Recess vs. Sora Schools
Which is right for your learner? A clear, fair comparison so you can decide in minutes.
TL;DR - 30 Second Decision Guide
Which Platform Fits Your Family?
Choose Recess
For families wanting a complete learning ecosystem
Try Before You Commit
- 14-day free trial to explore
- $200 in class credits per child
- Then just $99/month after trial
- Upgrade to Core/Grow when ready
Accelerated Learning
- Intelligent learning software generates daily tasks
- 1:1 tutoring + project-based mastery
- Designed to outperform class-only models
Complete Ecosystem
- Daily Community Events (5+ hrs/week)
- Small-group classes + challenges
- Flexible scheduling that fits your family
✨ Start with $250/mo • 30-Day Challenge • Cancel Anytime
Choose Sora Schools
For families preferring traditional online classes
Traditional Structure
- Full-time school day format
- Fixed time blocks (M/T/Th/F)
- Set terms and schedules
Class-Based Learning
- Live interactive classes
- Daily advisor meetings
- Office hours support
School Community
- Weekly community day (Wednesdays)
- House/advisory groups
- Traditional school communications
Key Differences at a Glance
| Decision Criteria | Why it matters |
Recess | Sora Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
Learning Model | Consistency & momentum | Learning ecosystem that scales from Commons (try‑first) to Core/Grow (full school). Daily community + interest‑driven classes + challenge system. | Full‑time online school with live classes and set terms. |
Academic Engine | Achievement & pace | Intelligent learning software generates daily tasks; 1:1 tutoring (Core/Grow), bi‑weekly progress reviews, personalized advancement plan; expert mentors (Grow). | Class‑based instruction with office hours, mastery assessments, and daily advisor check‑ins. |
Schedule & Cadence | Family fit | Flexible: Daily Community Events (5+ hrs/wk), small‑group classes, 1:1 sessions booked to fit; asynchronous challenges/projects between sessions. | Two time blocks M/T/Th/F (e.g., 9–12:20 EST or 12:30–3:50 EST); Wednesdays = community day; daily House/advisor meetings. |
Community & Social | Engagement & belonging | Included: kid‑led clubs, moderated chat, and friendships that continue beyond class time; stable cohorts. | School‑based community with clubs, student life, and advisor groups; most interaction during class/house/advisory times. |
Parent Visibility | Confidence you're on track | Progress tracking across skills + weekly insights; concierge support (Commons) and bi‑weekly reviews (Core/Grow). | Advisor oversight and course progress within classes; standard school communications. |
Onboarding & Risk | Try without long commitments | Start with a 14-day free trial + $200 in class credits per child. Then just $99/mo. Cancel anytime. Upgrade only if it's a fit. | Apply & enroll on school terms with a more traditional commitment and schedule. |
Pricing Approach | Predictability | Membership at $100 first month, then $250/mo (Commons). Core and Grow offer full‑school options with tutoring and mentorship. | Annual tuition for a full‑time school program; need‑based grants may be available. |
Best Fit | Match > features | Families who want to prove fit first, then scale into a full school with personalized, accelerated learning. | Families seeking a structured school day with live classes and a traditional academic process. |
Learning Model
Consistency & momentum
Recess
Learning ecosystem that scales from Commons (try‑first) to Core/Grow (full school). Daily community + interest‑driven classes + challenge system.
Sora Schools
Full‑time online school with live classes and set terms.
Academic Engine
Achievement & pace
Recess
Intelligent learning software generates daily tasks; 1:1 tutoring (Core/Grow), bi‑weekly progress reviews, personalized advancement plan; expert mentors (Grow).
Sora Schools
Class‑based instruction with office hours, mastery assessments, and daily advisor check‑ins.
Schedule & Cadence
Family fit
Recess
Flexible: Daily Community Events (5+ hrs/wk), small‑group classes, 1:1 sessions booked to fit; asynchronous challenges/projects between sessions.
Sora Schools
Two time blocks M/T/Th/F (e.g., 9–12:20 EST or 12:30–3:50 EST); Wednesdays = community day; daily House/advisor meetings.
Community & Social
Engagement & belonging
Recess
Included: kid‑led clubs, moderated chat, and friendships that continue beyond class time; stable cohorts.
Sora Schools
School‑based community with clubs, student life, and advisor groups; most interaction during class/house/advisory times.
Parent Visibility
Confidence you're on track
Recess
Progress tracking across skills + weekly insights; concierge support (Commons) and bi‑weekly reviews (Core/Grow).
Sora Schools
Advisor oversight and course progress within classes; standard school communications.
Onboarding & Risk
Try without long commitments
Recess
Start with a 14-day free trial + $200 in class credits per child. Then just $99/mo. Cancel anytime. Upgrade only if it's a fit.
Sora Schools
Apply & enroll on school terms with a more traditional commitment and schedule.
Pricing Approach
Predictability
Recess
Membership at $100 first month, then $250/mo (Commons). Core and Grow offer full‑school options with tutoring and mentorship.
Sora Schools
Annual tuition for a full‑time school program; need‑based grants may be available.
Best Fit
Match > features
Recess
Families who want to prove fit first, then scale into a full school with personalized, accelerated learning.
Sora Schools
Families seeking a structured school day with live classes and a traditional academic process.
Information current as of September 2025. Names and trademarks belong to their respective owners and are used for identification only. Details evolve—verify with each provider.
Why Many Families Start With Recess (then upgrade to Core/Grow)
1 Try before you commit
Start with Commons ($100 first month). Join the 14-day free trial with $200 in class credits per child. Then just $99/month. No long contracts.
2 Motivation that sticks
Daily Community Events, guides, and 300+ gamified challenges turn interests into momentum.
3 Precision + human touch
Our academic engine blends AI‑generated daily tasks with 1:1 tutoring and mentor guidance—accelerating mastery while keeping learning personal.
4 Upgrade only when ready
If your child thrives, move into OpenSchool Core (full school replacement) or Grow (bespoke mentorship and career‑grade projects). No rush until the ecosystem proves itself for your learner.
Who Should Choose Which?
Pick Recess if your child:
- Is reluctant or inconsistent and needs a daily social spark to re‑engage.
- Responds to challenge‑based learning and 1:1 support.
- Wants friends + guides who show up all week, not just during class time.
Pick Sora Schools if your family:
- Prefers a traditional, class‑first school day.
- Wants fixed time blocks, a weekly community day, and daily advisor meetings.
- Enjoys a school rhythm with terms and live classes as the core.
Sample Week Snapshot
Recess — Core (full‑school track)
- AI‑generated daily tasks tailored to mastery targets
- 1:1 tutoring (2x/week) + office hours as needed
- 3–4 small‑group classes matched to interests and goals
- Daily Community Events (drop‑in) + ongoing challenges/projects
- Weekly insights to parents; bi‑weekly progress reviews
Sora Schools — full‑time
- Live, interactive classes within selected time block (M/T/Th/F)
- Wednesdays focused on clubs, assemblies, and project catch‑up
- Daily advisor/House meetings
- Office hours and course‑based mastery assessments
Outcomes That Matter (how we measure progress at Recess)
- Time‑to‑mastery on targeted skills (weeks, not semesters)
- Weekly challenge completions and project milestones
- Attendance & streaks in Daily Community Events
- Tutor session acceptance rate and concept retention checks
- Parent visibility: weekly summaries and growth insights
FAQs
Is Recess a full school?
Yes—through OpenSchool Core (full school replacement) and Grow (bespoke mentorship). Commons is our try‑first on‑ramp.
Can I combine Sora and Recess?
Absolutely. Many families use Recess for community, challenges, or electives alongside another academic program. Your concierge can connect outside classes to Recess projects.
Do you accept ESA/charter funds?
See our Using ESA Funds page for current options in your state.
Legal & Accuracy Notes
- Trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification only.
- Features, schedules, and pricing change. This page will be updated as details evolve.
- If anything looks out of date, please contact [email protected] so we can fix it quickly.