Outschool's CASE STUDY

In the ever-evolving landscape of online education, Outschool has emerged as a beacon of innovation and excellence. Founded in 2015, Outschool’s mission is to empower parents and kids to develop their interests and explore their passions through fun, social, and safe learning experiences. As we delve deeper into Outschool's journey, we’ll explore what makes this company not just another online education platform, but a unique and powerful player in the field of digital learning.

The Genesis of Outschool

Outschool began with a simple idea—a desire to break free from the traditional confines of the educational experience. The founders recognized that children have varied interests that often lie outside the conventional curriculum offered in schools. They harnessed this insight to create Outschool, a platform that serves as a marketplace where independent teachers can offer a broad array of classes, from conventional subjects like math and science to niche interests like coding, anime drawing, and even cryptozoology.
Not only does this platform cater to the academic needs of children, but it also fulfills their emotional and social requisites by providing fun and interactive classes that can be taken from the comfort of home.

Statistics that Tell the Story

By 2021, Outschool had over 50,000 families and more than 1,000 dynamic teachers leveraging the platform, an impressive leap since its inception. Furthermore, the market for digital education is booming. According to a report by HolonIQ, the global online education market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2025 (HolonIQ, 2020). Outschool's growth trajectory aligns well with this trend, showcasing its potential and positioning it for further success.

The Unique Selling Proposition

The primary feature that sets Outschool apart is its marketplace model. Unlike traditional online education platforms that rely on pre-recorded content, Outschool offers live, small-group classes which allow for real-time interaction and personalized attention. This model encourages learner engagement and facilitates a sense of community among students.
Additionally, the diversity of classes available on Outschool is unparalleled. One could find something as mainstream as algebra tutoring next to something as unique as a class on how to build your own video game. This long-tail approach to education serves to meet the needs of every learner, regardless of their interests or academic level.
Moreover, teachers on Outschool are independent and have the autonomy to set their prices and design their curriculums. Outschool charges a 30% service fee for facilitating these transactions and providing a robust platform, but the remaining 70% goes directly to the educators. This not only incentivizes high-quality teaching but also ensures a steady revenue stream for Outschool.

Meeting Customer Needs

Outschool excels in meeting a variety of customer needs—social, emotional, and functional. Here’s a closer look at how they achieve this:
Social Impact: Outschool fosters a sense of community among learners. Classes are designed to be interactive, encouraging students to collaborate and make social connections, even in a virtual environment.
Life Changing: The diverse range of courses allows kids to explore their passions and develop self-actualization, motivation, and a sense of belonging.
Emotional Aspects: The platform provides entertaining and engaging classes that make learning a fun and delightful experience. This is vital for keeping young learners engaged.
Functional Needs: Outschool connects parents and learners with teachers who can offer specialized knowledge on a variety of topics. The platform also provides a convenient and extensive selection of classes, accommodating different timetables and learning preferences.

Business Patterns and Models

Outschool's business model is a rich tapestry of several successful patterns seen in modern enterprises:
Revenue Sharing: By taking a 30% service fee from the enrollment fees while allowing teachers to keep 70%, Outschool ensures a mutually beneficial financial arrangement.
Two-sided Market and Online Marketplace: By connecting teachers and students in an interactive marketplace, Outschool leverages the power of digital platforms to offer a wide array of educational experiences.
Crowdsourcing and Peer-to-Peer (P2P): Any qualified individual can become a teacher, offering classes based on their strengths and interests. This democratizes education and fosters a diverse range of learning opportunities.
Experience Selling: The platform doesn’t just sell classes; it sells engaging, interactive learning experiences.

Real-world Expertise and Success

Outschool’s success can be attributed to its overall community-driven approach and its relentless focus on quality. For instance, Northwestern University and Sidwell Friends School, notable institutions, have collaborated with Outschool to offer specialized courses, elevating the platform's credibility and quality.
Verifying the quality of teachers and content has also been a key activity for the company. Teachers undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure they're qualified and capable of delivering high-quality instruction. These initiatives contribute to Outschool’s positive user reviews and high customer retention rates.
As experts in business strategy and company case studies, we find Outschool’s journey not only inspiring but also illustrative of how digital transformation and innovative business models can redefine sectors—in this case, education. Outschool’s unique marketplace, diverse course offerings, and interactive format make it a standout in the crowded field of online education. Their forward-thinking approach and successful execution provide valuable lessons for any company looking to innovate and thrive in the digital age.
In summary, Outschool has redefined what online education can be, transforming it into a rich, interactive, and deeply engaging experience. The combination of a robust business model, an expansive range of classes, and a community-focused approach sets it apart as a leader in the online education space. As Outschool continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a critical player to watch in the realm of digital learning.