Important Reminders
- Now Enrolling for Fall 2025
- Fall Term Starts September 3
- View Our 2025-2026 Academic Calendar
- Join An Open House
- Explore our blog
- Donate to our Scholarship fund
THE PEARL
A Remote Democratic High School
Mission: Providing international high school students an online democratic education that balances personal and social interests to become informed, competent, and involved citizens in a safe anti-racist environment.
Vision: Revolutionize education by preparing young people to create a more just, sustainable, and equitable world. We are committed to making democratic education accessible to students who have been marginalized in traditional schools.
What is The Pearl?
A Microschool Designed To Help Teenagers Thrive
The Pearl is a homeschool partnership that offers online, synchronous classes taught by expert instructors. We have small class sizes, allowing for individualized time with the instructor, so students have the opportunity to develop their learning around topics that they’re passionate about.
What Our Program Offers
- Support in completing a homeschool diploma
- An inclusive and supportive environment
- Sliding-scale tuition and tuition support*
- Curriculum planning together with students, families, and instructors
- A philosophy that encourages community building, critical thinking, and personal growth
What Each Class Offers
- Synchronous online learning
- Collaborative, multi-age cohorts
- 10:1 class sizes
- Real-time interaction with expert educators
- Individualized instruction
- Project-based learning
- Written feedback on student growth
Our Goal is Accessibility
We offer flexible Class costs that range from $850 to $1,125 USD. We want to ensure that The Pearl is accessible to the students who need us. Therefore, we offer sliding scale prices upon request. Additionally, we are eligible for state tuition support programs in Arizona, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Utah.

Why The Pearl?
Discover The Pearl – A 501(c)(3) non-profit that fosters inclusive education and customized learning Plans
Even before the COVID-19 crisis, many teens were left behind in the traditional educational system due to factors like socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender identity, and learning styles. This often leads to marginalization and a negative impact on their long-term quality of life. The Pearl, however, offers an innovative approach to education that fosters community and embraces inclusion.
An Approach to Education that Values Student Input
At The Pearl, students share control of their learning environment, including rules, curriculum, and learning methods. This approach gives them a stake in their classes, resulting in higher engagement in their classrooms and communities. Additionally, our focus on equitable opportunities for participation promotes a culture of validation, where every voice is heard and respected. This creates a dynamic learning environment that builds a sense of community and brings out students’ cooperative nature.
Customized Learning Plans to Fit Your Family’s Needs
Our school offers a 21st century approach to learning that emphasizes freedom and choice. As a home-school partnership, we work with families to create a customized educational plan that fits their needs. Students have the flexibility to explore single courses or participate in all the courses we offer.
Building Critical Thinking Skills and Autonomy
Our approach to learning results in students becoming excited about education and developing critical thinking skills. The freedom to make choices and take control of their education promotes a sense of autonomy, self-management, and independence. With small classes of only 10 students, our teachers are active partners with students, empowering them to follow their interests and discover their potential.
Experience the Difference at The Pearl School
The Pearl School offers an evidence-based and inclusive approach to education that fosters a love for learning and critical thinking. With a focus on student autonomy, small class sizes, and partnership with families, our students are equipped to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We currently have students in Canada, the United States, México, El Salvador, and Jamaica.
The ultimate “test of a democratic education is the difference it makes in the lives of students and the community to which they belong”
(Pearl & Knight, 1999).
Important Announcements



Student Projects
We're so proud of the brilliant and creative work of our students! Every term, students put together special projects to show what they've learned. Check out more of their work on our student showcase page.
General Information
The Power of Student Choice – Foundations of Democratic Learning
During this course, students will work on creating their individualized educational plan and learn about what it means to study at a democratic high school.…
Thank you to the Campbell foundation
We are honored to have received a $10,000 donation from The Campbell Foundation in honor of our board member Rachel Pearl. This generous donation will…
Meet The Pearl Youth Logo Contest Winner!
As a democratic school we include youth in decision making and all important aspects of the school. Therefore, we feel it is important that our…
Teaching to the Test Harms Students
Standardized tests are only useful for measuring standardized minds. However, humans are not standardized, nor do we want them to be. If you think about it,…
The Talents of All Students Must Be Nurtured in Schools
The COVID-19 pandemic and schools being closed have made many parents acknowledge that the mainstream educational system wasn’t serving their kids appropriately. I keep hearing from…
Youth Want a Democratic Education
“We need to rebuild our schools from the ground up with the democratic classroom in mind. This would increase the positive outcomes of education for…