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.
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Read Related Schools Articles: |
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| Different kinds of schools, schools in various locations, associations and directories. |
| Kinds of Schools |
| Various kinds of schools |
• Classical Christian Schools
Classical Christian schools combine strict adherence to Christian beliefs with classical principles of education.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Military Schools
Military schools offer structure and discipline as well as a top-notch education.
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• Montessori Schools
Montessori schools are popular world-wide with parents of children in the primary grades.
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• The Oldest Schools
The oldest American private school is Collegiate School in Manhattan founded in 1628.
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• Religious Schools
Religion is important to you. You want your children to be educated in a school where your religion matters.
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• Schools For The Arts
Schools for the artistically gifted child are in short supply.
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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.
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• Waldorf Schools
Waldorf schools offer a well thought out approach to K-12 education.
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| Associations |
| National, state and regional association of private schools |
• National Associations
As you research schools, check the national and state associations. Is the school you are considering a member? If not, why not?
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• 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.
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• State Associations
Do the schools you are researching belong to state independent school associations? If not, find out why not!
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| Directories |
| Guides and web sites with lists of schools |
• Directories
A list of directories of private and independent schools.
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• Guides To 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.
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| Locations |
| Schools in major cities |
• 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.
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• 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.
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• Seattle Area Schools
The Seattle area is home to many fine private schools as well as to Microsoft and Boeing.
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| • Choosing a School |
| • Employment |
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| • Paying For It |
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| • School Life |
| • Schools |
| • Teaching |
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