The Hybrid School Market

One of the biggest benefits of hybrid schooling is that it meets many different people’s needs. It is still, however, a bit of a niche  market. 

What kinds of families are attracted to a hybrid school?

• Families who do not want to use their local public schools for any number of reasons (or have tried and it has not worked well for them), and cannot afford private schools and cannot (or do not want to!) home-school. One parent often works part-time or has flexible work, while the other works full-time. 

• Families who want a particular philosophy of education. These families may be looking at full-time schools and not finding a clear and articulate philosophy of learning of any kind (classical, Waldorf, Charlotte Mason, play-based, outdoor, whatever!), much less the one they are looking for.

  •  Some of these families will end up homeschooling and some will end up just choosing a school. A hybrid school with a clear philosophy and mission can draw from both of these groups.

•  Families who home-school (or want to) but who find doing it full-time to be too difficult or intimidating with toddlers or jobs or for other very valid reasons.

• Families who home-school (or want to), but  who want their children in a very regular community outside of home. Many want their kids to experience classrooms and teachers, recess and lunch, friends and independence, but still want the flexibility and customization of home-schooling.

Who is not usually attracted to hybrid school?

• Parents who both work full-time conventional hours. It isn’t impossible, of course, but these parents usually need the full-time care and instruction of schools.

• Home-schoolers on tight budgets. Co-ops are much cheaper than hybrid schools and usually meet the needs of this market.

• Homeschoolers who are very dedicated to only homeschooling philosophically or just really enjoy it and it works very well for them.

Assessing the market

Population Density and Economy

When assessing the market in your community, make note of a few demographics such as how populated your area is, what the economy is like, and what the culture is like.

A fairly populated area with a good economy is likely to have a bit of everybody in close proximity. Even if there are good public schools and a variety of other schools, a hybrid school can often tap into the in-between and there are enough people to support all the offerings. A program that meets 2 full days a week, or  even 3 or 4 half-days  can work well in such a place. People may not be commuting as far and may have the income for a moderate tuition.

 An area where people are very spread out or the average income is low is less likely to find a robust market for a moderate tuition number and several days a week. A place like this may want to start with a 1 day or 1-2 day program. If people are driving further or have less disposable income, they are more willing to do 1 or 2 (second optional?) days with tuition falling on the lower end.

Other schools

Another useful study would be to make sure you know what other options are available in the school market. Are there a lot of charter schools or private schools?  Do they offer alternative methods of education? Are they successful and have waiting lists?  (This can be good for you, because it means people want alternatives!). Or do they struggle to get students? Can you find out why? (They could be very expensive, poorly run, or not faithful to their mission, among other things.) Finding this out can help you know if there are people at these places who would happily come to a hybrid school.

Home-schoolers

Are there a lot of home-schoolers and co-operatives? What do those co-ops look like? A hybrid school is different than a co-op, so do not be intimidated by successful co-ops! Some of those people may be there because it is as close as they can get to the hybrid school you are envisioning and it doesn't exist yet.

Gather Information

You can ask your friends, hold an interest meeting, and send out a survey on social media to help you assess what people want. Make note of strong trends. 

But don’t take results TOO seriously!

Sometimes your market doesn’t know they want you until you are there! So do not get overwhelmed or discouraged by answers that are all over the place. If you have a clear vision, chances are good that people will come as long as you are within reasonable parameters of time and money.

In fact, the more clear and concrete you are with your plan and vision, the more people will trust you know what you are doing and will give them a quality program. Plan well and keep your standards high!