Which School Setting Is Best?
Today’s educational system is no longer limited to just
traditional schools, teaching traditional subjects using old
school methods. There are a variety of options for parents
and students who wish to seek an alternative type of
education. There are a wide range of philosophies and
methods offered at these alternative institutions, some with
strong political, philosophical, and scholarly focus, while
others promote self-awareness and emotional growth.
Most traditional schools offer the same academic
approach. In fact, both school settings provide very similar
teaching methods and strategies. Some speculate if
students are offered a better learning experience and
opportunity in the alternative school setting. The purpose
of our research project is to examine the differences
between alternative schools versus traditional grade
school, with an emphasis on if alternative schooling offers
a better educational approach.
This controversy is researchable in an interdisciplinary
sense because it is the focus of more than one discipline.
Many think this issue lies mostly in the discipline of
education, but it really is a subject that involves other
disciplines as well. For example, our youth in today’s
classrooms are diverse in so many ways. Examples of this
diversity include: culture, family socioeconomic status,
living conditions, and parental guidance. Disciplines such
as Behavioral & Social Sciences and Economics were
very important in the collection of the data throughout this
extensive research.
All children deserve to have an education that is tailored to their specific emotional, physical and psychological needs. While some
students flourish in a traditional school setting, some are better suited with an alternative education that nurtures their specific talents,
personality and style of learning. There are so many conflicting views about which school setting offers the best education for students.
When faced with deciding the most benefiting school setting for children, parents must explore all of their options and conduct their very
own investigation instead of settling for the norm.
Since many people already have strong opinions and make assumptions about what better suits most opinion, the information gathered
during this research can help with the redefinition of preconceived assumptions and give a better insight as to what really is beneficial to
students, traditional schooling or alternative schooling.
We wish to highlight the differences and possible benefits and disadvantages of alternative schools versus traditional schools and why
one or the other might better benefit some students. We feel that one of the assumptions of these disciplines is the negative
attitude/behavior people have and the false “truths” they have gathered about alternative schools. People have perceived these
assumptions for various reasons that in most cases, tend to be unfounded. The common ground that exists here is acceptance.
Individuals from both disciplines have accepted certain assumptions, both positive and negative, but gaining and maintaining a positive
outlook is what’s needed
Types of Traditional/Alternative Schools
Alternative Schools:
A wide variety of established alternative schools serve all levels and kinds of students. These schools range from
programs for at-risk, expelled, and violent students to schools for the exceptionally gifted and talented. Many
alternative or optional schools serve heterogeneous student bodies with average achievement and behavior
characteristics.
Charter schools:
As of 2001 these schools had been approved by legislatures in thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia, and
Puerto Rico. Charter schools exchange many of the rules and regulations of public education for the opportunity to
operate with autonomy to demonstrate student achievement.
Traditional Schools:
Many parents choose to send their children to the public school in their neighborhood, according to an assignment
system developed by the school district. Attending a neighborhood public school can make it easy for your child to
get to school, to work with classmates on group projects, and to visit friends. These schools are often anchors in a
community.
Other Traditional Schools:
You may want to investigate other public schools. In an increasing number of districts, you can choose to send your
child to a specialized public school. These schools of choice often emphasize a particular subject or have a special
philosophy of education. One school might emphasize science, art, or language study. Another might offer a firm
code of conduct
Similarities & Differences
Alternative Schools
Class Size
Some niche schools have even lower ratios. The Study
Day Program in Toronto, for instance, has about five
students per teacher.
Curriculum
Programs are based on provincial curriculum and enriched
with electives or deeper course content.
Teaching Method
Follow education methods based on their founder's
teaching philosophy. Other alternative schools, use
interactive technology such as smart boards to let students
and teachers work together during in-class lectures.
Campus
Campus sizes are typically smaller, reflecting the smaller
student bodies served by alternative schools.
Traditional Schools
Class Size
Traditional private schools generally boast lower studentto-teacher ratios than public and separate schools.
Curriculum
Traditional private schools offer various elective subjects
outside of the provincial curriculum.
Teaching Method
Most classes are delivered in instructor-centered lecture
format, with the teacher speaking at the front of the class.
But students also learn through projects and are often
asked to present their findings in class.
Campus
Because many traditional schools have been operating for
decades and have more students, they tend to have larger
campuses with more facilities
Disciplines Involved
Common ground and integration occur because it is necessary and highly important that schools meet the
needs of children both emotionally and educationally. In order to obtain a better understanding if a child is
succeeding in their current school environment, both the Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education
disciplines must be integrated. The Behavioral and Social Sciences discipline is involved when we look at
student’s affective filters in the classroom, multiple learning styles, and brain development. The Education
discipline is involved because it needs to be ensured that every student is being challenged and provided a
proper education with the proper resources. Since many people already have strong opinions and make
assumptions about what better suits most opinion, our research project can help them with the redefinition of
their assumptions and give them better insight as to what really is beneficial to students, traditional schooling or
alternative schooling.
Education: Traditional schools offer a “one size fits all” curriculum whereas alternative schools provide a more
varied educational experience. Students learn best when placed in programs that are tailored to their specific
needs, learning styles and personality. While most traditional schools offer the same educational approach,
there are a wide range of philosophies and methods offered at alternative institutions, some with strong
political, philosophical, and scholarly focus, while others promote self-awareness and emotional growth.
Behavioral and Social Sciences: Children have different personalities, physical and emotional needs and
varied learning styles. Alternative schools offer a more tailored educational experience based on the needs of
each individual child. Students not only perform better when provided with a tailored education, they are also
more psychologically and emotionally supported, offering students a well rounded education.