What is an alternative school? For most of us the term alternative school means a school with a non-traditional program. Its students could be 'gifted' or 'troubled' or have special learning needs.
Schools For The Gifted Many schools for the gifted offer enrichment in academic subjects. Others specialize in the arts. Most of the students in these schools excel at their school work and in their artistic endeavors. They thrive in a school setting where they don't have to waste time on non-essential courses. The extra time gained is spent on music lessons, rehearsals and studio time.
Schools for Troubled Teens
Schools for troubled teens are often styled 'therapeutic' schools. Their students have been unable to succeed academically in regular schools. Perhaps discipline is a problem. Or the child has an eating disorder or is suicidal. The program at a therapeutic school tends to be highly structured so that a child learns how to cope. Some therapeutic schools deal with substance abuse issues. Children who are addicted to drugs and alcohol can find the professional help and counseling they need to change their lives. Other schools specialize in emotional growth issues.
Admission to these schools is on an 'as needed' basis. You won't have to wait until a certain date to admit your child. Some schools have minimum stays in order to ensure the effectiveness of their programs.
Schools for At Risk Teens Several cities offer 'street schools' modeled after the highly successful Denver Street School. The Cristo del Rey model sponsored by the Jesuits offers another option for 'at risk' teens.
Schools for Special Needs Special needs schools cover a wide range of learning issues. Everything from dyslexia to ADHD is dealt with by highly trained professionals. Schools such as The Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut, are famous for their great results.
Be warned: alternative schools are not inexpensive. The one on one teaching which most of these schools use escalates the cost of educating a child. Is it worth it? Ask the satisfied graduates and their parents.
Schools Offering Alternative Academic Approaches
While it is extremely difficult to define exactly what one means by non-traditional schools, Montessori, Waldorf, Carden and schools following a progressive approach are generally thought of as non-traditional schools. A discussion of this genre of private school can be found here.
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Special Needs Schools Do you think your son has a learning disability? Not sure what to do? A special needs school might be the way to go.
Ever wish you could pick the brain of A+ students? Well, we did it for you — we spoke with dozens of students and educators to find out their secrets for success.
Teaching Boys Why teach boys in a single sex setting? The answer to this question and several others here.
Special Needs Schools Do you think your son has a learning disability? Not sure what to do? A special needs school might be the way to go.
The Oldest Schools The oldest American private school is Collegiate School in Manhattan founded in 1628.
Progressive Schools Progressive schools have been around since the early 1900's. Some educators think that progressives are rebels against traditional rote learning. The progressive educators like to think of themselves as reformers. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
Lab Schools What is a lab school? It's a K-12 school or school with some variation of those grades which is operated by a university or college.
Military Schools Military schools offer structure and discipline as well as a top-notch education.
Why Waldorf? Vicki Larson provides detailed answers to my questions about Waldorf schools.
Hockey Schools Got an aspiring hockey player in your family? Many American private schools enjoy a great reputation for excellent hockey teams as well as superb academics.
Montessori Schools Montessori schools are popular world-wide with parents of children in the primary grades.
Alternative Schools Sometimes a regular school is not the right fit for a child. Perhaps she needs an alternative school.
Religious Schools Religion is important to you. You want your children to be educated in a school where your religion matters.
Semester Schools A semester school allows you to experience new surroundings, new environments, different ways of life and much more.
International Schools Sending your children to an international school might make sense if you plan on being in the U.S. only for a few years.
Schools For The Arts Schools for the artistically gifted child are in short supply.
Schools with Non-traditional Approaches Categorizing schools is not a neat process. But there are several educational approaches and philosophies offer some alternatives to traditional schools. Here are some pros and cons about alternative schools.
Classical Christian Schools Classical Christian schools combine strict adherence to Christian beliefs with classical principles of education.
Why Private School? Is private school right for your child? Learn about the things you should consider and the unique benefits of a private school education.
Private and Public Schools Compared This table sets out the basic characteristics of private and public schools so that you can compare them.
You Won't Find.... You won't find several things in private schools which you will find in public schools.
A Timeline of Private School Events and History What was the first private school? What's the oldest school? What are some of the educational philosophies commonly found? Some answers here.
Which School Do Malia and Sasha Obama Attend? Many famous children have attended private schools. Here is a sampling of schools and the famous folk who graced their hallowed halls.
5 Things Not To Like About Private School What are the five things critics like the least about private schools? Start with the fact that everybody who goes to private school is rich. Or are they?
How Diverse Are Private Schools? Decades ago private schools could have been accused of being elitist. You had to have money to attend. The student populations were fairly homogeneous. Fortunately that has changed.
10 Misconceptions About Private Schools There are a lot of misconceptions about private schools. This is probably because private schools are indeed private.
Reviews: Gossip Girl and NYC Prep Two television series about private schools received a certain amount of buzz. Gossip Girl aired on CW. NYC Prep was on Bravo.
DVDs About Private Schools While it is not a long list, movies set in private schools include several classics such as the Harry Potter series and Dead Poets Society.
Computers in Private School Some schools require you to purchase a laptop as part of their book fee. Others let you bring your own computer.
Books for Educators and Parents These titles have been recommended by other educators. Add these to your vacation reading. Enjoy.
5 Things Every Parent Should Do Every private school parent is encouraged to help the school in whatever way he can. Here are some things you can do to make a contribution to your school.
Private Schools Jargon and Terms Private schools have their own jargon just like any activity or affinity group has. Here are some of the more common terms you are likely to encounter as you explore private schools.
Seattle Area Schools The Seattle area is home to many fine private schools as well as to major companies such as Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks.
Boston Area Schools The metropolitan Boston area offers a wide range of academic and cultural activities. Just as impressive is the area's selection of private schools.
Directories A list of directories of private and independent schools.
Guides To Private Schools Do you prefer to peruse a book rather than going online to find private schools? If so, there are some excellent guides to private schools available.
National Associations As you research schools, check the national and state associations. Is the school you are considering a member? If not, why not?
Regional Associations Some states do not have their own private school associations. Schools band together across state lines forming regional associations. These associations have the same purpose as state associations. More here.
State Associations Do the schools you are researching belong to state independent school associations? If not, find out why not!
Litchfield County Schools Litchfield County, Connecticut, is home to a couple of dozen excellent schools catering to just about every need. The setting about 90 miles north of New York City is convenient to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.