What are Class Buyouts?
A class buyout is when a single group (such as a school, employer, parent group, or family) purchases all available seats in a class. This makes the class private and reserved only for their learners. Teachers may either create a new private section or designate an existing section as a buyout.
What types of groups buyout classes?
Class buyouts are commonly requested by:
Schools: For supplemental classes, after-school programs, or special subjects.
Employers: As part of employee benefits (e.g., child enrichment programs).
Parent groups: For co-ops, homeschool pods, or friend groups who want to learn together.
Families: Sometimes for special events, like birthdays or holiday camps.
How can a school, organization, or group request a class buyout?
Complete the Buyout Information Request form to begin the request process. The form collects general information about your organization, learner group, and preferred scheduling details to help evaluate and plan your request.
Please note: Custom class buyouts require a minimum of 6 weeks’ lead time for planning and scheduling.
Information for Teachers
How do class buyouts work for teachers?
Opt in: Teachers can indicate that they’re open to buyouts by filling out this form.
Get connected: A school, employer, or parent group may reach out directly through Outschool, or Outschool staff may connect them with you.
Confirm details: You and the organizer agree on the schedule, group size, and any adjustments needed.
Enrollment and payment:
In some buyouts, Outschool manages enrollment and rosters directly.
In others, the organization manages sign-ups itself through a special admin account.
Either way, billing and learner records are handled securely through Outschool.
How will teachers be contacted regarding a class buyout?
Teachers may be contacted in two ways:
By an Outschool User
Message arrives in a teacher's Outschool inbox (and to the account email).
User may be a parent, school, or organization.
Teachers can reply directly, but keep all communication and payments on Outschool per our Terms of Service.
See the communications guide for teachers for best practices.
By the Outschool Team
Email comes from the @outschool.com domain.
A team member acts as a liaison between the teacher and the group buying out the class.
Teacher can direct questions to the liaison for support.
What’s expected of teachers in a class buyout?
Flexibility: Groups may request specific times, class lengths, or age ranges.
Customization: Small adjustments to content are common, but full curriculum changes are optional.
Communication: Keep all messages with parents and organizers on Outschool for safety and clarity.
Rosters and enrollment: Teachers don’t need to manually add learners. Whether Outschool or the organization manages it, all students will appear in a teacher's Outschool roster once enrolled.
Need Additional Support?
For teachers:
If a teacher is already working with an Outschool team member, email him/her directly.
If a teacher is communicating with a parent, school, or organization and need assistance, contact Outschool Support.
For schools and organizations:
If you have questions about submitting a buyout request, contact Outschool Support.