Is Alternative School Right for Your Child? 2025-26

Written By Sangeeta | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 2nd August, 2024


Are you pulling your hair out trying to figure out if traditional schools just aren’t cutting it for your kiddo? You’re not alone! Many parents are turning to alternative schools as a solution. In fact, did you know that enrollment in alternative schools has increased by 32% over the past decade? 

Let’s dive into alternative education to see if it’s a good fit for your child! This blog covers what alternative schools are, signs your child might do well in one, the benefits and potential drawbacks, how to decide if it’s right for your child, and tips for transitioning smoothly.


Quick Summary

Is Alternative School Right for Your Child?
  • What Are Alternative Schools?
  • Signs Your Child Might Thrive in an Alternative School
  • Benefits of Alternative Schools
  • Potential Drawbacks to Consider
  • How to Evaluate if an Alternative School is Right for Your Child
  • Making the Transition to an Alternative School
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs


What Are Alternative Schools?

What Are Alternative Schools?

Alternative schools are different from regular schools. They teach kids in new and special ways. These schools don’t follow the usual way of teaching that most schools use.

In India, we have many types of alternative schools. Some famous ones are:

  1. Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh: This school lets kids learn at their own speed.
  2. Mirambika Free Progress School in New Delhi: Here, kids learn by doing things, not just reading books.
  3. Riverside School in Ahmedabad: This school teaches kids to think for themselves and solve problems.

Alternative schools are not new. They’ve been around for a long time. Some started over 100 years ago! These schools think that every child is special and learns in their own way.

In these schools, kids don’t just sit at desks all day. They might learn outside, work on projects, or even help decide what they want to learn. Teachers in these schools are more like guides. They help kids find what they’re good at and what they love to do.

Signs Your Child Might Thrive in an Alternative School

Signs Your Child Might Thrive in an Alternative School

Sometimes, parents notice that their child isn’t happy in a regular school. Here are some signs that your child might do better in an alternative school:

  1. Your child gets bored easily in class: 

If your kid says “School is boring!” a lot, they might need a more exciting way to learn.

  1. Your child learns differently: 

Maybe your kid learns best by moving around or doing things with their hands. If sitting still is hard for them, an alternative school might be better.

  1. Your child has special interests: 

If your kid is really into art, music, or nature, an alternative school might let them spend more time on these things.

  1. Your child doesn’t like tests: 

If your kid gets very stressed about exams, an alternative school might have different ways to check what they’ve learned.

  1. Your child is very creative: 

If your kid always has new ideas or likes to do things their own way, an alternative school might be a good fit.

  1. Your child needs more help: 

If your kid needs extra attention to learn well, the smaller classes in alternative schools could help.

Remember, every child is different. What works for one might not work for another. It’s all about finding the best fit for your child.

Benefits of Alternative Schools

Benefits of Alternative Schools

Alternative schools can be great for many kids. Here are some good things about these schools:

  1. Learning at their own pace: 

In many alternative schools, kids can learn as fast or slow as they need. This means they won’t get bored if they’re quick learners, or feel left behind if they need more time.  

  1. Smaller classes: 

Most alternative schools have fewer kids in each class. This means teachers can give more attention to each child. For example, at Riverside School in Ahmedabad, classes often have only 15-20 students.

  1. Learning by doing: 

These schools often teach through activities and projects. Kids might learn maths by cooking or science by gardening. This can make learning more fun and easy to understand. 

  1. Focus on more than just marks: 

Alternative schools often care about more than just exam scores. They help kids grow in all ways – like becoming kind, creative, and good at solving problems.

  1. Less stress: 

With less focus on exams and competition, kids in alternative schools often feel less stressed. This can make them happier and more excited about learning.

  1. Freedom to explore: 

Many alternative schools let kids choose what they want to learn about. This can help them find what they’re really interested in.

  1. Connection with nature: 

Some alternative schools, like Rishi Valley School, are set in natural surroundings. Kids get to learn outdoors and understand the environment better.

  1. Life skills: 

Alternative schools often teach important life skills like cooking, managing money, or working in a team. These are things that can help kids in their future lives.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While alternative schools have many good points, there are also some things to think about carefully:

  1. Cost: Many alternative schools in India, like Mirambika in Delhi or Rishi Valley in Andhra Pradesh, can be expensive. This might be hard for some families to afford.
  2. Fewer options: There aren’t as many alternative schools as regular schools. You might not find one close to your home.
  3. Different from the usual: If your child moves from alternative school to a regular school later, they might find it hard to adjust. The way of teaching and learning can be very different.
  4. Less focus on exams: While this can be good, it might be a problem if your child wants to take national exams later. They might need extra help to prepare for these tests.
  5. Misunderstanding from others: Some people might not understand alternative schools. They might think these schools are not “real” schools. This could be hard for your child to explain to others.
  6. Limited sports or activities: Smaller alternative schools might not have as many sports teams or after-school activities as bigger schools.
  7. Teacher quality: Some alternative schools might have teachers who are very passionate but not as formally trained as in regular schools.
  8. Lack of structure: Some kids do better with a clear, structured day. The freedom in alternative schools might be confusing for these children.

How to Evaluate if an Alternative School is Right for Your Child

How to Evaluate if an Alternative School is Right for Your Child

Choosing a school is a big decision. Here’s how you can decide if an alternative school is good for your child:

  1. Know your child: Think about how your child learns best. Do they like to move around? Do they love art? Do they need lots of quiet time? Knowing these things can help you choose.
  2. Visit schools: Go and see the alternative schools near you. Watch how teachers and students work together. See if the kids look happy and engaged.
  3. Ask questions: When you visit, ask lots of questions. Some good ones are:
    • How do you teach reading and maths?
    • How do you handle behaviour problems?
    • How do you check if kids are learning?
    • What do kids do after they finish at this school?
  4. Talk to other parents: Ask parents who have kids in the school what they think. What do they like? What don’t they like?
  5. Check the teachers: Ask about the teachers’ training and experience. Good teachers are very important.
  6. Look at the space: Is the school clean and safe? Does it have the things your child needs to learn well?
  7. Think about the future: If your child might go to a regular school later, ask how the alternative school prepares kids for this change.
  8. Involve your child: If possible, let your child visit the school too. See how they feel about it. Do they seem excited?
  9. Trust your feelings: After looking at everything, trust your gut feeling. You know your child best.

Making the Transition to an Alternative School

Making the Transition to an Alternative School

If you decide an alternative school is right for your child, here’s how to make the change easier:

Check in with your child: Regularly ask your child how they’re feeling about the new school. Listen to their thoughts and feelings.

Talk to your child: Explain what will be different in the new school. Listen to their worries and excitements.

Visit the school together: Take your child to see the new school before they start. This can help them feel less nervous.

Meet the teacher: If possible, let your child meet their new teacher before school starts. This can help them feel more comfortable.

Prepare for a different routine: Alternative schools often have different daily schedules. Help your child get ready for this new routine.

Be positive: Show your child that you’re excited about their new school. Your attitude can help them feel good about the change.

Expect some adjustment time: It might take a while for your child to get used to the new way of learning. Be patient and supportive.

Keep in touch with teachers: Talk often with your child’s teachers to see how they’re doing. This can help you catch any problems early.

Help with social connections: Encourage your child to make new friends. Maybe set up playdates with classmates outside of school.

Be ready to help with academics: If there are gaps in what your child has learned, be prepared to help or get extra tutoring if needed.

Conclusion

Choosing a school for your child is a big job. Alternative schools can be a great choice for many kids. They offer new ways of learning that can help children grow and be happy.

Remember, there’s no perfect school for everyone. What matters most is finding a place where your child can learn well and be happy. Take your time to look at different schools. Talk to your child, teachers, and other parents. Trust your feelings about what’s best for your child.

If you choose an alternative school, be ready for things to be different. It might take some time for your child to get used to the new way of learning. But with your support and patience, your child can do well and enjoy their new school.

In the end, the goal is to help your child love learning. Whether it’s a regular school or an alternative one, the best school is where your child can grow, learn, and be their best self.

FAQs Related to Alternative School

  1. Are alternative schools recognized by the government in India? 

Many alternative schools in India are recognized by the government. However, it’s important to check each school’s status. Some may be affiliated with national boards like CBSE or ICSE, while others may have different certifications.

  1. Will a child be able to take national exams after studying in an alternative school? 

Most alternative schools prepare students for national exams like the 10th and 12th board exams. However, the approach might be different from regular schools. It’s best to discuss this with the school and understand their exam preparation methods.

  1. How do alternative schools handle admissions? 

Admission processes vary between schools. Some might have interviews or observation sessions to understand the child better. Others might consider the family’s educational philosophy. It’s best to contact each school directly for their specific admission requirements.

  1. Can a child switch to a regular school after studying in an alternative school? 

Yes, children can switch to regular schools. However, there might be some adjustment needed, especially in terms of teaching style and assessment methods. Many alternative schools help prepare children for this transition if needed.


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.

Related Posts