Written By Sangeeta | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 2nd August, 2024
Is your kid struggling to fit in at school? Maybe they’re bouncing off the walls or daydreaming instead of focusing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many of us are wondering if there’s a better way to help our kids learn. Well, there might be! It’s called alternative education, and it could be the answer to your school-related headaches.
In this blog, we’ll explore alternative schools – what they are, why they’re great, and how they teach. We’ll cover the good stuff, the tricky bits, and help you figure out if it’s right for your family. So, grab a drink and let’s dive into this exciting world of learning together!
Quick Summary
Concept of Alternative Schools
- What Are Alternative Schools?
- The Philosophy Behind Alternative Education
- Benefits of Alternative Schools
- Curriculum and Teaching Methods in Alternative Schools
- Challenges and Considerations
- Is an Alternative School Right for Your Child?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Our Selection Proces
What Are Alternative Schools?
What Are Alternative Schools?
Ever felt like your child’s school isn’t meeting expectations? Well, you’re not alone! That’s where alternative schools come in. These are schools that do things differently from regular schools. They’re like the creative and unique cousins in the education family.
Alternative schools have been around since the 1960s. Back then, some folks thought, “Hey, maybe there’s a better way to teach kids!” And boom – alternative schools were born.
In India, we’ve got some great examples. There’s Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh, which follows the philosophy of J. Krishnamurti. Then there’s Mirambika in New Delhi, which is all about free progress education. These schools are like educational playgrounds where kids can learn in ways that suit them best.
The main thing about alternative schools? They’re not one-size-fits-all. Some focus on nature, like green schools. Others are big on arts or technology. The idea is to fit the school to the child, not the other way around.
So, what makes them different from regular schools? Well, for starters, they often have smaller classes. This means teachers can pay more attention to each kid. They also tend to focus on learning by doing, not just by reading books. And tests? They’re not the be-all and end-all in alternative schools.
The Philosophy Behind Alternative Education
The Philosophy Behind Alternative Education
Now, let’s talk about the big ideas behind alternative education. It’s like they’ve flipped the script on traditional schooling!
- First up, it’s all about the kids. In alternative schools, the focus is on what each child needs, not just cramming information into their heads. It’s like saying, “Hey, you’re unique, and that’s awesome! Let’s work with that.”
- These schools believe in growing the whole child. That means they care about more than just maths and reading scores. They want to help kids become good people, not just good students. It’s like they’re growing little trees – they care about the roots, trunk, branches, and leaves, not just the fruit.
- Another big idea? Let kids drive their own learning. Alternative schools believe that when kids are interested in something, they’ll learn it better. It’s like when you’re really into a new game – you learn all the rules super fast because you want to, right?
- They also mix up life skills with book smarts. So, kids might learn maths while cooking or history while putting on a play. It’s like sneaking veggies into a yummy smoothie – the kids are learning, but it feels like fun!
Benefits of Alternative Schools
Benefits of Alternative Schools
Okay, so what’s so great about these alternative schools? Let’s break it down.
- It’s like having a personalised education where each child gets exactly what they need to succeed. No more trying to fit everyone into the same mould!
- Remember how we said classes are smaller? Well, that means teachers can really get to know each kid. It’s like having a coach who knows exactly what you need to improve your game.
- These schools are also big on creativity and thinking outside the box. They’re like mental gymnasiums where kids can flex their imagination muscles. Who knows? Your kid might be the next big inventor or artist!
- Here’s a biggie – less stress. We all know how stressed out kids can get about school. Alternative schools often have less homework and fewer high-stakes tests.
- And let’s not forget about feelings. Alternative schools pay attention to how kids are doing emotionally, not just academically. They’re like emotional first-aid stations, helping kids understand and manage their feelings.
Curriculum and Teaching Methods in Alternative Schools
Curriculum and Teaching Methods in Alternative Schools
Now, let’s peek inside the classroom of an alternative school. It’s probably not what you’re picturing!
- First up, project-based learning. Instead of just reading about stuff, kids do stuff. For example, at Riverside School in Ahmedabad, kids might learn about the environment by actually cleaning up a local park. It’s like turning the whole world into a classroom!
- Many alternative schools mix kids of different ages in one class. It’s like having a big family – older kids help younger ones, and everyone learns from each other.
- Art, nature, and technology are big deals in these schools. At Vikasana School in Bengaluru, kids might learn maths by measuring trees or history by acting out plays. It’s like education in 3D!
- And tests? Well, they look different too. Instead of just filling in bubbles, kids might create projects or portfolios to show what they’ve learned. It’s like showing your work, not just your final answer. There’s a significant difference between regular and alternate schools.
Challenges and Considerations
Challenges and Considerations
Let’s break it down from economical choices to more luxurious optionNow, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are some things to think about before jumping on the alternative school bandwagon.
- First off, it can be a big change. If your kid’s used to regular school, an alternative school might feel like landing on a different planet at first. It’s like switching from playing football to cricket – the rules are different!
- Sometimes, kids from alternative schools have trouble if they need to go back to regular schools or when they go to college. It’s like they’ve been speaking one language, and now they need to speak another.
- Another thing to consider – these schools can be hard to find and sometimes cost more than regular schools.
- Lastly, if you’re big on traditional grades and test scores, you might find alternative schools a bit confusing. They often don’t use the same measuring stick as regular schools.
Is an Alternative School Right for Your Child?
Is an Alternative School Right for Your Child?
So, how do you know if an alternative school is right for your kid? Let’s think it through together.
First, look at your child. Do they:
- Love to learn but hate sitting still?
- Have lots of interests that don’t fit in a regular school day?
- Get stressed out by tests and grades?
- Learn better by doing things rather than just reading about them?
If you’re nodding your head, an alternative school might be a good fit.
Next, do your homework (yes, parents get homework too!). Ask yourself:
- What kind of learner is my child?
- What are our family’s values about education?
- What do we want our child to get out of school?
Then, start exploring. Look for alternative schools in your area. In Mumbai, you might check out Tridha School. In Pune, there’s Akshar Arbol International School.
When you find some schools you like, ask lots of questions:
- How do they teach?
- How do they handle discipline?
- What’s a typical day like?
- How do they measure progress?
And remember, it’s okay to take your time deciding. It’s like choosing a new home – you want to make sure it’s the right fit for your family.
Conclusion
We’ve taken quite a journey through the world of alternative schools, haven’t we? From understanding what they are to weighing their pros and cons, we’ve covered a lot of ground.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to education. Alternative schools offer a different path, one that might be just right for your child. They’re like educational adventures, full of hands-on learning, creativity, and personal growth.
Sure, they come with challenges. They might not be easy to find or cheap. And yes, they’re different from what we’re used to. But for many kids, that difference is exactly what they need to thrive.
So, what’s the takeaway? Keep an open mind. Look at your child’s needs and dreams. Explore your options. And most importantly, trust your instincts. You know your child best.
Whether you choose a traditional school, an alternative one, or something in between, the goal is the same – to help your child grow, learn, and be happy. And that’s what really matters, isn’t it?
FAQs Related to Alternative School
- Are alternative schools recognized by educational boards in India?
Yes, many alternative schools in India are recognized by national and international boards. For example, some are affiliated with the ICSE, CBSE, or international boards like IB or Cambridge. However, it’s always best to check with the specific school about their accreditation.
- How do alternative school students perform in competitive exams?
This varies from school to school and student to student. Many alternative schools prepare students well for exams, focusing on understanding concepts deeply rather than rote learning. Some schools, like Centre for Learning in Bengaluru, have a track record of students performing well in various competitive exams.
- Will my child have trouble adjusting to college after an alternative school?
While the transition can be challenging, many alternative school students adapt well to college. They often have strong critical thinking and self-management skills, which can be advantages in higher education. Schools like Shibumi in Bengaluru focus on developing these skills to prepare students for future academic challenges.
- How can I afford an alternative school if it’s more expensive than regular schools?
Some alternative schools offer scholarships or sliding scale fees based on family income. For instance, Poorna Learning Centre in Bengaluru has a fee structure that takes into account parents’ ability to pay. It’s worth discussing financial options directly with schools you’re interested in.
What’s Next
We suggest asking yourselves, ‘What do you want for your kid in Bangalore?’ Make a list of the ‘must haves’ and the ‘nice to haves.’
Also, don’t be shy, talk to everyone! Friends and neighbors in Bangalore may have some thoughts. Check online too, but remember, reviews are like opinions, everyone’s got one! Oh, school visits! Take a tour, meet the teachers, ask questions, and see if it clicks in Bangalore. Open houses are super helpful too, you’ll learn about what they teach and meet other parents.
And don’t forget the money talk school fees are just the tip of the iceberg in Bangalore. There are uniforms, field trips, and the occasional surprise costs. Stay on top of the applications, they may be followed by an interview. When it comes to interviews, just being yourself is the key, even for kids.
But really, you can’t go wrong with any of these Bangalore schools, as they are the best in Bangalore. Let us know which one you end up enrolling your kid in!
Varsha & Adi
Hi, we are Varsha and Adi, and we’re on a mission to help parents make the right choice for their kids’ education. Picking a school is like a 10-year commitment, and we realized parents needed clear, no-nonsense info. That’s why we created Candid Schools, where you can get the real deal on schools without the fancy jargon. Our goal is simple: to give parents the info they need to make the best choice for their little ones.
