Are you interested in an alternate curriculum or learning method instead of what’s traditionally offered? Here are 8 alternatives to public school.
Wondering if public school is your only option?
You might be surprised to learn that there are plenty of alternatives to public school. Public school certainly isn’t for everyone. If you have issues with the teaching styles, the social setting, or something else, it’s time to look into some alternatives to public school.
In this guide, we’ll show you what you need to know about the alternatives to public school, including some of the main choices you have for your education. Keep reading to break free from the public school system.
What is an Alternative School?
An alternative school is defined as a school that doesn’t provide the same experience as a traditional public school. There are a variety of different alternative schools, with widely varied experiences.
This is great, because it means you have lots of options! Some alternatives to public school will work better for you than others. Online schools, charter schools, and magnet schools are all among the options you have – more on those below.
Sometimes, your school district will offer alternatives, but other schools are completely independent of public school systems. For example, online schools happen over the internet and can easily be run without public school support. See more information about what online schools have to offer here.
Many alternative schools are there to give other options to students who have a hard time in public school. These students might be described as “troubled,” “gifted,” or something else.
However, the issue usually isn’t really with the student – it’s with the school they’re attending.
Once a student finds a school that’s a good fit, they tend to thrive.
Alternative School Features
Let’s take a close look at some of the things that often set alternatives to public school apart.
1. Smaller Classes
These kinds of schools often feature small class sizes, so students get more individualized attention from teachers. This also helps teachers specifically tailor the content to a student’s learning style.
2. Flexibility
These schools also tend to offer more flexibility in everything from class schedules to requirements for graduation.
For example, some schools might offer night class, which works better for students who raise children or work jobs during the day. Flexible graduation requirements can allow students to focus on the classes they’re more passionate about, which is perfect for students who are thinking about their future careers.
3. Varied Teaching Methods
Different teaching methods allow students with different learning styles to succeed more easily.
Many alternative teaching methods focus on creativity and interactive, hands-on work, which is effective for many learners. Lecture formats and note-taking aren’t always the best way to teach information.
In fact, many researchers believe that outdated teaching problems are holding the field of education back. However, at alternatives to public school, this isn’t the case at all!
4. Different Evaluation Methods
Grades aren’t the only way to measure success. Many alternative schools offer other ways to evaluate a student’s progress.
For example, written evaluations can give a more thorough perspective on how a student is doing in class. Students can learn much more from this than from a simple letter grade.
Other alternative schools might offer school credit in exchange for internships or jobs, which allows students to gain real-world career experience before they’ve left the classroom completely.
5. Meet Different Needs
Student needs aren’t strictly academic. Alternative schools can help by also meeting a student’s social, emotional, or mental needs.
Resources like support groups and counseling offer a more well-rounded support system than public schools can offer. This is great for any student who has run into emotional, mental, or social barriers to education.
Why Go to Alternative School?
Wondering if an alternative school is right for you? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of these educational options.
1. Difficulty Learning
If you find that you’re having trouble learning in your traditional classroom setting, an alternative school might be right for you.
You might have a learning disability that makes traditional school hard, or you might simply find that you don’t retain information well when it’s given in lecture format.
Even if you simply feel bored at school, your boredom is probably holding you back from learning. An alternative school can present information in an exciting way that will hold your interest.
2. Seeking Guidance
Looking for more support or guidance for navigating life, your career, or both? Alternative schools can help.
You’re also likely to find more support from your peers and teachers. The smaller class sizes encourage more teamwork, and your teachers can get to know you on a whole other level.
3. Lack of Challenge
If you feel like your public school is too easy, seek out the challenges you need at an alternative school. If you settle for education that feels easy, you’re selling yourself short by not maxing out your learning potential.
Three Alternatives to Public School
Now that you know what makes alternative school a great fit, let’s take a look at some of your top choices.
1. Online School
Online school is a form of “homeschooling” that many modern students love.
You can easily get your degree online from the comfort of your own home. This also means you can study on a more flexible schedule.
2. Magnet School
A magnet school is operated by the public education system, but it’s different from a standard public school. You’ll often need a high test score to be accepted.
These specialized schools have a focus in one area of art or science, allowing you to move forward faster in the special areas that interest you.
3. Private School
There are a variety of types of private schools you can choose from. Although some private schools are expensive, they often pay off well by offering better education in a tight-knit educational community.
Ready for an Alternative School?
If you’re interested in an alternative school, don’t wait. Start making the change now – your education and your future are at stake.
Which alternative school feels right for you? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!
