Curriculum review
Outschool
by Outschool · Est. 2015
About
What it is
Outschool is a marketplace of independent teachers offering live small-group video classes, 1:1 tutoring, large-group lessons, self-paced courses, and free pre-recorded courses for subscribers. The catalog includes more than 140,000 classes serving over 1 million students across 183 countries. Subjects span academic content, electives, hobbies, languages, and test prep — virtually anything a teacher can offer, including specialty topics like Mandarin, Minecraft coding, and Dungeons & Dragons math.
The platform is built for ages 3-18 (PreK-12). Outschool is not a complete curriculum or accredited school — it is a marketplace where families assemble classes à la carte, primarily as supplemental enrichment rather than primary instruction. Standards alignment and quality vary by individual teacher, and there is no centralized review filtering.
Pricing uses a credit-based monthly subscription. Tiers include 80 credits for $40 (roughly one class per week), 144 for $70 (two per week), 248 for $120 (three per week), and 500 for $240 (four per week). Credits roll over. Individual classes priced à la carte run $5-$36 per group class, $24-$58 per 1:1 tutoring session, or $10-$94 per week for self-paced courses. The platform offers 40 free trial credits and a $20 referral credit. Format includes web plus iOS (15.1+) and Android (13+) apps that support live class joining, scheduling, and messaging.
Outschool is secular by default. Individual teachers may offer faith-based classes, which can be filtered. Common Sense Growth (the for-profit arm of Common Sense Media) is an investor — this is disclosed in CSM's review. Outschool offers up to 20% affiliate commission with a 30-day cookie through Awin, a separate OUTreach educator program ($50 per new buyer), and a parent referral program ($20 each way).
Reddit r/homeschool consensus treats Outschool as supplemental rather than primary. Praise centers on interest-led enthusiasm, unique subjects, small group sizes, and social interaction for solo learners. The main concerns are that teacher quality varies widely, the credit system can feel confusing, and costs balloon fast when a family signs up for multiple weekly classes. Common Sense Media rates Outschool positively but notes that parents must vet instructors since credentials are not required.
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Common questions
Frequently asked
Is Outschool a complete curriculum?
No. Outschool is a marketplace of à la carte classes, not a curriculum or accredited school. Most families use it for supplemental enrichment — niche subjects, electives, social interaction — alongside a primary curriculum.
How does Outschool pricing work?
Credit-based monthly subscriptions: 80 credits/$40 (~1 class/wk), 144/$70 (~2/wk), 248/$120 (~3/wk), 500/$240 (~4/wk). Credits roll over. Individual classes priced à la carte ($5-$36/group class, $24-$58/1:1 session).
How is teacher quality?
Variable. Teachers are independent and credentials are not required. Common Sense Media notes that parents should vet instructors. The active review system helps, but quality varies more than at a centralized program.
Does Outschool offer accredited courses?
No. Outschool is a marketplace, not an accredited school. Classes do not appear on official transcripts unless parents document them. Families seeking accredited high school courses should look at Acellus Academy or similar.
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