Outschool Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025

Outschool is an online platform offering live, small-group classes for kids and teens. It connects learners (ages 3–18) with teachers for interactive video lessons on countless topics. Parents and students use Outschool to supplement education with fun, interest-based learning at home. In this article, we’ll explore Outschool’s reviews, pricing, how it works, alternatives, and more – to help families decide if it’s the right tutoring platform for their needs.

Outschool Reviews and Testimonials

Trustpilot: Outschool has earned a stellar reputation on Trustpilot, with a 4.5 out of 5-star (based on 3,210 reviews). 85% of reviewers give Outschool the full 5 stars. Parents frequently praise the platform’s engaging teachers and small class sizes. Many reviews highlight that instructors are attentive and skilled at keeping kids interested. Parents also appreciate the easy refund process and clear class rules, which build trust in the platform. Overall, Trustpilot feedback shows that most families have had an excellent experience with Outschool.

Sitejabber: In contrast, Outschool’s rating on Sitejabber is quite low – 1.8 out of 5 stars (from 24 reviews). This indicates several customers were dissatisfied. Reading through the comments, some users complain about poor customer service and issues with refunds. A few angry reviewers even described the platform as a “scam” due to billing or cancellation frustrations.

It’s worth noting that the sample size on Sitejabber is small. The negative feedback there focuses on specific bad experiences (like feeling money was “stolen” due to a strict refund policy). These reviews represent a minority, but they raise concerns about Outschool’s support in some cases.

Reddit and Social Media: Discussions on Reddit and other forums show mixed opinions. Some homeschooling parents rave about Outschool, saying “I love Outschool” and noting they’ve had no issues. They applaud the variety of class topics (everything from Pokémon to math) and how much their children enjoy the lessons.

On the flip side, a few Reddit users have voiced frustration. One parent claimed Outschool “changed a lot” over the years and was “a complete nightmare” for them, citing issues with customer support and policy changes. Overall, many families on social media appreciate Outschool’s convenience and fun classes, but a few warn to be cautious about platform policies (like the refund rules).

Glassdoor (Employee Perspective): Outschool is also reviewed by its educators and staff. Employees on Glassdoor rate Outschool around 4.0 out of 5. 63% would recommend working there. Tutors and staff often praise the “time and location flexibility” and clear sense of purpose in Outschool’s mission. Many enjoy being able to work from home and set their own class themes.

However, some downsides are noted: Outschool takes a 30% cut of class fees, and it can be “difficult to get students” for new teachers. A few reviews say that communication with management or support can be slow. In general, educators like the freedom Outschool provides, but they acknowledge the competitive hustle needed to succeed.

Indeed (Employee Perspective): On Indeed, Outschool has a 4.1 out of 5-star rating based on 100+ reviews. Tutors applaud the work-life balance and the opportunity to “design your own classes” on a flexible schedule. They feel Outschool is “a wonderful place to work” due to its remote, work-when-you-want model. Pay satisfaction is moderate – some tutors are very happy with their earnings, while others wish for higher student enrollment.

The detailed ratings show high marks for flexibility (4.1/5) but lower for job security (3.0/5), since tutors are independent contractors. Overall, Indeed reviews echo that Outschool is a great platform for educators, offering freedom and a supportive community, with the main challenge being the 30% fee and variability in class demand.

Is Outschool legit? Yes – Outschool is a legitimate company and learning platform. It was founded in 2015 and rapidly grew into a well-known name in online education. The vast majority of users confirm that classes happen as advertised and payments are handled securely. Outschool has received substantial venture capital funding (reaching a $3 billion valuation), underscoring its credibility and growth.

While no service is perfect, the overwhelming positive reviews (and Outschool’s safety policies) show that it is a real and trustworthy platform for online learning. Families should always exercise due diligence – read class descriptions and reviews – but they can be confident that Outschool is not a scam.

In summary, Outschool has delighted many parents and students with its diverse classes and engaging teachers. It holds high ratings on major review sites (especially Trustpilot with 4.5★) and success stories from both learners and tutors. The few negative testimonials tend to center on customer service and refund frustrations. By and large, Outschool has proven to be a reliable and innovative online learning marketplace – one that is “legit” and valued by thousands of families worldwide.

Outschool Pricing

Pricing Range

Outschool is not a subscription service – it uses a pay-per-class model. Each class is individually priced by the teacher, so costs vary widely. According to My eLearning World, live Outschool classes range from about $10 to $30 USD per hour on average. Many one-time workshops or short group sessions cost as little as $5–$15 per class.

Longer courses or private tutoring sessions can be more expensive, sometimes around $50–$100 for multi-week series or one-on-one lessons. For example, a small-group art lesson might be $12 USD (about £9 GBP or 45 AED) for an hour, while a semester-length algebra course could be $150+.

The exact fee depends on several factors: class length, subject complexity, class size, and the instructor’s experience. Educators with stellar reviews or niche expertise often charge more, whereas newer teachers or larger group classes tend to be cheaper.

Outschool classes are priced in U.S. Dollars by default, but international users can view prices in local currencies like GBP, EUR, CAD, JPY, KRW, or AUD. Parents in the UK, Australia, the Middle East, and elsewhere can pay in their own currency – Outschool will show the converted cost and handle the exchange. In short, Outschool’s pricing is highly flexible: there are budget-friendly options under $10, and more premium offerings, but families only pay for the specific classes they choose.

What students say about Outschool Pricing

Most families find Outschool to be reasonably priced, especially compared to traditional tutoring. One homeschooling parent noted that classes “start at just $5, and most we’ve taken are $10–$15 per session… This is really affordable for our family”. Parents appreciate that they can pick and choose classes to fit their budget – there’s no need to commit hundreds of dollars upfront. In fact, online tutoring elsewhere can often costs tens or even hundreds of dollars per hour for kids, so Outschool’s group classes at a fraction of that price can feel like a great deal.

That said, some users caution that costs can add up if a child takes many classes. A parent on a tight budget pointed out that even though Outschool is inexpensive per class, “it’s not free… always a bummer for budget homeschool families”. Taking multiple classes each week means multiple fees. Another concern raised in reviews is getting your money’s worth if a class is low quality.

While most classes are highly rated, a few parents felt disappointed and thought a particular class wasn’t worth the price. However, thanks to Outschool’s refund policy (discussed below) and the ability to see other parents’ reviews on each class, families can mitigate this risk.

Overall, student and parent feedback on pricing is positive – Outschool is seen as offering good value. The platform’s unique small-group format means you’re paying less than private tutoring but still getting live interaction. As one parent put it, the “specialty classes offer so much value” for the price, since they cover topics or hobbies that might be hard to find elsewhere. Compared to similar e-learning platforms, Outschool comes out as fairly affordable and cost-effective for the educational punch it delivers.

Hidden costs

One great thing about Outschool is that there are no membership or registration fees required to use the platform. Joining Outschool is free – you simply pay for the classes you enroll in. There are a few potential “extra” costs to keep in mind, though:

• Materials or Supplies: Some classes may require supplies not included in the class fee. For example, an art class might ask you to have certain craft materials, or a cooking class might expect you to buy ingredients. These are not billed by Outschool, but families will need to obtain them on their own.
• Sibling enrollments: If you have two children taking the same Outschool class, each child usually needs to be enrolled (and paid for) separately. Outschool classes are interactive, and each student is counted as a participant. There is no automatic sibling discount. However, some teachers are willing to offer a sibling discount if you message them to ask – it’s at the educator’s discretion.
• Late cancellations: Outschool’s cancellation policy is important to note. If you cancel a class booking less than 24 hours before it starts, you might only get a partial refund or a credit, depending on the teacher’s policy. In other words, backing out at the last minute could cost you. (Cancelling earlier than 24 hours in advance gets you a full refund in most cases.)
• Membership plans: Outschool now offers optional membership plans where you buy class “credits.” These plans can save money if you use Outschool a lot, but they require a monthly payment. For instance, one plan provides a set amount of credits each month (with some bonus credits included) for a flat fee. This is entirely optional – regular users can ignore membership and just pay per class.

 

Thankfully, there aren’t many hidden fees beyond those considerations. Outschool processes payments through Stripe, so there are no extra payment processing surcharges on the user side (the price you see is what you pay). There’s also no contract – you’re not locked in. Just remember that missing a class you paid for (without timely cancellation) could mean losing that fee. And if a class calls for any external resources (books, software, instruments), that’s up to the parent to provide. All these details are usually listed upfront in the class description, so read those carefully to avoid surprises.

How Outschool’s pricing works

Payment options: Outschool accepts all major credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payments are handled securely via Stripe. At this time, PayPal is not used for class payments on Outschool (PayPal is used only to pay tutors, not to pay for classes). The checkout process is straightforward on the website or Outschool’s mobile app. Charges are per class and occur when you enroll.

Credits and Memberships: Recently, Outschool introduced a membership credit system for frequent users. Parents can purchase credit packages that provide a certain number of class credits each month (with a few bonus credits thrown in). These credits can be applied to enroll in classes. Unused credits roll over for a limited time (up to a cap) as long as you keep the membership active.

Membership plans give a small discount compared to buying classes one by one. However, you can still freely choose any class – the “credits” are just a pre-paid balance. For families using Outschool regularly, this can simplify budgeting. If you prefer not to subscribe, you can ignore memberships and just pay à la carte for each class.

Discounts and Promo Codes: Outschool itself sometimes runs promotions. For example, they’ve had deals like “buy 2 classes, get $15 credit free” during special months. New users might encounter welcome offers (like a WELCOME30 code for $30 off membership, as currently advertised on the site).

Additionally, individual teachers may issue their own promo codes or discounts for their classes. Some educators give a multi-class discount if you take more classes with them, or a sibling discount as mentioned earlier. Always keep an eye on Outschool’s emails or social media for any seasonal promo codes.

Referral credits: One of the best ways to save is through Outschool’s referral program. If a friend refers you, you get $20 USD credit toward your first class. That means you could potentially take a class for free (if it’s $20 or less) as a trial. Likewise, you can refer other parents – when they join and enroll, they get $20 off and you earn $20 credit too. This program allows families to try Outschool at a lower cost and encourages spreading the word.

To sum up, Outschool’s pricing is very user-friendly. You pay for classes as needed, use convenient payment methods, and you’re free to stop anytime without penalty. For power users, memberships and referrals provide ways to reduce costs. Just make sure to use any earned credits before they expire (credits from referrals or pledges typically have an expiration, often 90 days for vouchers). And always check class listings for any extra costs or cancellation rules. With a bit of planning, parents can navigate Outschool’s pricing to maximize value.

Free Trial

There is no traditional “free trial” subscription on Outschool, since the platform isn’t subscription-based. However, new families can effectively try Outschool for free by taking advantage of a referral credit. When you sign up with a referral link from a current user, you receive $20 USD in Outschool credit for your first class. You can choose a class priced at $20 or less and enroll without paying out of pocket – essentially a free class. This is a great way to test the Outschool experience with your child.

Aside from referral credits, Outschool occasionally offers free events and workshops. The Outschool Learner Community hosts special live events (like trivia games, virtual meetups, and sample classes) that are free for all students. These events are meant to let kids explore fun topics and meet the community, “without spending a penny”. Parents do need to enroll (there’s typically a $1 hold to verify, which is then refunded), but otherwise these sessions cost nothing. Keep an eye on Outschool’s “Learner Community” page for upcoming free classes and activities.

In summary, while Outschool doesn’t have a blanket free trial period, families can absolutely try it out at no cost by utilizing the $20 referral sign-up bonus or joining free community classes. This allows you to see how the platform works, how a live class feels, and whether it’s a good fit for your learner – all before spending money. And if you enjoy it, you can confidently invest in more classes knowing what you’re getting.

Refund policy

Outschool’s refund policy is fairly straightforward and customer-friendly. If you need to cancel a class booking, you can do so directly on the platform. The key timing to remember is 24 hours before the class start time. Cancel at least 24 hours in advance, and you will receive a full refund of what you paid. No questions asked – the money goes back to your original payment method (or as credit).

If you cancel within 24 hours of the class, the refund outcome depends on the teacher’s stated policy. In many cases, you might get a partial refund or a class credit. Some teachers have their own cutoff (e.g. no refund if cancelling less than an hour before class). These specifics are usually listed in the class description. Outschool itself may withhold a small portion to cover processing fees if a last-minute cancellation occurs, but generally they try to be fair.

What if a class is cancelled by the teacher or by Outschool? If the educator cancels the class (or doesn’t show up), families are entitled to a full refund or credit. Outschool’s Learning Experience Pledge also offers protection: if you attend the first session of a class and find it’s not a good fit (maybe the content or level isn’t as expected), you can contact Outschool within a week and request a credit voucher for the class amount.

They essentially guarantee you’ll be satisfied, or you get to try another class without losing money. This pledge is subject to some conditions (e.g. it excludes classes paid via public funds, and has a limit of three uses per family), but it shows Outschool’s commitment to a good experience.

Looking at real user experiences: many parents report smooth refund transactions. In Trustpilot reviews, some noted “easy refunds” when classes didn’t work out. However, there are a few complaints (like on Reddit or Sitejabber) from users who felt they deserved a refund and didn’t get one. Often these cases involve late cancellations or misunderstandings of the policy – for example, a parent cancelling after class start time and being upset the fee wasn’t returned. It’s important to read each class’s cancellation terms and cancel timely if needed.

Overall, Outschool’s refund and credit policies are quite flexible. The platform backs all classes with either a refund or a make-it-right credit if something goes wrong. To get a refund, you typically just click “Withdraw” from the booking and confirm. If any issues arise, Outschool’s support can assist. Just remember the 24-hour rule, and don’t hesitate to utilize the Learning Experience Pledge if a class truly misses the mark. This gives parents peace of mind that their money won’t be wasted on a poor experience.

Outschool Alternatives

Outschool is a unique platform, but it’s not the only option for online learning and tutoring. Parents and students might look for alternatives for various reasons – maybe they want one-on-one tutoring, a different age focus, or specific subjects Outschool doesn’t cover. Below, we compare Outschool with several other tutoring platforms, highlighting each alternative’s pros and cons versus Outschool.

Wyzant

Pros: Wyzant is a large tutor marketplace that offers one-on-one tutoring in just about every subject and for all ages. Unlike Outschool’s group class model, Wyzant focuses on connecting individual students with private tutors. This can be better for personalized attention. Wyzant has a huge pool of tutors, including many who specialize in higher-level academics and test prep (areas where Outschool’s focus on kids might be limited).

Scheduling is flexible – you can arrange sessions directly with the tutor at times that suit you. There’s no upfront cost to search tutors, and you pay as you go. For older students or specific needs, Wyzant’s dedicated tutors can provide depth that a one-hour Outschool class might not.

Cons: Pricing on Wyzant is generally higher than Outschool. Tutors set their own hourly rates, which average between $35 to $80 per hour. In addition, Wyzant adds a 9% service fee on top of the tutor’s rate, so the cost can add up. This means Wyzant often ends up more expensive than Outschool’s small-group classes (where costs are shared among learners).

Also, Wyzant’s format is strictly tutoring – it lacks the fun group classes and clubs that Outschool offers. The experience can be more formal and purely academic. Finally, finding the right tutor on Wyzant might take some trial and error, whereas Outschool provides class reviews and ratings to help judge quality upfront. In summary, Wyzant is great for personalized tutoring, but it’s pricier and less about community or enrichment than Outschool.

Chegg

Pros: Chegg is well known among high school and college students as a study aid. Chegg isn’t a live class platform like Outschool; instead, it offers subscription-based access to textbook solutions, expert Q&A, and online tutoring chat. The biggest advantage of Chegg is on-demand homework help. If a student is stuck on a problem at 9 PM, Chegg’s 24/7 expert Q&A might provide an answer within minutes.

The cost can be much lower than live classes, especially for frequent help. Chegg also has various tools (like math problem solvers and proofreading via Chegg Writing). For older learners looking for quick answers or supplemental help rather than interactive classes, Chegg is a handy alternative.

Cons: Chegg lacks the interactive, engaging experience that Outschool provides. There are no live video lessons or face-to-face contact with teachers unless you use Chegg’s tutoring service (which is now limited). It’s mostly a repository of answers and explanations. This means it’s not as fun or motivating for younger kids – Outschool’s live classes with peers are much better for keeping children engaged.

Additionally, reliance on Chegg for homework answers can become a crutch and raises academic integrity concerns (some schools warn against using it to simply copy answers). Chegg’s focus is also more on high school and college coursework; it’s not tailored for elementary or middle-school enrichment the way Outschool is. In short, Chegg is a tool for quick academic help, but it’s not a replacement for the live learning experience Outschool offers.

My Engineering Buddy

Pros: My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a specialized online tutoring service that shines for advanced and technical subjects. If you or your child needs help in complex areas like calculus, physics, or engineering courses, MEB has expert tutors ready to assist. They provide one-on-one tutoring as well as homework and assignment help. MEB’s tutors are highly qualified – the company claims to hire only top tutors, ensuring high-quality service that helps students get top grades.

Unlike Outschool, which is geared toward younger learners and general topics, MEB is oriented towards high school, college, and beyond (especially STEM fields). They operate globally, serving students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, the Middle East, and more. For tough subjects that Outschool might not cover in depth, MEB offers a lifeline.

The platform has earned excellent reviews: a 4.7/5 average rating on Trustpilot. This suggests a high level of satisfaction, likely due to MEB’s effectiveness in delivering results for challenging courses.

Cons: My Engineering Buddy’s narrow focus is both a pro and a con. It’s fantastic for engineering and hardcore math/science, but if you’re looking for a Primary education or fun classes (like art, music, or hobbies), MEB isn’t the known for that. Outschool offers those creative and interest-based classes which MEB does not yet.

In terms of pricing, one-on-one expert tutoring can be expensive (though MEB’s rates are competitive for the field – often more affordable than hiring a private local engineering tutor). Still, compared to Outschool group classes, you may sometimes still end up paying more per hour with MEB because it’s personalized, intensive help. Another consideration is the format: MEB might be more akin to traditional tutoring sessions, whereas Outschool’s style is classroom-like and social.

Finally, MEB is more niche and not community-driven; it doesn’t have the huge community Outschool has. There’s no built-in network of other learners or group activities. If your need is specific tutoring for difficult subjects, MEB is excellent, but for younger kids or a diverse learning experience, Outschool has the edge.

Varsity Tutors

Pros: Varsity Tutors is a long-standing tutoring company that offers both online and in-person tutoring. They cover all grade levels and a wide array of subjects, including test prep and enrichment. One advantage of Varsity Tutors is their comprehensive service: they can provide a full learning plan and hand-picked tutors for your child. Like Outschool, they have small group classes and one-on-one sessions, but Varsity Tutors also offers in-person options (if available in your area) for families who want that.

Their online platform includes useful learning tools (e.g., digital whiteboards, session recordings). Varsity Tutors can be a good option for families who want a more traditional tutoring arrangement or need help with something like SAT/ACT prep, which Outschool doesn’t explicitly focus on. The service emphasizes personalized instruction and has a large roster of vetted tutors.

Cons: Varsity Tutors is generally more expensive than Outschool. Many parents report that Varsity Tutors packages require purchasing a set number of hours, and the hourly rates can be on the high side (often similar to private tutoring at $50+ per hour). In fact, Varsity Tutors is described as “on the more expensive side” compared to other online platforms. This upfront commitment to a package may not suit everyone’s budget or need for flexibility.

Another downside is that their platform can feel a bit complex for new users – scheduling and navigating the system may be less straightforward than Outschool’s simple class sign-up process. Additionally, some users mention that customer service can be slow at Varsity Tutors.

And unlike Outschool’s buffet of short, interest-driven classes, Varsity Tutors typically aims for ongoing tutoring relationships, which might not be necessary for a child who just wants a 1-week class in a fun topic. In short, Varsity Tutors offers robust tutoring services, but it comes at a premium price and with a less flexible structure than Outschool.

Preply

Pros: Preply is a global tutoring marketplace best known for language learning. If your student wants to learn Spanish, French, Japanese, or virtually any language, Preply has thousands of tutors available. The platform allows you to filter tutors by price, nationality, specialty, etc., giving a lot of choice. One big plus of Preply is the one-on-one interaction – lessons are private, so the teacher tailors everything to the learner. Scheduling is quite flexible and you can often find tutors in different time zones to fit your needs.

In comparison to Outschool, Preply might be better if you want consistent foreign language practice or a personal tutor for a specific academic subject. It also tends to be reasonably priced; many tutors on Preply set competitive hourly rates since it’s a global market. You might find language tutors for, say, $15–$25/hour, which for private lessons is not too bad. The platform interface is user-friendly for booking and messaging tutors, similar in ease to Outschool’s class enrollment.

Cons: Preply’s focus is predominantly on languages and some academic subjects – it doesn’t have the breadth of quirky, interest-based classes that Outschool offers. You won’t find a “Lego engineering club” or “Pokemon science class” on Preply. Also, because anyone can sign up as a tutor on Preply, the quality can vary significantly. There are excellent teachers and some less experienced ones, and it may take trying a couple to find the right fit (Outschool, by contrast, approves teachers and has class reviews visible to help ensure quality).

Preply classes are one-on-one, which means no group social element; some kids might miss interacting with peers as they do in Outschool group classes. Additionally, Preply’s customer service and tutor reliability can sometimes be spotty – there are reports of tutors canceling or communication issues, though Outschool is not immune to cancellations either. Overall, Preply is a strong alternative if you need language or one-on-one tutoring and want global options, but it doesn’t replace Outschool’s style of interactive group learning experiences.

How it Works?

A. For Students

Using Outschool as a student (or parent of a student) is simple and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works for learners:

1. Sign Up: A parent or guardian creates a free Outschool account (since learners are minors). The sign-up just requires basic info and takes a minute. There’s no subscription or obligation – your account lets you browse classes and enroll as you wish.
2. Browse Classes: Once logged in, you can explore the vast catalog of classes. Outschool’s website has categories (Art, Math, Science, Coding, Languages, Music, etc.) and a search bar to find specific topics. Each class listing shows the topic, age range, schedule, price, and a description from the teacher. You can also see how many students are enrolled and read reviews from other parents.
3. Enroll and Pay: When you find a class that you like, you select a schedule (many classes have multiple start dates or section times). Then you enroll your child by clicking “Enroll” and completing the payment (using credit card or other accepted methods). You’ll receive a confirmation email and the class will appear in your Outschool dashboard under “Upcoming.” If the class is scheduled in the future, you may get a reminder as well.
4. Attend the Live Class: Outschool classes are conducted via live video, typically using Zoom integrated into the platform. At class time, your child will join the virtual classroom through the Outschool website link (no separate Zoom ID needed; it launches automatically). They will see the teacher and other students on camera (for safety, only kids and the teacher can join the Zoom – no unauthorized users). Classes are interactive: students can speak, ask questions, and participate in activities as directed by the teacher. Most classes are small (often 3–8 learners) to ensure everyone gets to engage.
5. After Class: Depending on the class, there might be follow-up resources or a brief summary posted by the teacher. Students can leave a review or “thumbs up” for the class. If it was a multi-session course, this process repeats for each meeting. Parents are encouraged to provide feedback. If you loved the class, you can look for more classes by that teacher or in that subject. If the class didn’t meet expectations, you could communicate with the teacher or request a refund/credit per Outschool’s policy.

Outschool is designed to be easy for kids to use under a parent’s supervision. All communication and video happen through the Outschool platform, which keeps things secure and organized. There’s also an Outschool app for iOS devices which families can use to browse and attend classes on the go. Overall, for students, Outschool works much like a virtual classroom – sign up, log in at class time, and enjoy learning from home!

B. For Tutors

Outschool isn’t just great for students – it’s also a popular platform for educators to teach. Here’s how it works if you want to become a tutor on Outschool:

1. Application and Approval: Prospective tutors (called “Outschool educators”) must apply to teach on the platform. The application asks about your teaching experience, subject expertise, and requires a video introduction. Outschool’s team reviews applications to ensure educators have relevant background or passion for the subjects they want to teach and can run classes professionally online. All teachers also undergo a background check for safety. Once approved, you’re ready to start teaching.
2. Create Class Listings: As a new Outschool teacher, you can propose the classes you want to teach. You have full freedom to design classes on any topic (academic or extracurricular) as long as they meet Outschool’s standards (classes should be educational, secular, and appropriate for kids). You write a description, set the age range, decide the length and format (one-time workshop, multi-week course, ongoing club, etc.), and set your price. Initially, new teachers can submit one class for review at a time. Outschool’s team will review the listing and might give feedback or require edits. Once your first class is approved and listed in the marketplace, you can create additional classes without the one-at-a-time limit.
3. Scheduling and Enrollment: After your class is listed, you create class sections (scheduling the dates and times you will hold the class). For example, you might schedule a one-time class for next Friday at 4 PM, or a 4-week course every Monday at 10 AM. Parents will see these available time slots and enroll students. As learners sign up, you’ll get notified. Many new teachers start with a small section to gauge interest. You have control over the maximum class size (you might cap it at 6 students, for instance). You may need to promote your class or ensure the title/description is appealing to attract enrollments, especially when you’re just starting out.
4. Teaching the Class: Classes are delivered via live video (Zoom) on Outschool, just like for students. As the teacher, you host the meeting, lead the lesson, and moderate the discussion. Outschool provides tools and tips for managing online classes with kids. Since parents might be nearby, professionalism is key. Teachers on Outschool often use interactive techniques – slides, games, props, screen-sharing – to keep kids engaged. You can mute/unmute learners, use Zoom’s classroom features, and so on. After class, you can send follow-up messages or materials to your learners through Outschool’s platform.
5. Getting Paid: Tutors on Outschool set their own class prices, and thus determine their earnings. You earn 70% of the class fees collected, as Outschool retains a 30% service fee. Payments are processed automatically: Outschool pays teachers via PayPal, typically 7–10 days after a class (or on a weekly schedule for ongoing classes). For example, if you charge $15 per student for a one-time class and 4 students enroll, the total is $60 – you would receive $42 (which is 70%). There’s no additional payment handling you need to do; Outschool takes care of charging parents and sending your portion to your PayPal account on file.

To sign up as a tutor, you can visit the Outschool tutor application page and start the process. Successful Outschool teachers often highlight their unique expertise or fun class ideas to stand out. It’s essentially like running your own small teaching business on the platform – you make the classes, you set the schedule, you earn based on enrollments.

Outschool provides the marketplace and support (there’s a community of educators, training resources, and staff guidance to help you). Many tutors love the freedom: you can “teach on your terms” with total control over workload and pay. If you’re passionate about teaching kids and have creative ideas, Outschool offers a great opportunity to reach students around the world.

FAQs

Q: Can Outschool tutors set their own fees?

A: Yes. Outschool allows tutors full flexibility to set class prices as they see fit. You decide the cost for your class when creating the listing. Keep in mind Outschool takes a 30% commission from whatever price you set, and you receive the remaining 70%. But there’s no limit or fixed rate imposed by Outschool – some teachers charge $10 for a short class, others might charge $50+ for a multi-day workshop.

It’s truly up to the educator to find the price that balances affordability for families and fair pay for their time. Outschool even provides guidance (they often recommend roughly $18–$21 per hour per learner as a starting point), but it’s not a rule. So, tutors have significant fee flexibility to run classes as a business.

Q: What is the average tutor pay on Outschool?

A: Tutor earnings on Outschool can vary widely, but on average, many report making around $30–$50 USD per hour of teaching. According to Indeed.com data, the average Outschool teacher in the U.S. earns about $32.39 per hour. This figure is ~62% above the national average for teaching roles, indicating Outschool can be quite lucrative. However, this “hourly” rate is based on teaching time and assumes your classes fill with students.

Some star teachers earn much more – for example, one tutor highlighted by CNBC was able to net $10,000 per month working part-time on Outschool (an exceptional case where her popular writing classes were constantly full). New tutors starting out might see smaller classes and thus lower income until they build a reputation.

It’s also important to note that Outschool tutors are contractors, so there are no benefits, and you have to account for that 30% platform fee in your pricing. But overall, many educators find they can earn a good supplemental or even full-time income once they establish themselves on Outschool.

Q: How many hours do Outschool tutors work?

A: Outschool tutors work as much or as little as they want – it’s completely up to the individual. There’s no mandated schedule or minimum. Some tutors treat Outschool as a full-time job, teaching multiple classes every day. Others use it as a side gig, maybe running a couple of classes on weekends or evenings. For instance, one teacher might do 10 hours a week and be content, while another might log 30+ teaching hours weekly (with additional time spent preparing lessons). It also depends on demand for your classes: at the beginning you might have fewer bookings and hence fewer hours.

The flexibility is a big draw; you can increase or decrease your hours by opening more class sections or pausing for a break. Many educators mention they enjoy the work-life balance – Indeed reviews give Outschool high marks (4.1/5) for flexibility. Essentially, Outschool tutors set their own work hours by scheduling classes at times they want to teach, and they can ramp up or scale back as needed.

Q: How do Outschool teachers attract students?

A: Attracting students on Outschool often comes down to a mix of a great class idea, good marketing within the platform, and positive reviews. Firstly, offering unique or high-interest classes (think fun topics like Roblox math games or a captivating approach to essay writing) will catch parents’ eyes as they browse. A clear, enthusiastic class description and a friendly teacher profile picture also help you stand out.

Secondly, timing and consistency matter – many teachers experiment with class times to find when demand is highest (for example, late afternoon or weekend classes can be popular for extracurricular topics). Some successful tutors also promote their classes externally via social media or homeschooling groups to drive enrollments.

Once you do get some learners, providing an excellent experience is key. If kids have fun and learn a lot, parents are likely to leave good reviews and re-enroll in your future classes. Those reviews on your class listing act as social proof for other families.

Outschool’s search algorithm also tends to favor classes that have higher enrollments and ratings, so early momentum helps. Outschool provides resources in their Educator Library on how to improve your listings, pricing, and keywords so that your classes show up in searches. In summary: great content + good visibility + strong reviews = more students over time.

Q: What do tutors like and dislike about Outschool?

A: Tutors generally like Outschool for the freedom and fulfillment it offers. They love being able to teach what they’re passionate about, set their own schedule, and work from home. Many mention the joy in connecting with students from around the world and the sense of purpose in inspiring kids (Indeed reviews highlight the “clear sense of purpose” and energizing nature of the work).

They also appreciate Outschool’s supportive community – there are teacher forums and even virtual meetups where educators share tips. The earnings potential is another plus; some tutors have managed to significantly boost their income through Outschool, which is rewarding.

On the flip side, things tutors dislike often revolve around platform challenges. A common gripe is the 30% fee cut – some feel it’s a steep commission on their hard work (though it covers marketing, payment processing, etc.). Another dislike is the competition: new teachers can find it “difficult to get students” initially, which can be discouraging.

Additionally, if issues arise, a few tutors say that customer support can be slow or not as helpful as they’d hope. There’s also the fact that as contractors, Outschool teachers don’t have benefits or guaranteed hours – lack of job security was noted (3.0/5 in that area on Indeed).

In summary, tutors adore the flexibility and meaningful teaching opportunities Outschool provides, but they remain wary of the income variability, platform fees, and the need to continuously attract students in a competitive marketplace.

Outschool: Company Information

Outschool was founded in 2015 as a small startup and has since grown into a leading online learning platform. Its co-founders are Amir Nathoo (CEO), Mikhail Seregine, and Nick Grandy – coming from tech backgrounds like Airbnb and Amazon. Outschool’s mission is simple yet bold: to inspire kids to love learning. The company believes in linking learning to children’s personal interests, making education fun and engaging. This mission shines through in the variety of Outschool’s classes and the enthusiasm of its teachers.

Headquartered in San Francisco, USA, Outschool operates globally. Families from the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Asia, and beyond participate in classes. The platform supports multiple currencies and even has localized sites or pages in different languages (for example, Outschool’s website content is available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and more).

As of recent counts, Outschool offers over 26M+ class hours across all subjects, taught by more than 10,000 independent educators. These educators range from certified teachers to artists, scientists, and passionate hobbyists – all vetted by Outschool’s team.

The company itself employs staff who work on platform development, customer support, and content moderation. It’s backed by major investors and reached “unicorn” status with a $3 billion valuation in 2021, reflecting its rapid growth during the boom of online learning.

Outschool’s services span a wide range of subjects and formats. Kids can take core academic classes (like math, reading, science) aligned with school curricula, or explore niche topics (like marine biology, Minecraft building, yoga for kids, or even pet care). The platform offers one-time workshops, short courses (meeting a few times over a week or month), ongoing clubs that meet weekly, and private tutoring sessions.

Classes are typically conducted live via Zoom, but Outschool also has some asynchronous options called “Flex” classes (where content is delivered via posts and videos, not real-time). This variety of formats means Outschool can serve different needs – whether a student wants a single enrichment lesson or a semester-long study group.

One unique feature of Outschool is its community aspect. Classes are kept small to encourage interaction; kids often get to know regular classmates in ongoing clubs, forming friendships. There are also moderated group forums (Learner Community groups) where students can post projects and chat about shared interests under teacher supervision.

For safety, Outschool requires that all learners be children (no adults allowed in class sessions except the teacher) and has strict policies to ensure classes are safe and inclusive.

USP of Outschool

• Huge Variety of Classes: Outschool offers an unparalleled selection of topics. With thousands of classes from Algebra to Zoology, there is something to spark every child’s interest. Kids can dive into niche passions (like mythological creatures or coding mods in Minecraft) that traditional schools might never cover. This variety keeps learning intrinsically motivating.
• Live, Interactive Learning: All classes are live and led by real educators who interact with students face-to-face (via video). It’s not just watching videos – learners participate, ask questions, and engage with peers. This interactive format helps maintain kids’ attention and provides immediate feedback, making online learning more effective and fun than static e-courses.
• Small Group Social Experience: Outschool classes often have only 3–8 students. This small group setting means each child gets attention, and it also fosters a sense of community. Especially for homeschoolers or remote learners, Outschool provides a safe space to socialize with other kids who share their interests. Many parents value these social opportunities as much as the academics.
• Passionate, Vetted Educators: Outschool’s teachers are not random people on the internet – they undergo an application and vetting process. Educators must demonstrate expertise or a unique passion for their subjects and pass background checks. As a result, classes are taught by people who truly care about the topic, whether it’s a professional astronomer teaching space science or a skilled dancer teaching beginner ballet. This passion is contagious and inspires learners.
• Flexible and Convenient: Since classes are online, families can join from anywhere with an internet connection. There’s no driving to a learning center or being limited to local options. Scheduling is also flexible – with classes offered at various times, you can find sessions that fit your routine. Whether you want a one-off afternoon class or a daily camp during summer, you can likely find it on Outschool. Parents love that they can “pick and choose” classes as needed, making Outschool a very convenient supplemental education resource.
• Transparent Reviews and Quality Assurance: Outschool’s platform displays reviews and ratings for classes and teachers, so parents can see feedback from others before enrolling. Additionally, Outschool stands by the quality of classes with its Learning Experience Pledge (a satisfaction guarantee). If a class doesn’t meet expectations, Outschool may provide a credit to try another. This commitment to quality helps maintain a high standard and builds trust with families.
• Affordability and Value: Compared to private tutoring or specialty camps, Outschool classes are quite affordable. Many are under $20, which is accessible for a wide range of families. Considering the live instruction and unique content provided, parents often feel they get great value. Outschool’s model of per-class payments and optional subscriptions means you control how much you spend and when.

All these USPs contribute to Outschool’s distinct approach. It “stands out for its unique approach to online learning, huge variety of options, relational focus, diversity in educators, convenience, and price”. In essence, Outschool has carved out a niche where learning is interest-driven, interactive, and accessible.

Drawbacks of Outschool

• Inconsistent Quality Between Classes: Since any approved teacher can create classes on Outschool, the quality can vary. Not every class will be a hit – some might not meet a parent’s expectations in depth or teaching style. A few reviews note that “not all teachers on the site are stellar”, so you may encounter a less-than-great class occasionally. It requires parents to read descriptions and reviews carefully to pick the best options.
• Customer Service Complaints: A number of users have reported that Outschool’s customer support could be more responsive. For example, some parents felt Outschool didn’t provide “satisfactory answers” to their queries or was slow to address issues. A few Glassdoor reviews from teachers also say support for educators can be slow. While many families have no need to contact support, those who run into problems (technical issues, refund disputes, etc.) might experience frustration with the response time.
• Strict Refund and Policy Enforcement: Outschool has specific policies (like the 24-hour cancellation rule) that some users find inflexible. A small number of parents have complained about “sketchy” refund practices when they missed the cancellation window. Essentially, if you don’t cancel in time or if a child simply doesn’t enjoy a class, you might be out the fee (though the pledge program offers credits in some cases). This can make some families uneasy, especially if they have unpredictable schedules.
• Requires Parental Involvement (for Young Kids): For the youngest learners (ages 3–6), Outschool classes often require a parent or caregiver nearby to help with tech or keep the child on task. While Outschool classes are designed for kids, in practice a parent might need to be hands-on, especially the first few times. This isn’t exactly a flaw of Outschool, but it does mean it’s not a totally hands-off break for parents of preschoolers! By contrast, some alternatives like televised kids programs require less supervision.
• Limited Physical Activities: Although Outschool offers dance, exercise, and even some science experiment classes, the online format can’t fully replace in-person activities. For instance, a child can’t do a full sports practice or hands-on lab entirely via Zoom. Outschool classes try to be creative within a home setting, but there are limits to physical engagement through a screen.
• Platform Changes and Competition: Some long-time users (both teachers and parents) have felt that Outschool’s platform changes over time haven’t always been for the better. A few teachers mention increased competition as the platform grew, making it harder to get enrollments. Parents have noted that the platform interface updates or policy tweaks occasionally cause confusion. Essentially, as Outschool evolves, not everyone loves every change, and new entrants mean you have to sift through more classes to find gems.

While these drawbacks are worth considering, for many families they are outweighed by the benefits. Most issues can be mitigated by choosing classes carefully, communicating with teachers, and understanding Outschool’s policies upfront. Still, Outschool isn’t perfect, and it’s important to go in with realistic expectations – some trial and error may be needed to find the ideal classes and instructors for your child.

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy

Outschool and My Engineering Buddy (MEB) serve different audiences, but there is some overlap in the tutoring realm. Here’s how they compare and where each shines:

Focus and Subjects: Outschool is broad and kid-focused – it spans all subjects (academic and extracurricular) primarily for K-12 learners. My Engineering Buddy, as the name suggests, is much more specialized. MEB focuses heavily on STEM fields, particularly higher-level math, science, and engineering topics.

If a high school or college student needs help in Calculus, Thermodynamics, or coding an algorithm, MEB has experts for that. Outschool does have advanced classes (there are some AP prep classes or advanced math clubs), but it’s not primarily a college-level academic platform. So for complex engineering courses or detailed homework help, MEB is likely the better fit.

Class Format: Outschool predominantly offers group classes, although it is expanding into one-on-one tutoring. The group setting can be motivating and fun for younger learners. MEB, on the other hand, is one-on-one tutoring by default. It’s a personalized session with a tutor focusing on just one student’s needs.

The upside of one-on-one (MEB) is highly tailored instruction and the ability to get direct help on assignments or concepts. The upside of Outschool’s group classes is the interactive discussions and activities among peers. Also, Outschool’s classes might only meet for an hour or two total, whereas MEB tutoring can often be arranged for regular ongoing sessions until mastery is achieved.

Tutor Quality and Reviews: Both platforms pride themselves on quality tutors, but in different ways. Outschool requires a vetting process and has many qualified teachers (including certified teachers, professionals, etc.), but the backgrounds vary. My Engineering Buddy aspires to “hire only the top tutors” and maintain very high standards in technical subjects. MEB also claims its student reviews are excellent – averaging 4.8/5 with 97% of students recommending the service.

Outschool also enjoys high customer satisfaction on the whole, but its reviews pertain to individual classes rather than the platform as a whole. In short, if you choose either, you’re likely to get a capable instructor, but MEB ensures an expert specifically in the field of need, while Outschool offers a broader range of educator expertise (including passionate hobbyists for non-academic topics).

Pricing: Pricing between the two can differ case by case. Outschool’s class prices are public and generally modest per hour, but remember they’re often group rates (e.g., $15 per student for a class with 5 students means the teacher is effectively getting $75 total revenue for that hour, minus fees).

MEB’s one-on-one tutoring is some of the most affordable private tutoring, given the quality – it starts at around $20/hour and goes up depending on the subject and level. MEB doesn’t charge by group, since it’s individual. They do offer services like homework help where the cost might be based on the task.

If a family needs extensive tutoring (like dozens of hours of calculus help), MEB could end up costing more overall, but you’re getting dedicated time. Outschool could be cheaper if the student joins an affordable group class, but Outschool might not have the very specific help needed.

It’s a bit of an apples to oranges comparison – generally, Outschool is cost-effective for enrichment and group learning, whereas MEB is cost-effective for intensive, targeted tutoring (when compared to hiring a private tutor locally, for example).

Use Case – When to choose which: For a young student who wants to explore interests, socialize, or get help in general subjects, Outschool is fantastic. It offers breadth and a fun learning environment. For an older teen or college student struggling with an engineering problem set or needing one-on-one exam prep in a technical course, My Engineering Buddy is likely the better solution. MEB is also available for urgent homework help – something Outschool’s scheduled classes might not cater to.

Some students actually use both: Outschool for broad learning and MEB for tough spots in their advanced coursework. It’s worth noting that MEB has an excellent reputation for complex subjects – with many happy students reporting improved grades and understanding thanks to their help. Outschool has a wider reputation for sparking curiosity and a love of learning in younger students. Both have strong testimonials; it’s just about matching the service to the student’s needs.

Customer Support and Policies

Outschool Support: Outschool provides support to both parents and teachers primarily through their online help center and email contact. They also have a responsive Trust & Safety team monitoring classes for any issues. Many parents have had positive interactions with Outschool support – for instance, when needing help with refunds or technical issues, support has been described as friendly and focused on making sure you feel supported.

They also enforce safety policies strictly (such as ensuring only kids attend classes, no adults in the learner space), which gives peace of mind. However, as noted earlier, a subset of users feel support can be slow or scripted at times. Outschool does have a large user base now, so support inquiries may take a little time.

Generally, they aim to “put customers at the forefront,” and their policies like the Learning Experience Pledge show a commitment to customer satisfaction.

My Engineering Buddy Support: MEB being a smaller, niche service, often offers a very hands-on support experience. You can usually chat directly with a representative or tutor via their website or WhatsApp to get matched with help. Many students appreciate the quick, personalized responses (since MEB gets most clients via word of mouth, they want the word to be complementary).

They handle scheduling and inquiries in a more one-on-one manner. While Outschool has to manage tens of thousands of users, MEB’s scale is smaller, so in theory, support can be more attentive. According to employee reviews, 100% of MEB’s employees would recommend working there, which may reflect a positive, service-oriented culture that benefits students too.

In terms of policies, MEB likely has a straightforward refund or satisfaction policy – though specific details would come from their terms. The key difference is Outschool has more formalized policies (owing to its size), whereas MEB might handle things on a case-by-case personal basis given it’s more boutique.

Comparison: Outschool’s support and guarantees (like refunds, vouchers, etc.) are clearly documented and part of the platform’s value proposition. MEB’s support is more bespoke – they’ll likely do what it takes to help a student since their business relies on positive outcomes and referrals.

If we compare, say, a scenario of dissatisfaction: On Outschool, you’d fill out a form or email to request a refund/voucher under the pledge; on MEB, you might directly talk to the tutor or manager to resolve the issue (perhaps a free extra session if something went wrong). Both are intent on good customer service, but Outschool has to balance a huge marketplace with standardized rules, whereas MEB can be more flexible on a personal level.

When considering support, think also of community – Outschool offers a lot of resources (like FAQs, parent communities, etc.), and for teachers, Outschool provides many training resources. MEB, being specialized, doesn’t have a community aspect; it’s more transactional tutoring service.

In summary, Outschool and MEB both prioritize helping their customers, but Outschool operates at scale with formal policies and MEB offers more high-touch, individualized support by virtue of being smaller.

Global Reach and Localization

Outschool’s Global Reach: Outschool began in the U.S. but has expanded to serve families around the world. The platform supports multiple time zones and currencies, making it accessible internationally. In fact, Outschool reports learners and educators in over , including the UK, continental Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. They have tailored some content to international audiences – for example, Outschool UK information pages, and they sometimes list class times in local time zones for convenience.

Outschool’s website and support articles are also offered in various languages (such as Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese), indicating an effort to localize. However, the classes themselves are predominantly in English (unless it’s a language class). Outschool does not restrict who can join classes based on country, as long as you have internet and can pay, you can use it. This global nature means your child might be in a class with students from say, the US, Canada, and South Africa all together, which adds a neat cultural dimension.

For tutors, Outschool currently only allows teachers from certain countries (US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc., likely for background check and payment reasons). But learners can come from anywhere. This broad reach sets Outschool apart from many local tutoring services.

My Engineering Buddy’s Global Reach: My Engineering Buddy explicitly serves a global clientele as well. As mentioned on their site, they have students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries. MEB’s tutors operate remotely and can cater to international time zones.

In terms of localization, since MEB deals mostly with older students, the language of instruction is typically English (though tutors might know other languages, English is the default for technical subjects globally). They might adjust to different curricula – e.g., understanding if a student is under an American syllabus vs. European university standards.

MEB’s website and communications are in English; it’s a more specialized service so it may not have multilingual interfaces, but they focus on the common language of engineering and math which is fairly universal. The company is based in India, which positions them well time-zone-wise to cover both East and West.

Comparison: Both Outschool and MEB are global in reach, but Outschool perhaps has a wider breadth of localization in terms of user interface and community. Outschool is trying to position itself as a worldwide education marketplace for kids, including being vendor-approved for some international schooling programs.

MEB is global in the sense of clientele but doesn’t necessarily localize content – it doesn’t need to, given its narrower focus (calculus is calculus, whether you’re in Dubai or Dallas). One difference is Outschool’s heavy presence in North America and growing presence in Europe/Asia, versus MEB having a strong presence among English-speaking engineering students around the world.

From a user perspective, if you’re in a non-US country, both platforms will serve you; Outschool might have more classes scheduled in U.S. timezones (but increasingly many at all hours), whereas MEB can likely accommodate timing for individual sessions as needed. Culturally, Outschool classes might incorporate more American/Western education styles, while MEB’s approach might align with international university standards.

If localization (like language support or local education system alignment) is a concern, Outschool has the edge for younger learners (since they even partner with some homeschool charters in parts of the world), whereas for the technical subjects MEB covers, localization isn’t typically an issue.

Outschool’s future plans

Outschool has been evolving rapidly and has exciting plans for the future. One major area is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the learning and teaching experience. In 2023, Outschool launched an AI Teaching Assistant tool for educators. This tool (developed in partnership with OpenAI) helps tutors by automatically generating progress report paragraphs after each lesson. Teachers input bullet-point notes on how the class went, and the AI produces a nice summary for parents.

This saves teachers time on administrative work and keeps parents better informed. Going forward, Outschool is likely to expand such AI features – for example, they are introducing an “AI Class Recap” tool in 2025 to automatically summarize key points from classes for students and parents (so everyone can review what was learned). These AI initiatives aim to support educators and improve communication.

Another future direction is expanding one-on-one tutoring. Originally, Outschool built its name on group classes, but it has started venturing into offering private tutoring sessions. They essentially are entering the space of direct tutoring to compete with other tutoring companies. This means in the near future you can expect Outschool to more prominently feature options for 1:1 help alongside its group classes.

By doing so, Outschool can retain students who might otherwise “graduate” to personal tutors for advanced needs. It also opens the door for Outschool to serve a broader age range (including possibly adults in some cases) and more specialized requests. The TechCrunch report explicitly noted Outschool putting itself in competition with Varsity Tutors, Tutor.com, and Preply by this move. So, strategic initiative number two: Outschool is likely to heavily promote its private tutoring and perhaps develop a dedicated tutoring marketplace within the platform.

Beyond AI and tutoring, Outschool is also looking at strengthening partnerships and programs. They have an Outschool for Schools program where they partner with school districts and homeschool charters to offer Outschool classes as part of the curriculum. The future may see more of these institutional partnerships, integrating Outschool into formal education systems as a supplement.

Additionally, Outschool has a non-profit arm (Outschool.org) that provides classes to underserved communities and scholarships to those in need. Growth in philanthropic and outreach efforts is likely, aligning with their mission to “ensure access” to their global community of learners.

From a technological standpoint, Outschool’s roadmap probably includes enhancing their platform features: things like better mobile apps (currently only iOS, perhaps Android in the future), more robust classroom tools (maybe interactive educational games or AR/VR class experiences down the line), and improved personalization (using data to recommend classes to students based on their interests and learning history).

Given their strong funding, Outschool invests in product development – for instance, they might implement improved search and filtering powered by AI to help parents find the perfect class faster.

Lastly, Outschool’s future likely involves global expansion in terms of user base. They may create more localized content (perhaps hiring educators to teach in other languages or aligning with international curricula). The company’s vision is to revolutionize the way education is delivered globally, so we can anticipate them continuously adding new categories of learning, new methods (maybe more project-based or multi-week “micro-school” experiences online), and continuing to be at the forefront of online education trends.

In summary, Outschool is doubling down on innovation: AI to streamline experiences, one-on-one tutoring to broaden offerings, deeper integration into educational ecosystems, and global outreach to bring “learning connected to kids’ interests” to as many families as possible.

FAQs About Outschool

Q: Is Outschool safe for my child?

A: Yes, Outschool is designed with trust and child safety in mind. All Outschool classes are restricted to learners under 18; no unauthorized adults can attend sessions. At the start of each class, teachers perform a quick visual check-in to ensure everyone on camera is a kid (if a participant can’t be identified as a child, they won’t be admitted). Outschool also background-checks every educator and reviews their class content for appropriateness.

Communication outside of class is kept on the Outschool platform (no personal contact details are shared). Parents are encouraged to supervise from a distance – they can observe or listen in on the class, but not be on camera. The platform has a dedicated Trust & Safety team and clear policies against bullying, hate speech, or any abuse.

In short, Outschool creates a moderated, private online classroom where kids can learn safely. Thousands of parents use it daily with confidence. Of course, standard internet safety applies (e.g., make sure your child is taking class in a common area of the home and that you’ve reviewed class reviews), but Outschool provides a secure environment comparable to a well-run virtual school.

Q: What ages is Outschool for?

A: Outschool primarily serves children and teens from 3 years old up to 18 years old. The class listings will specify the age range they are intended for (for example, Ages 8–11, or Ages 14–18). The platform is very popular among homeschoolers and supplemental learners in elementary through high school.

That said, Outschool has recently begun offering some classes for adults as well. They’ve recognized that lifelong learning can extend beyond 18, and you might find a few listings labeled “Adult classes.” But the core audience is school-age kids. A 3-year-old might take a short circle time or storytime class (with a parent’s help), while a 17-year-old might take an advanced chemistry or pre-calculus review.

Outschool also groups classes by age to ensure content is age-appropriate. If you have a 4-year-old, you’ll find plenty of preschool classes. If you have a 13-year-old, you’ll find middle school and early high school level courses. There really are offerings for nearly every age in that 3–18 spectrum.

Q: Do Outschool teachers need to be certified?

A: No, Outschool teachers are not required to hold a specific teaching certification or license. Outschool accepts educators from diverse backgrounds – some are licensed teachers or have degrees in education, but others are professionals or enthusiasts in their field. For example, a scientist might teach a marine biology class, a native Spanish speaker might teach Spanish conversation, or a professional artist might teach drawing.

Outschool’s requirement is that teachers demonstrate expertise or passion in the subject and the ability to engage kids. During the application, teachers provide their background and experience, which Outschool reviews. They also must pass a criminal background check. Once teaching, educators are rated by parents and must maintain good standing.

So while you might not need a state teaching credential to teach on Outschool, you do need to prove you can provide a quality learning experience. From a parent’s perspective, many Outschool teachers are indeed certified or former classroom teachers, but many are not – they might be grad students, professionals, or talented hobbyists.

The key is to read the teacher’s bio and reviews. Often, passion and expertise can matter more than formal credentials for certain topics (a chess master teaching chess, for instance, or an engineer teaching coding). Outschool values both traditional and non-traditional educators as long as they inspire and educate effectively.

Q: How much do Outschool classes cost?

A: Outschool class prices vary, but most fall in the range of $10 to $30 USD per hour of class time. Many one-time classes (30–60 minutes) cost around $10–$15. Multi-week courses might be priced at, say, $50 for a 4-week series (this could break down to about $12 per class meeting). Some specialized or longer classes can cost more – for example, a 10-week comprehensive course might be $200+.

There are also short club meetings that can be as low as $5. The teacher sets the price based on length, content, and class size. Remember, you’re paying per child’s enrollment. There’s no subscription fee required (unless you opt for the membership credits, which is optional).

So you can spend as little or as much as fits your budget by choosing classes accordingly. On average, parents often find they pay roughly $10–$20 for a single session class. Compared to typical tutoring or local classes, Outschool tends to be quite affordable.

Plus, as mentioned earlier, new users can use a $20 referral credit which often covers an entire first class for free. Always check the class listing for the price and what’s included (how many meetings, duration, etc.). There are no hidden charges beyond the listed class fee.

Q: How are Outschool teachers paid and how much do they make?

A: Outschool teachers are paid through Outschool’s system, which uses PayPal to send payments to teachers. They get paid after the class sessions are delivered (typically a week or so after a class ends, or on a weekly rolling basis for ongoing classes). Teachers earn 70% of the class fees collected; Outschool retains a 30% portion as its service fee. For example, if a teacher charges $10 per student and 5 students enroll (total $50), the teacher’s earnings would be $35 for that class.

How much teachers make overall depends on how many classes they run and how well those classes fill up. Some teachers only run a few small classes as a side hobby, making a couple hundred dollars a month. Others treat Outschool like a full business – there are teachers who make several thousand dollars a month. In exceptional cases, top educators with highly popular classes have reported earnings of $8k–$10k in a month by running multiple sessions and having high enrollments.

On average, if a teacher keeps a steady schedule of classes and builds a good reputation, a few hundred to a couple thousand per month is a reasonable expectation. It’s very flexible; each teacher scales their teaching up or down. Payment is reliable as long as classes are completed – Outschool handles collecting from parents, so teachers never have to chase payments.

Q: Is Outschool worth it?

A: For many families, yes, Outschool is absolutely worth it. It offers learning experiences that are hard to find elsewhere – where else can your child take a Hogwarts-themed writing class, meet kids from other states or countries, and learn from an enthusiastic teacher, all from home? Parents often find that Outschool ignites their child’s excitement about learning because classes tie into the child’s interests.

Homeschoolers love Outschool as it provides expertise in topics the parent may not be able to teach (e.g., a foreign language or higher-level science) and adds variety to the week. Even traditionally schooled kids benefit by exploring hobbies and subjects outside their school curriculum on Outschool. In terms of academic help, Outschool can reinforce school lessons in a fun way (like a math games club to practice arithmetic).

The platform is also convenient – no driving to a tutoring center, and scheduling is flexible. When you consider the cost, Outschool’s value is strong: group classes are far cheaper than private lessons, yet they still provide live teacher interaction. Plus, if a class disappoints, Outschool’s refund policies and Learning Pledge have you covered to try something else. Of course, “worth it” depends on your child.

Very young children might not sit through an online class, and some specific needs might require one-on-one tutoring instead. But overall, the vast selection, positive community, and quality instruction on Outschool make it worth it for the majority of users who are looking for supplemental learning or enrichment. Many parents report their children asking, “Can I do another Outschool class?” because they enjoy them so much – that’s a big win in making learning enjoyable.

Conclusion

Outschool has emerged as a powerful platform that transforms how kids learn outside of school. Its strengths are clear: an incredible variety of classes, passionate teachers, interactive small-group learning, and a flexible, affordable model. Children can explore subjects they love and discover new interests in a safe online environment.

Parents appreciate the convenience and the ability to hand-pick classes that supplement their child’s education. Outschool’s emphasis on student interests and fun helps tackle the age-old problem of keeping kids engaged – many fall in love with learning through these unique classes.

However, Outschool isn’t without its weaknesses. The quality can vary from class to class, and sometimes the onus is on parents to find the right fit and manage schedules. Customer support hiccups and strict refund rules have caused frustration for a minority of users. Additionally, Outschool’s group format might not suit every learning need – for truly individualized attention or highly advanced topics, it might fall short.

This is where alternatives like My Engineering Buddy (MEB) come in. For students who need intensive one-on-one help in complex subjects, MEB is a fantastic option. With top-notch tutors and glowing testimonials, MEB can provide personalized assistance in ways Outschool’s general classes might not. Especially for advanced math, engineering, or university-level queries, having an expert tutor to guide you can be invaluable.

MEB’s focus on tough subjects and its track record of student success make it a strong complement to Outschool. One could say Outschool lights the spark of curiosity, while My Engineering Buddy helps fuel that fire through the really challenging academic journeys.

In conclusion, Outschool is a legitimate and innovative platform that offers something truly special for young learners – it’s engaging, diverse, and has a global community feel. Its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses for most families looking to enrich their child’s learning.

And for those times when you need more advanced or specialized help, services like My Engineering Buddy stand ready to assist, ensuring that learners of all levels have the support they need. With tools like Outschool and MEB at their disposal, students can get the best of both worlds: a love of learning and mastery of even the most challenging subjects.