketplace of online classes for kids and teens, focusing on small-group, interactive experiences that take place live.

We help parents find and enroll their learners in classes on a variety of topics. Qualified educators manage and promote their classes to parents on our platform, delivering engaging learning experiences to learners worldwide. Our team screens, background checks, and provides every educator with quality professional learning.

Outschool offers unparalleled diversity regarding teachers, subjects, and learners. With classes on everything from Fortnite to world dance to marine biology, you can find a great class to match your learner's passions.

Who uses Outschool?

Outschool classes are open to learners ages 3-18, with class listings specifying the age range for which a class is designed. We cannot accommodate learners under the age of 3 or above 18.

Outschool works for all kids and teens, no matter their schooling type, from brick and mortar to homeschooling and everything in between.

I'm just getting started with homeschooling. Can you offer some advice?

While Outschool learners come from a variety of backgrounds, we have extensive experience providing homeschool advice, including developing an easy-to-use Homeschool 101 eBook to get you started. Packed with information on getting started, how to find affordable classes, and tips from current homeschooling families, this guide has everything you need to get the ball rolling.

For a quick read, check out this article from our blog: How to start homeschooling: 10 steps to start your homeschool journey.

How do you ensure high-quality classes?

All teachers must apply with details about their professional background and education to teach on Outschool.com. Our team reviews applications with this information to ensure that all educators on Outschool have teaching experience, subject matter expertise, or a unique passion they want to share with learners. We also ensure that teachers have the technical skills to run online classes successfully. Once teachers get started on Outschool, we provide regular professional learning and development opportunities.

When teachers are ready to teach a new class, they must submit their class for approval. Classes must meet our standards for unique content, learning goals, teacher expertise, class experience, and more to be listed on the Outschool website.

How do you ensure safety in classes?

Learner safety is our top priority. Please read more about how we ensure all classes are safe, private, and inclusive for our learners.

One way we ensure that classes are safe is by guaranteeing that all attendees of Outschool classes are kids and teens under 18. All learners are required to "check-in" live with a teacher at the beginning of every class session. If an individual cannot visually check in with the teacher from the waiting room, they will not be admitted to class until their teacher can identify them as a child. Parents may need to complete our alternative learner verification process for those learners who may not want (or be able) to turn their cameras on during our mandatory class check-in procedure. Once a visual check-in is complete, we encourage all learners to enable their audio/video during class to create a social class experience; however, this is not required unless an educator chooses to make that a requirement of a class as stated in their class listing.

To provide a space that is comfortable and safe for all kids, we ask that parents supervise their learners from a distance and stay off-camera as much as reasonably possible. Parents should avoid conversations with teachers during classes with multiple learners and instead use the messaging system to reach out with questions. If your learner requires more active participation or supervision from you during class, please reach out to the teacher to inquire about the best plan to assist your child. Exceptions for parent involvement can be made in 1-on-1 private tutoring classes where parents may engage in child-centered discussions with a teacher as scheduled.

My learner has special needs. Is Outschool a fit?

We welcome learners of all abilities and neurodivergencies at Outschool. Many Outschool educators have backgrounds in teaching children with various abilities. Our classes may allow both gifted learners to extend their learning and learners needing academic support to get the remediation they need. Learners with neurodivergencies can also gain access to resources, experiences, interventions, and support on Outschool that may not be available in your local setting.

If there is a class you’re excited about, we encourage you to message the teacher directly to see how their classroom style may fit your learner based on their needs. Read more about learning with special needs on Outschool.

Can outschool classes count as credit at my school?

While Outschool does not offer credit for classes, you can receive credit for classes depending on your school's requirements. Requirements vary by institution, so we recommend reaching out to your school to see what they require to grant credit for an external class. You might also show an Outschool class listing to someone at your school to ensure it fits credit requirements.

Teachers may provide certificates of completion or other award documentation to learners and parents at their discretion. Not all teachers offer this, so if your learner will need a grade, certain types of assessment, or other specifications from the teacher to receive credit, it's best to communicate with their Outschool teacher beforehand to make sure they're aware. Some families also use their Outschool transcripts as proof of enrollment.

Please note that sharing or requesting transcripts or grades must be coordinated directly between parents and teachers. Outschool cannot provide this information to schools unless they are affiliated charter school partners inquiring about charter school enrollments.

Payment and Technology

How much does it cost? What payment methods do you accept?

Outschool is free to join, and each class is priced separately based on class format, teacher preference, and overall Outschool class pricing. Our Learning Experience Pledge backs all classes.

We accept payment by credit/debit card (using the payment processor Stripe), Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Read more about paying for Outschool classes.

Can I earn cash back or rewards for Outschool purchases through my financial institution?

Some financial institutions and cash back portals may offer cash back or rewards for purchases made on Outschool. However, Outschool does not manage or process these rewards programs. To learn how to earn and redeem cash back or rewards for your Outschool purchases, please contact your financial institution or the cash back portal you used. Click here for information about the Outschool-sponsored Parent Referral program, which allows you to earn Outschool credit by referring other parents.

Are you a homeschool charter school vendor?

Yes, Outschool is a pre-approved vendor for over 50 homeschool charter schools in California, Alaska, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Canada. If you'd like to register for Outschool classes, ask your homeschool charter school to partner with us. Read more about how to use charter funds.

Are you an approved vendor on ClassWallet or other ESA marketplaces?

Yes, Outschool is an approved vendor for ESA programs in select states, and you may be able to shop for classes on your state’s ClassWallet marketplace. Click here to read more about using ESA funds on Outschool.

Do you provide discounts for siblings or multiple kids?

Outschool offers small group classes that are focused on interaction. Because of this, each child should be enrolled individually. Some teachers are willing to provide sibling discounts, so you can always message a teacher before signing up for a class to see if this would be possible.

What kind of technology and materials do I need?

We encourage your learners to participate in their natural learning environment using the device of their choice. Outschool works on all major web browsers, and we use Zoom for live video meetings. You’ll need a working webcam and microphone, as well as a stable internet connection. Read more about our technical requirements and tips to prepare for your first class.

Are all classes live?

Outschool offers a variety of class formats, both live and asynchronous. The How do Outschool classes work article provides a detailed explanation of the various class formats.

If your child does not want to attend live classes, Self-Paced Classes are a great option for asynchronous learning.

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