Beyond Summer Camps: Local Learning Hubs Embrace Hybrid Schooling

Forbes

5 days ago

Blending online school and homeschooling with in-person community learning hubs
Last year, my 11-year-old son Sam participated in a summer day camp focused on robotics and hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) projects. It was hosted by The Robo Hub, a new education enrichment organization that opened its doors a few months prior in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I live.Founded by Xin Liu, a robotics engineer and mom of four, The Robo Hub's engaging camps and afterschool programs filled quickly, as parents and learners alike appreciated the relevant curriculum and bright and spacious learning space located across the street from a large city park. After Sam's camp ended, I completed a parent survey reporting how much he enjoyed the experience. 'You should consider starting a microschool,' I wrote, urging the organization to add a flexible daytime program throughout the academic year for students and families looking for an alternative to conventional schooling.Now, The Robo Hub has done just that.In an announcement earlier this week, Liu revealed a new hybrid learning partnership with Sora Schools, an accredited online private school focused on project-based learning. Middle and high school students seeking a different, more personalized education option can enroll in Sora Schools' online program, which includes a comprehensive curriculum and daily, live lessons, while gathering together in person at The Robo Hub two days a week to work on projects and build community with peers. 'Together, we can offer a truly unique learning experience that combines the best of hands-on, in-person exploration with flexible, student-driven academics,' The Robo Hub COO Leonid Tunik told me. In Massachusetts, students in this new program would be legally considered homeschoolers.The opportunity to integrate online, flexible education with in-person community is contributing to the rising popularity of creative schooling options, including microschools for homeschoolers. Here in Massachusetts, KaiPod Learning pioneered a similar model back in 2021 with the launch of a learning pod in Greater Boston that enabled families to select their preferred curriculum provider while fostering community through in-person enrichment activities, social connection and on-site academic support. KaiPod continues to expand, particularly in states such as Arizona, where universal school-choice programs enable families to attend a pod tuition-free or nearly so.The Bay State is one of 15 U.S. states that does not have any private school-choice policies, which can limit access to these innovative learning models. Yet, even in the absence of these policies that enable a portion of education funding to follow students to their preferred educational environment, emerging programs like The Robo Hub/Sora Schools partnership tend to be less expensive than more established private education options. For example, annual tuition for the Sora Schools/The Robo Hub program is $18,900, which includes the full-time online school and two days a week at The Robo Hub.While still financially out of reach for many families, The Robo Hub/Sora Schools program is significantly more affordable than other secular private education options in the area, including the roughly $42,000 a year a family would pay to attend the popular Cambridge Montessori School's middle school program, which shares the block with The Robo Hub.Today's creative schooling options are not only lower in cost—and often no cost at all when operating in choice-friendly states—they are also providing the educational personalization and flexibility that many families increasingly desire. Tunik says that he has already received inquiries from parents excited about the new Sora Schools partnership, with the hybrid structure a central appeal.Garrett Smiley, cofounder and CEO of Sora Schools, sees this appeal among families across the U.S. 'Education is shifting to local hubs plugged into global classrooms,' he said, explaining that blending online schooling and homeschooling with community-based partnerships is the educational mix many families are seeking. 'Families really can have it all,' he added.Local educational organizations, such as those running summer camps and afterschool programs, should consider following The Robo Hub's lead and expand their offerings to include in-person microschool and hybrid learning options during the school day. Partnering with curriculum providers and online schools like Sora Schools can make this effort easier and more appealing to students and families.On Monday, I picked up Sam from a day at The Robo Hub's summer camp, where he has been making a robot and coding an original video game. I told him that The Robo Hub had just announced that they are creating a new hybrid learning option for homeschoolers, starting this fall. 'That is so cool!' he said. 'I'd love that.'