Is Outschool Legit or a Scam?
Outschool is a legitimate, well-established online learning platform since 2015 where independent educators can earn money teaching live classes to children worldwide. The platform has grown significantly, especially during the pandemic, and has been featured in major outlets like Forbes and EdTech publications.
Trustpilot reviews show generally positive feedback. Parents praise the variety of classes and engaging teachers, while some express frustration with website navigation or customer service. Teachers appreciate the freedom to design their own curriculum but note the platform fee as a drawback.
How It Works for Students
On Outschool, the experience is designed to feel both flexible and engaging. Parents and learners can scroll through a huge catalog of live, small-group classes that cover everything from core academics like math and science to creative pursuits, gaming, and social skills.
Once they find a class that sparks interest, they can choose whether to commit to a quick workshop or dive into a longer, semester-style course. The sessions themselves happen over Zoom-style video calls, which means kids aren’t just passively watching, they’re interacting with peers and teachers in real time.
Payments are handled securely through Outschool, and scheduling is streamlined so families can focus on the learning rather than the logistics.
What Subjects Does Outschool Cover?
Outschool is known for its breadth of subjects: – Core academics: Math, English, science, history.
– Creative arts: Drawing, music, theater, creative writing.
– Life skills: Public speaking, financial literacy, cooking.
– Niche interests: Coding, Roblox, Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, foreign languages.
This variety allows teachers to specialize in unique areas, making Outschool appealing to students who want more than traditional school subjects.
Outschool Requirements for Teachers
Unlike traditional schools, Outschool does not require formal teaching credentials. Instead, teachers must:
– Be 18+ years old and reside in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, or Mexico.
– Pass a criminal background check before teaching.
– Have reliable internet, a webcam, and the ability to conduct live classes.
– Demonstrate subject expertise and the ability to engage children.
The platform values passion and creativity over formal certification, making it accessible to professionals, hobbyists, and educators alike.
How to Apply to Become a Teacher
Your journey on Outschool begins with an online application through the “Teach” page, where you’ll share your background, subject interests, and any relevant experience. To give the team a sense of your teaching style, you’ll also record a short demo video that shows how you engage learners.
A background check is required for all applicants, and once that’s cleared, your application is manually reviewed. If you’re approved, you can immediately begin listing your classes, setting your own prices, and building your schedule.
Teachers’ Duties on Outschool
On Outschool, teachers work as independent contractors, which means they have full control over what and how they teach. You’re responsible for designing your own curriculum, whether that’s math, creative writing, coding, or even niche interests like Pokémon or baking, and delivering it through live, interactive Zoom sessions.
Beyond teaching, you’ll also manage the logistics of scheduling, pricing, and parent communication, all handled through the platform’s tools.
Success often depends on how well you promote your classes, build a reputation, and earn positive reviews. And because Outschool prioritizes child safety, teachers are expected to follow strict policies, including visual check-ins to confirm learners are children.
How Much Money Can You Make as a Teacher?
Earnings on Outschool vary widely, but the potential is strong if you find the right niche. The platform reports that teachers average around $50 per hour, while some Reddit users mention earning closer to $90 per hour in high-demand subjects. Since you set your own prices per student, your income depends on enrollment numbers and class popularity.
Outschool takes a 30% commission from each booking, with payments processed securely through PayPal.
It’s worth noting that income isn’t guaranteed, new teachers often face slower enrollment until they build credibility and reviews, but with persistence, many find it becomes a reliable side hustle.
Do I Have to Show My Face or Speak?
Yes, teachers are expected to appear on camera and speak directly to students. Outschool requires video-enabled check-ins to verify identities and foster trust, so hiding your face completely isn’t an option.
That said, you can get creative with how much “face time” you have. Many teachers use document cameras, screen sharing, or slides to shift the focus away from themselves while still keeping the class interactive. The key is maintaining a personal connection, students and parents value seeing and hearing the teacher, even if the spotlight isn’t always on you.
Pros & Cons
✔ Flexibility lets you set your own schedule, curriculum, and pricing.
✔ Creative freedom allows you to teach niche subjects like gaming, art, or life skills.
✔ Engaged learners choose classes based on interest, which leads to motivated participation.
✔ No formal credentials are required, so passion and expertise matter more than degrees.
✗ Competition is high, so marketing and differentiation are essential.
✗ Income can be inconsistent, depending on demand and reviews.
✗ Teachers must comply with strict child safety and content guidelines.
