Diving into the Survey of Microschooling Parents: A Q&A with KaiPod Learning Founder and CEO Amar Kumar

In March 2025, EdChoice, in partnership with KaiPod Learning, conducted a survey of microschooling parents. The survey posed many questions to parents to learn more about their perspectives and opinions on the microschooling experience. Topics within the survey included demographics of microschooling parents, reasons they sought a microschool, feelings on the logistics and costs, microschool educators, and much more.

I reached out to KaiPod Learning Founder and CEO Amar Kumar to ask him a few questions to which he kindly responded. Our conversation is below. 

Colyn Ritter: Were there any survey findings that took you by surprise?

Amar Kumar: One pleasant surprise was how consistently parents reported feeling part of a strong microschool community – The majority (57%) of parents described the sense of community among parents, teachers, and students as strong. We knew small class sizes and flexible schedules were appealing, but the depth of connection and trust stood out, with 84% of parents saying they have either a “very” or “somewhat” strong relationship with their child’s educator.

Ritter: Personalized learning, flexible scheduling, small class sizes were the clear motivators for parents when it came to choosing a microschool…Do you see those factors continuing to drive enrollment in microschools? Are there other features of microschools that could become as influential as those three?

Kumar: Yes – personalized learning and flexible schedules were cited by around 60% of parents, as well as small class sizes by 49% as top reasons for enrolling. These will remain core drivers, but over time we expect features like close community connections and access to tailored enrichment opportunities to become equally influential.

Ritter: In the survey we learn that digital or online learning approaches were the most commonly used curriculum models among respondents. How does KaiPod balance screen time with in-person engagement?

Kumar: 65% of respondents said their child’s microschool uses a digital or online curriculum, but at KaiPod, technology is a tool, not the centerpiece. We often pair online curricula options with in-person discussions, hands-on projects, and community-based learning, ensuring screen time supports, rather than replaces, human connection.

Ritter: Were there any findings in the survey that brought concern or could prove to be an obstacle for the microschooling movement down the line?

Kumar: One area to watch is cost accessibility. While nearly half (43%) of parents felt the cost of the microschool were reasonable, affordability remains a key factor for long-term growth. Building sustainable models that work for a wider range of families will be essential to expanding access. We’re optimistic that as school choice policies expand and the supply of microschools grows, more families will be able to find affordable, high-quality alternatives tailored to their child’s needs in their own communities.

Ritter: According to the survey, 77% of students attend microschool part-time. Is part-time attendance core to KaiPod’s mission, or do you see full-time microschooling growing over time?

Kumar: Yes – 77% of respondents said their child attends part-time, often blending microschooling with homeschooling or other programs. That flexibility is one of the movement’s strengths. At the same time, we’re seeing growing interest in full-time models as more families experience the benefits. In fact, our data shows a strong correlation between time spent in our locations and both academic progress and social connection — making full-time attendance the ideal path for many students.

Ritter: Parents overwhelmingly expressed trust and confidence in their child’s educators. How does KaiPod recruit, train, or support its learning coaches to maintain this level of confidence?

Kumar: With 86% of parents signaling they are either “extremely” or “very” confident in their microschool educator’s ability to help their child succeed, we take great care in who we bring onto our team. Every learning coach goes through a rigorous selection process, including multiple interviews, teaching demonstrations, and reference checks, followed by a comprehensive onboarding program. But credentials alone aren’t enough. The most successful coaches are those who are deeply student-centered, building authentic relationships and tailoring their approach to each learner, and flexible enough to adapt in real time to student needs. Once on board, they receive ongoing training, collaborate in a tight-knit peer network, and have the autonomy to personalize learning, which is key to sustaining such a high level of trust from families.

Ritter: Was there a topic or theme that the survey did not address that should be included in future research/surveys of microschooling parents?

Kumar: It would be valuable to explore long-term outcomes such as academic growth, social-emotional development, and career or college readiness. While the current data shows strong parent satisfaction and meaningful student progress, following students over multiple years would provide a fuller picture of microschooling’s impact. As the movement grows and we collect more year-over-year data, we’ll be able to better understand how these experiences shape students’ futures.

Ritter: Lastly, what is one thing you wish more people understood about microschools?

Kumar: Microschools aren’t smaller versions of traditional schools, and they’re not homeschool co-ops either. They’re something entirely different. They are built from the ground up to reflect the unique needs, values, and culture of the local community, and then personalized even further for each individual student. With intentionally small group sizes, educators have the freedom to slow down, accelerate, or veer off the standard path to follow a student’s curiosity. One child might spend the morning shadowing a local artisan or exploring a vocational skill, while another is deep into SAT prep or diving head-first into a passion project. Coaches can integrate enrichment activities, field experiences, and cross-disciplinary projects in a way that large schools simply can’t. The result is a safe environment (94% of parents say their child feels secure) and highly personalized learning (91% of parents reporting their child’s education is at least “somewhat” personalized to their needs). Most importantly, microschools are deeply connected communities where every student is known, supported, and inspired to see how their education connects to the wider world.

Read the full survey results here.