Alternative education

This article is about non-mainstream pedagogical approaches. For learning differences, see Special education. For education for gifted students, see Gifted education.

Alternative education encompasses educational philosophy differing from mainstream pedagogy and evidence-based education. Such alternative learning environments may be found at state, charter, and independent schools and in home-based learning environments. Many educational alternatives emphasize small class sizes, close relationships between students and teachers, and a sense of community.

The legal framework for such education varies by locality and determines any obligation to conform with mainstream standard tests and grades.

Alternative pedagogical approaches may include different structures, such as the open classroom, different teacher-student relationships, as in Quaker and free schools, and differing curricula and teaching methods, as in Waldorf and Montessori schools. Synonyms for "alternative" in this context include "non-traditional" and "non-conventional". Alternative educators use terms such as "holistic".

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