In a state where debates over education funding and school choice are ongoing, Arizona is emerging as a national hotspot for microschools.
These small, often nontraditional learning environments operate with greater flexibility than public or charter schools. Today, they are quietly reshaping the educational landscape for families dissatisfied with the status quo, particularly those with children who don’t thrive in conventional classrooms.
Microschools typically serve between five and 20 students and operate from private homes, community spaces or small campuses. They prioritize individualized instruction, flexible curricula and strong relationships between students and educators.
"Microschools really expanded after the pandemic and nearly half of them were started by certified teachers,” said Don Soifer, CEO and co-founder of the National Microschooling Association. “We supported a lot of teachers who discovered they could easily make the jump into microschools.”
This grassroots approach is gaining traction, especially in the wake of Arizona's expanded Empowerment Scholarship Account program that allows families to use public funds for private or alternative education.
A legal grey zone becomes a growing movement
Arizona law doesn’t explicitly define “microschools,” but their operation is legal as long as state requirements are met. If a microschool operates as a private school, it must register with the Arizona Department of Education, file an affidavit of intent and ensure students receive instruction in reading, grammar, math, social studies and science.
If classified as a homeschool co-op or learning pod, families may not need to meet these requirements, but they will not be eligible for state funding.
Attendance requirements are flexible but the school must be open 180 days per calendar year. Arizona does not impose strict mandates for instructional hours or days for private or ESA-funded education, which gives microschools the latitude to create personalized schedules. This makes them attractive to students with disabilities, mental health concerns, or those simply overwhelmed by large classroom environments.
Inside a microschool: the GLC model
In Mesa, the Golladay Learning Center is an example of what microschools can offer. Founded by Brian Golladay, the school blends academic rigor with real-world skill development, spiritual growth, and a focus on individualized education.
“We draw heavily from the Montessori model,” said Golladay. “Our philosophy is rooted in hands-on learning with a healthy dose of Socratic questioning.”
At GLC, tuition is free — a rarity in the microschool world. Through Arizona’s Private School Tuition Tax Credit program, taxpayers can donate to school tuition, which then provides scholarships to private and microschool students.
“Arizona taxpayers have a choice to donate money they would have otherwise paid in Arizona tax dollars to a nonprofit scholarship organization," said Golladay. "This is where the majority of our funding is derived.”
However, at GLC, enrollment is capped to maintain a low student-teacher ratio and personalized attention. Arizona ranks second worst in the nation for student-to-teacher ratios, with an average of 22.6 students per teacher as of 2025.
Microschools offer a counterpoint, often boasting ratios as low as 1:5. This is critical for students with special needs or learning differences, who may struggle to get adequate support in overcrowded public school classrooms.
GLC employs five teachers, whom Golladay says are paid modestly, but who are committed to the school’s mission.
“It’s not a lot, but it’s enough to give them the opportunity to do the job they love,” he said.
Students begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a group prayer, part of GLC’s emphasis on patriotism and values-based education. Though not affiliated with any religion, GLC draws on teachings from the life of Jesus Christ to instill integrity, kindness and accountability.
“Happy kids plus less stress equals better learning outcomes,” Golladay explained. “That’s the equation we live by.”
The campus atmosphere is calm and inviting. On a recent visit, students eagerly shared their projects, waited patiently to present findings and interacted respectfully — signs of a well-functioning, engaged learning environment.
Discipline issues are minimal, though Golladay joked, “We get the occasional disagreement, but it’s usually just the teenage girls."
The big picture: microschools and education reform
The rapid rise of microschools in Arizona reflects broader dissatisfaction with traditional education models. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of families withdrawing students from public school systems in favor of microschooling has steadily increased, according to the National Microschooling Center.
Districts are also feeling the change. In Maricopa County, more than 30 public schools are expected to close or consolidate in the 2025-26 school year due to declining enrollment and shifting funding structures.
Meanwhile, research shows smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, and family engagement — all hallmarks of microschools — contribute to better academic outcomes and improved mental health for students.
Looking ahead
While microschools are not a universal solution, they are carving out a meaningful role in Arizona’s education system. As demand grows, advocates are calling for clearer policies, better oversight and more equitable access to ESA funds to ensure all families — not just those with time, money or connections — can participate.
For now, Arizona remains at the forefront of the microschool movement, offering a glimpse into what a more personalized, community-rooted education system might look like.
Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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