Alternative school

In education, the phrase alternative school usually refers to a school based on a non-traditional, new, or non-standard educational philosophy. A wide range of philosophies and teaching methods are offered by alternative schools; some have strong political, scholarly, or philosophical orientations, while others are more ad-hoc assemblies of teachers and students dissatisfied with some aspect of mainstream education. In many instances the alternative schools tend to be smaller than regular schools and teachers and students are closer to each other i.e. calling teachers by their first names. They also usually work together as a community unlike a regular school. Alternative schools are usually not available for most students to attend. They are commonly founded as schools for students that may not be served well by traditional public schools in their communities (such as pregnant teens or teen parents, drop-outs, and other at-risk populations) or those with special educational needs.

Related Topics:
Education - School - Educational philosophy

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In the United States, most alternative schools are private or independent schools rather than public schools funded by the state; however, some public charter schools and magnet schools offer benefits similar to those of alternative schools and are inspired by similar ideas.

Related Topics:
Private - Independent school - Public school - Charter school - Magnet school

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