Microschool Break-Even Calculator
Calculate exactly how many students you need to cover costs and reach your income goals. Adjust inputs to see real-time results.
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- Break-Even Calculator
Your Location
Quick Presets
Typical: 170-180 days
Your Results
Revenue vs Costs by Student Count
This chart compares annual revenue (blue line) against total costs (red dashed line) across different student counts. The break-even point is where the lines intersect.
Cost Breakdown
This chart shows the distribution of annual costs across different categories including fixed costs, variable costs, and salary/benefits.
What-If Scenarios
| Scenario | Students | Net Income |
|---|---|---|
| Current Your current inputs | 10 | +$3,100 |
| Break-Even Covers all costs including your salary | 10 | +$3,100 |
| Thriving Buffer for growth | 12 | +$20,900 |
How to Use This Calculator
This free microschool break-even calculator helps you understand the financial viability of starting or growing a microschool. Simply enter your expected costs and income goals to see exactly how many students you'll need to break even.
Step 1: Set Your Location
Select your state and metro area to get cost estimates adjusted for your local market. States with Education Savings Account (ESA) programs are marked, as these can significantly impact your tuition strategy.
Step 2: Enter Revenue Details
Set your planned annual tuition and expected number of students. The calculator shows local market averages to help you price competitively.
Step 3: Input Your Costs
Enter your fixed monthly costs (rent, insurance, utilities), variable per-student costs (curriculum, supplies), and your salary goals. Use the presets for quick starting points based on your facility type.
Step 4: Review Your Results
See your break-even point, projected profit margins, and what-if scenarios. Download a PDF report to share with partners or use in your business plan.
Understanding Microschool Costs
Microschool operating costs vary widely based on your model. Home-based microschools have minimal overhead, while rented commercial spaces require more substantial investment. Here's what to consider:
Fixed Costs
- Rent/Lease: $0 for home-based, $500-3,000+ for commercial space
- Insurance: General liability typically $150-300/month
- Utilities: Internet, electricity, water - varies by location
- Software: LMS, communication tools, accounting software
Variable Costs (Per Student)
- Curriculum: $200-1,000+ depending on approach
- Supplies: Art, science, general classroom materials
- Field Trips: Transportation and admission fees
- Technology: Device maintenance and software licenses
Your Compensation
Don't forget to pay yourself! Factor in your target salary plus approximately 25% for self-employment taxes, health insurance, and retirement savings. If you plan to hire an assistant or aide, include their compensation as well.
Microschool Tuition Benchmarks
Microschool tuition varies significantly by region and model:
- Home-based microschools: $5,000-10,000/year
- Community/church-based: $7,000-12,000/year
- Commercial space: $10,000-20,000/year
- Premium programs: $15,000-30,000+/year
In ESA states like Arizona, Florida, and Indiana, families may receive $5,000-7,000+ in education savings account funds that can be used toward microschool tuition, making your school more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The break-even point is the minimum number of students you need enrolled to cover all your operating costs and salary goals. At this point, your revenue equals your expenses - you're not losing money, but not profiting either. Enrolling more students than your break-even point generates profit.
This calculator provides estimates based on industry averages and your inputs. Actual costs may vary based on your specific location, vendors, and business decisions. Use the results as a starting point for your financial planning, and consult with local experts for precise figures.
Include any regular monthly expenses not covered elsewhere: professional memberships, accounting services, marketing subscriptions, facility maintenance, professional development, legal retainers, or reserve fund contributions.
Consider your break-even point, local market rates, your unique value proposition, and family ability to pay. Many microschools price 10-30% below traditional private schools while offering more personalized education. ESA funds can make your school more accessible.
After paying yourself a fair salary, a 10-20% profit margin is healthy for a microschool. This provides a buffer for unexpected expenses, allows for reinvestment in curriculum and equipment, and builds financial sustainability.
This calculator separates startup costs from ongoing operations. While shown for reference, startup costs are typically one-time investments. Focus on your ongoing break-even point for day-to-day planning, but factor startup costs into your initial funding needs.
