Outschool offers several ways to structure a class based on how learners participate, when the class meets, and the settings you choose.

Together, these settings determine the class type and structure:

Not every setting is available for every class. The class creation flow will display the options that apply to the class you are creating.

Live group classes meet through live lessons and may include more than one learner. After selecting Live Group Class, choose the meeting schedule that best describes the class.

A fixed length course meets for a planned number of lessons and has a defined end date. It may have one meeting or multiple meetings.

Use this option when learners enroll in a complete class experience with a predetermined schedule. Fixed length courses must complete a syllabus.

A recurring weekly class meets on an ongoing basis and does not require an end date. Learners can join while the class is in progress.

Use this option when each meeting can provide a complete experience or when the class can accommodate learners joining at different times. Descriptions must include a minimum of four example topics or themes. Sample topics help set expectations for the class.

For those preferring a set list of topics for each week, dates must be included alongside the topics, such as:

⇢ Week of (Date): Topic/Theme 1

⇢ Week of (Date): Topic/Theme 2

⇢ Week of (Date): Topic/Theme 3

⇢ Week of (Date): Topic/Theme 4

Weekly dates should be kept current. Please note that classes covering more advanced concepts may require structured weekly topics.

Learners may enroll after the class has begun, so the listing should explain how new learners will be welcomed and whether they need any previous knowledge.

Live 1-on-1 classes provide availability-based tutoring or private lessons for one learner.

After selecting Live 1-on-1 Class, the class creation flow proceeds directly to the Tutoring / Private Lesson settings. You do not need to select a meeting schedule for an availability-based class.

Live 1-on-1 classes:

Include at least four representative topics in the listing, along with information about your teaching style and how lessons can be adapted to an individual learner.

If your class will meet with one learner on a set schedule, rather than use availability-based scheduling, create it as a Live Group Class with Fixed length schedule, then set the maximum class size to one.

A self-paced class uses prerecorded lessons and does not include live meetings. Learners can enroll and begin at any time, then progress through the material at their own pace. Self-paced classes organize lessons through class content rather than through a separate live-class syllabus tab.

Each lesson should include a teacher-created pre-recorded video with a minimum duration of one minute per lesson. Videos cannot be entirely AI-generated, and repackaged content is not permitted. Your lessons must reflect your own teaching and expertise. Before requesting listing approval for a self-paced class:

The listing should clearly explain:

You may use third-party tools for self-paced classes, as long as they are in line with our policies on Third-Party Tools Available for Outschool Teachers to Use with Learners. Learning Management Systems (LMS) cannot be used to house all class information for a self-paced class. Communication must remain on the Outschool platform.

Full curriculum is an additional setting available for eligible classes. A full year of a subject must have at least 18 hours of live class time. A full semester must have at least 9 hours of live class time. The requirements depend on the live group schedule selected:

A fixed length or recurring weekly class with a maximum size of one follows the applicable Live Group Class requirements.

Class content builds when lessons are taught in sequence and each lesson depends on knowledge or skills introduced earlier. Learners generally need that foundation to participate fully.

When class content does not build, each meeting stands alone, allowing learners to participate without attending earlier meetings.

For recurring weekly classes with content that builds, explain how you will support learners who enroll after the class has begun.

When early enrollment is available, eligible families can choose a start date up to four weeks in advance, provided a seat is available for four consecutive weeks. The learner’s seat is reserved when the family enrolls.

When late enrollment is enabled, families can join a fixed length course after it begins at a prorated price.

Recurring weekly classes always allow learners to join after the class has begun. Explain how you will welcome and support new learners.

Payment options vary by class type and schedule and are shown during class creation.

For fixed length courses that accept weekly payments, teachers can adjust the price for families who choose to pay weekly. Changes apply only to new enrollments.

See our guidance on pricing classes for more information.

A syllabus explains the pacing and topics covered in a live class. Each lesson should correspond to a live meeting. Units may be used to group lessons that share a theme.

Use lesson titles that clearly describe the topic or purpose of each meeting. Lesson descriptions can provide families with additional information about the content and activities.

A syllabus is required for all fixed length courses. Self-paced classes organize their lessons through class content and do not use a separate syllabus tab.

The mastery-evaluation section describes learning that takes place outside live class meetings, including:

Selecting an option tells families what the teacher offers in that class. Clearly explain what learners will complete, how work will be reviewed, and when feedback or grades will be provided.

Learning goals describe the skills or knowledge learners should gain from the class. They help families understand the purpose of the class and what learners are expected to achieve.

Write goals that are specific to the class and observable whenever possible.