North Dakota Families Embrace Hybrid Homeschooling as Alternative Schooling Grows

The Innovation School in Bismarck expands its part-time program to meet rising demand from homeschooling parents.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:20pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft focus, depicting a child's hands playing with educational toys and books in a warm, domestic setting, conveying the personalized, intimate nature of hybrid homeschooling.Hybrid homeschooling programs allow families to balance the flexibility of at-home learning with the community and resources of a traditional school.Bismarck Today

As homeschooling numbers remain well above pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the U.S., some families are turning to hybrid schooling options that blend the personalization of homeschooling with the structure and community of conventional schooling. In Bismarck, North Dakota, The Innovation School has introduced a new hybrid homeschooling program to accommodate the growing interest in alternative education models.

Why it matters

The pandemic prompted a spike in homeschooling, and while most students have returned to traditional classrooms, the popularity of homeschooling and other schooling alternatives has persisted. Hybrid models that offer families more flexibility, curriculum freedom, and individualization are gaining traction as parents seek educational options beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of conventional schools.

The details

Ashtyn Kasch, a physician assistant in North Dakota, began homeschooling her daughter Quinn last August after feeling the public school's large classroom and long school day were wearing on her daughter. Kasch reached out to The Innovation School, a private K-8 school in Bismarck, about a hybrid homeschooling option that would allow Quinn to attend the school part-time while Kasch continued working. This academic year, The Innovation School launched its new hybrid program, offering homeschoolers the ability to enroll part-time at an annual tuition of $4,500, or half the cost of full-time enrollment. Quinn now attends The Innovation School two days a week and is able to participate in school field trips and enrichment activities.

  • Kasch began homeschooling her daughter Quinn in August 2025.
  • The Innovation School launched its new hybrid homeschooling program this academic year (2026-2027).

The players

Ashtyn Kasch

A physician assistant in North Dakota who began homeschooling her daughter Quinn last August.

The Innovation School

A private K-8 school in Bismarck, North Dakota that has introduced a new hybrid homeschooling program to accommodate growing interest in alternative education models.

Kelsy Achtenberg

The director of The Innovation School, who sees growing demand from parents for different types of educational models and methods.

Quinn

Kasch's daughter who now attends The Innovation School two days a week as part of the school's new hybrid homeschooling program.

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What they’re saying

“Interest in innovative education is growing because families are recognizing that learning isn't one-size-fits-all. They're seeking environments where learning isn't standardized, their children are truly known, curiosity is valued and where learning feels meaningful and connected to real life.”

— Kelsy Achtenberg, Director of The Innovation School

“I love the idea of her being able to homeschool, but also interact with her peers and classmates of different ages a few times a week.”

— Ashtyn Kasch, Parent

What’s next

The Innovation School plans to expand its hybrid homeschooling program going forward to accommodate the growing number of homeschooling families in the Bismarck area.

The takeaway

Hybrid schooling models that blend the personalization of homeschooling with the structure and community of conventional schools are gaining popularity as families seek more flexible and individualized educational options beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional public and private schools.