Schoolhouse operates a free, live peer-to-peer tutoring platform founded in 2020 by Sal Khan. The platform connects student volunteers with learners across more than 180 countries, having facilitated over 460,000 tutoring sessions and reached more than 174,000 students. Rather than employing professional tutors, Schoolhouse relies on student volunteers to deliver live tutoring, homework help, SAT preparation, and one-on-one conversations on meaningful topics.
The platform's model centres on the premise that peer learning builds genuine human connection alongside academic support. Students can receive tutoring from peers who have recently mastered the subjects themselves - such as SAT preparation from peers who scored 780 - creating a relatable learning dynamic. The company describes its approach as unlocking student potential through free, peer-powered learning, with an emphasis on approachable instruction built on trust.
Schoolhouse's organisational culture reflects its volunteer-driven structure, articulated through values including "think big, start small," "uplift each other," and "always be a learner." The platform originated as a small pilot during the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown to serve as what the company claims is the world's largest platform for free, live, peer-to-peer tutoring.
