What Are Non-traditional School Structures and Curriculum?

The standard, public school experience is not for everyone. People have recognized the need to create other types of learning environments, and therefore have done so.

The structure of the school and the type of school are intrinsically connected to the curriculum of the institution. Here are some of the alternative systems you can consider:

• Religious schools
• Montessori schools
• Home schooling
• Online schools
• Magnet schools
• Charter schools
• Residential schools
• Middle colleges

About Alternative Schooling Options

Choosing which school is right for your child will certainly require some more background information about each of these types of programs.

Religious Schools

Whether the schools are based off of Christianity, Catholicism or Orthodox Judaism, these types of institutions place a significant importance on religion. Students may say prayers at the beginning of the day and attend religious services with their classmates. God and religious practices are central to the day.

Montessori Schools

In Montessori schools, students are encouraged to find their own ways, in a sense. The curriculum is less rigid than a public school. Instead of focusing on standards of education and achieving high test scores, students are encouraged to participate in activities which interest them.

Home Schooling

Often done for religious reasons, home school programs give parents the freedom to incorporate other aspects (such as religion) into the program. States have certain requirements for home schools, and in general, students  have to learn from a certain set of subjects. For example, they would still be required to pass exams in English, math, history and science.

Online Schools

You are probably familiar with online schools for college, but they exist at other levels as well. Students still have to complete assignments and listen to classroom lectures, but they do all of this work from their home and they watch and listen to the teacher over the computer.

Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are associated with the public school system. However, they offer students the opportunity to have an education with a strong emphasis in a particular discipline. Frequently seen ideas for magnet schools often involve arts, science, or technical pursuits.

Charter Schools

Charter schools are entirely independent institutions, and they can be very different from one another. Generally, they have some sort of main philosophy, whether it is to guide students through the principles of a certain religion or to allow students to choose a major early in their schooling career.

Residential Schools

The curriculum of such programs will not differ much from that of a standard institution. However, since students live at these schools, there are different types of dynamics. There might be rules governing what time they need to be back in their dorms by and they might have certain limitations such as for personal grooming.

Middle Colleges

Another trend that has come into play recently is the idea of "middle colleges." In the junior and senior year of high school, students are encouraged to begin taking college classes at a separate school in order to prepare for the real college curriculum. A less extreme version of this practice is to offer courses for college credit within the walls of the student's own high school.

Do Your Research on Local Non-Traditional Schools

Consider one of these non-traditional school structures if public school is not the best fit for your child. Each structure has its own pros and cons depending on the needs of the student. Be sure and discuss the details of the school and its curriculum with the school and with parents of other students at the school before making your decision.