Deciding how to educate your children isn't always easy to do. You can take the standard route and put them in the public school system, but what if you think that it's not the right choice? There are alternative education systems and philosophies out there, and perhaps one of them could be a better choice for your child. To find the best option, you will first need to explore what's out there and understand the benefits that they might be able to offer your child. Here are some of the options that might be available to you if you're considering alternative education.
Montessori
Montessori schools follow the philosophy of Dr Maria Montessori. They allow students to freely explore their interests and the lessons that they find most enjoyable. If you choose a primary Montessori day school for your child, you could help them benefit from a balanced education. Montessori schools help children to develop a passion for learning and knowledge, engaging their senses and encouraging them to think and question. Montessori schools are available at different levels, although most options are for students up to middle school. Some Montessori high schools are also available, although there are fewer options.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is an option that many parents consider as an alternative to the standard school system. It allows you to educate your children in the way that you want to, while having control over their schedule. Homeschooling offers many different approaches, so it's not exactly one type of alternative schooling. You can decide how you educate your children, which might include giving classroom lessons, using online materials and various other resources. There are many different ways to teach your children and decide what you want them to learn and why. It allows you to be more involved in your child's education.
Unschooling
Unschooling is related to homeschooling, and some people might say it's the same thing. Unschooling is defined by a lack of curriculum or standards, allowing students to do what they want. It's driven by the child's interests and often doesn't have any routine, structure or schedule of any kind. There is no testing or exams, or other measuring of progress. This might be something that you consider if you are able to devote a lot of time to being involved in your child's education. It could also be a good choice for your child's early development rather than their later years.
Forest Kindergarten
If you're looking for an alternative option for your child's kindergarten, a forest kindergarten is a great option. This type of kindergarten involves almost entirely outdoor activities, allowing children to explore the outdoors and learn through playing. The American Forest Kindergarten Association is a good place to learn more about where these types of kindergarten can be found and the benefits they offer. They often have smaller class sizes, child-led learning and will run in almost all weathers.
If you think standard education might not be right for your child, especially while they're young, there are other possibilities to help you find the right path.
