n today's world of ever-evolving technology and an emphasis on individualized education, parents are increasingly considering alternate learning options for their children.

Alternate learning options provide students with the flexibility to learn at home or in a virtual classroom environment in a way that best suits their needs and interests.

These programs also offer greater access to educational opportunities outside of traditional schooling, such as online courses, specialized tutoring sessions, and one-on-one academic support. A

dditionally, many alternate learning programs focus on providing a personalized learning experience that emphasizes student choice and creativity.

Why does this generation of learners need alternate ways to learn?

There are several reasons why this generation of learners needs alternate ways to learn:

1. Diversity of learning styles: Every individual has a unique learning style, and traditional classroom instruction may not cater to everyone's needs. Some people may be visual learners, while others may prefer hands-on activities or prefer to learn through audio.
2. Advancements in technology: With the rise of technology, learners now have access to a wealth of resources and tools that can enhance their learning experience. Online courses, educational apps, and virtual reality tools are just a few examples of how technology can transform the way we learn.
3. Globalization: In today's interconnected world, learners need to develop a broad range of skills to be successful. This includes cultural awareness, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in diverse teams. Alternate ways of learning can help students develop these skills by exposing them to a wider range of perspectives and experiences.
4. Changing job market: The job market is constantly evolving, and learners need to be able to adapt to new technologies and industries. Alternate ways of learning can help students develop skills that are in high demand in today's job market, such as data analysis, coding, and digital marketing.

Alternate learning options are a great way for parents to ensure that their children have access to the best educational opportunities available. By providing personalized learning experiences, these programs give students the flexibility and resources they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Here are some alternative education options

Boundless Life (For Worldschoolers)- Boundless Life is a community concept that brings together families in carefully planned and designed communities situated in breathtaking destinations worldwide. These communities offer private homes, co-working spaces, and locally adapted recreational hubs that foster sustainable living and encourage families to experience the local cultures.

Boundless Life is founded by Rekha Magon and Mauro Repacci. Beyond being a place to live, Boundless Life is a community of like-minded people with shared goals and aspirations.

Learning at Boundless Life-

Imagine learning with families who are on the move, and being able to have an adventure while still staying on track with coursework. At Boundless Life, students can take advantage of the world’s best learning opportunities while enjoying life in beautiful places. 

Mauro Repacci shares how during the COVID they got an opportunity to see how the schooling system works and they realized that the system is broken. His daughter was not happy with how rigid the school system was, and that was when the idea for Boundless Life came about.

Having a background in start-ups and being a traveler himself, Mauro saw the opportunity to create a space where students can learn while having fun and experiencing the world.

At Boundless Life, students get the chance wanted to support families in creating a life of learning with both freedom and structure, regardless of their location.

https://youtu.be/HSP9Ge2Y45s

Location: They have their bases in Bali, Portugal Sintra, Syros, Tuscany, Italy, and Bali currently

Founders- Rekha Magon, Mauro Repacci others

Website - https://www.boundless.life/

Acton Academy (Available in certain locations)- Laura and Jeff Sandefer started Acton schools, which are referred to as "one-room schoolhouses for the 21st century". They aimed to combine successful school models from the past with the latest technology and learning science.

The school's educational philosophy centers around four core values that are believed to be essential for success and fulfillment in life.

The school believes in fostering a lifelong love of learning. Students are taught to be curious and independent, always asking questions and seeking answers. The school believes that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey and encourages students to become lifelong learners.

The school also places a deep respect for economic, political, and religious freedoms. Students are taught to understand and appreciate the importance of these freedoms in a thriving society. Students are encouraged to respect diverse perspectives and opinions and to engage in constructive dialogue with others, even when they disagree.

Jeff shares how when he was going to move his kids from Montessori to a traditional school, the idea of kids sitting behind the desk and studying was not something he wanted. That is how Acton Academy was born.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgykpKvPJoY

These alternate learning options provide families with the freedom

Location

They have branches all over the world https://www.actonacademy.org/find

Founders- 

Website - https://www.actonacademy.org/

Sora School (For Remote Learners)- Sora is a virtual private middle and high school that aims to prepare today's students to become tomorrow's changemakers. It is an accredited full-time school program that holds accreditation from Cognia, NCAA, and WASC.

The school's curriculum is designed based on the latest learning science and an interdisciplinary approach that prepares middle school and high school students for life.

The interdisciplinary approach of the school's curriculum allows students to see the connections between different subject areas and to develop a more holistic understanding of the world.

The program involves students meeting twice a week and doing independent work to investigate a real-world topic, such as "How to Create a Martian Colony". Through exploring this topic, they gain knowledge in various subjects including biology, chemistry, civics, and calculus.

Being a military kid Garrett Smiley was moving a lot, he was holding a lot of fundraisers as a child with his sister. He was traveling the world and learning a lot but the schools were limiting him.

He says that school was slow for him, he could come home and read a lot by himself. He felt the need to understand how to learn and jumped deep into the science of learning from an early age. Meeting more students who did not have much knowledge of how the actual world works, Garrett decided to make a change thus Sora was born.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnYOkcPU4MY

Location

Virtual

Founders- Garrett Smiley

Website - https://www.actonacademy.org/

The Socratic Experience(For Remote Learners)- Founded by Michael Strong and Nathan Schaefer, The Socratic Experience is an online program that offers personal and educational development for students in three different age groups,

Novice Program AGES 8-11

Middle School Program AGES 11-14

High School Program AGES 14-19

The Socratic Experience focuses on building relationships between teachers and students to create a more dynamic learning environment. This innovative program combines small class sizes with individualized instruction to maximize the educational experience of each student.

The idea is to empower kids to design a purposeful learning journey that suits their individual needs and interests.

Students work on personal projects, have healthy discussions about their goals, create their ideas, and learn from the experiences of others. The Socratic Experience also includes access to online tutoring and mentorship programs for students who need additional assistance.

The founder left Harvard University to pursue Socratic studies happening in the less prestigious St. John. Michael started reading at quite an early age and he believes that learning can happen by oneself and does not have to be driven by a systemized school.

He does not believe in authority in teaching, he believes that learning can happen when people talk and discuss with each other, and so he created The Socratic Experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UYPiv60R24&t=35s

Location

Virtual

Founders- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstrong1/

Website - https://socraticexperience.com/

Kubrio(For Remote Learners)- Kubrio is a learning platform that uses technology to create a personalized learning experience for students. It can adapt to each student's needs and strengths and offers a range of learning experiences to accommodate different learning styles.

Learners have the option to choose from different learning pods, The program consists of small groups with 7 students each, who are led by a learning coach. The goal is to assist students in developing confidence, becoming self-directed learners, and staying on track with their learning plans.

Students have the options to choose from various clubs like filmmaking, drama, gamers club, circular economy, etc. They can join quests like digital art, coding, and robotics. With Kubrio, students can learn at their own pace in an interactive environment that encourages self-expression and collaboration.

Location

Virtual

Founders-https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladstan/

Website -https://kubrio.com/

Brave Generation Academy - BGA offers learners a different experience, equipping them with soft skills for life. This program aims to equip students with practical skills that they can use in their daily lives. By combining projects and courses, students can gain a well-rounded and holistic education that prepares them for the future.

BGA provides customized and flexible education, allowing learners to pursue their interests in a dynamic and collaborative classroom environment. The program is supported by knowledgeable tutors and an active Learning Coach.

The founder of BGA Tim Viera believes that education is one of the most important investments we can make in our future. He has created a learning model that supports students as they explore their passions and gain valuable skills for life.

BGA was born after Tom took a world trip with his family and then realized that kids deserved more than traditional schools could offer. He wanted to provide an educational experience that was more personalized and student-centered, so he created the Brave Generation Academy.

Location

USA, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, India, Mozambique, Thailand, Namibia, Kenya

Founders-https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladstan/

Website -https://www.linkedin.com/in/timvieira/

School of Humanity- The School of Humanity has developed a unique curriculum that aims to prepare the younger generation to create an exciting future for themselves and humanity. This is achieved by equipping learners with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Their approach involves solving global challenges while receiving individualized mentorship from industry professionals.

At SoF, learners can take part in internships with leading organizations every term. The curriculum focuses on promoting human flourishing and helps learners develop a sense of purpose and well-being in life. Additionally, learners receive weekly guidance on careers and university options that align with their goals.

SoF encourages learners to choose their path through projects and real-world challenges. It provides a safe and stimulating environment that allows students to explore their interests and build critical skills for life.

They have a 3-4 year high school program for learners looking for an alternate approach to learning. They provide workshops, mentorship sessions, self-paced learning, skills lab, and more.

Raya was exposed to entrepreneurship and projects at a very young age in school as she continued she felt there was a huge gap in the skills needed vs the formal education. She believes there are issues with how, where and what young, people are learning.

She is breaking that rigid traditional structure with the School of Humanity which has a future-focused curriculum to equip learners with the skills they need in a world that is rapidly changing by solving global and local challenges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn0DOiPd9NI&t=212s

Location

Virtual, Dubai

Founders-https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayabidshahri/

Website -https://sofhumanity.com/

Cicero Learning(For Remote Learners)- Students collaborate with an educator to create a tailor-made curriculum that spans a year. The program includes weekly one-on-one sessions and assignments, customized to the student's interests, the family's situation, and the teacher's knowledge. Meetings are held online for 60 minutes every week, and additional progress updates occur through Google Classroom and WhatsApp.

This arrangement has proven to foster strong bonds between students and their instructors, leading to increased engagement and academic growth. Additionally, the personalization aspect of the program has been suitable for families who travel frequently.

They offer AP courses, Cambridge curriculum, and other courses like marine science, animation, cognitive science, blogging, and more.

The idea of Cicero learning happened on a boat when they went for a sail in the Caribbean, leaving the school behind knowing that this adventure would be a different kind of learning. They started self-learning slowly and the next time they went out they had a plan, they started looking for teachers who could help their daughter with her studies.

They were happy with the relationships their daughter was building with the teacher, they had a plan together. He believes that the future is more challenging now than ever and when kids have a different path, like self-learning they are more responsible. The need for teachers to guide kids who have different interests gave birth to Cicero's learning.

Location

Virtual

Founders-https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbennettfounder/

Website -https://cicerolearning.com/

Alternate school options provide students with greater access to educational opportunities that cater to their individual needs and interests. With so many different learning platforms available, parents can now find the perfect fit for their children’s needs and interests. Whether you’re looking for a more personalized learning experience or an immersive adventure, there are plenty of options available. With the help of alternate school options, students can find a learning environment that is both engaging and inspiring.

Think Global School- (For Worldschoolers)

THINK Global School is an independent high school that travels the world with students studying in ten countries, over three years. The school is a non-profit, co-educational, and non-denominational. THINK Global School combines travel and education, offering a truly global approach to Global Studies that extends beyond the classroom. Students work on meaningful projects and collaborate with classmates from around the world to explore, research, and document the world around them.

THINK Global School combines an academically rigorous project-based learning curriculum, a competitive 4:1 student/faculty ratio, student-driven and technology-forward teaching philosophies, and integrated service learning to create a 360º educational experience that’s never limited to the classroom.

As students travel they visit maker spaces, marketplaces, marine habitats, science labs, and so much more to gain real-world experience.

Joan Mcpike and her family had traveled to more than 70 countries and they had no mood to slow down when they started looking for a high school for their son which would serve their son’s needs and their unique educational philosophy,

That’s when they decided to start to THINK Global School, with the mission to “usher in a new era of learning with a culture of inquiry, adventure, and service.” She wants learners to believe that there is more than one way to learn and live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsWY6iPM3MY

Founders-Joann McPike

Website -https://cicerolearning.com/

Keywords: alternate schools, alternate learning, Boundless Life, Rekha Magon, Mauro Repacci, Finnish system, The Socratic Experience, Michael Strong

Prenda(Location based)- Prenda is a school that has a different approach. It connects parents with Guides who run micro-schools in the community. These Guides empower learners, and the education provided is of top quality.

Prenda offers tuition-free micro-schools that consist of K-8th grade students learning in a mixed-age setting through individual and collaborative methods. After school, Kelly Smith, the founder of Prenda, began volunteering at the public library to teach computer programming to children. He observed that the learning environment was not tailored to their interests, which led him to create Prenda.

He believes that given a supportive environment, the right tools, and hands-on opportunities to explore, kids become deeply invested in their education. He shares his experience of seeing kids owning their learning and the value of personalized learning. Prenda is a platform for creating an educational environment in which children can thrive, excel, and develop the skills needed to make them successful in life.

The focus is on individualized learning through experiences that engage each student's unique passions and interests. Prenda's model focuses on four key elements: Connect, Conquer, Collaborate, and Create. These were specifically designed to help students learn how to learn effectively.

Prenda has a mode called Learning Pods which is a mix of homeschooling and small-group learning, which means you get to create the best of both worlds. 

Prenda believes in parents ’ involvement in their children’s learning and that a personalized approach is a key to unlocking their potential. Prenda encourages families to participate in their student's education, creating an environment where students can work together to explore new ideas, build relationships and share knowledge. 

https://youtu.be/hiY0tVB6Skw

Founders-Kelly Smith,

Website -https://www.prenda.com/

Prisma(For Remote Learners)- Prisma is a virtual school that offers a curriculum that is both engaging and practical, along with guidance from skilled mentors and a supportive community of peers.

Their approach to teaching is learner-centered, tailored to individual needs, interactive, and connected to real-life situations. The curriculum is focused on project-based learning in various subjects, including math, literacy, science, social studies, technology, and art. Their location is easily accessible to individuals who can function within US time zones.

At Prisma, students can experience the best of all worlds - the convenience of home-based learning, the social interaction with a closely-knit peer group that meets daily, the guidance of an inspiring learning coach, and a personalized interests-based curriculum. They aim to help every student love school, learn at their own pace, explore their interests, and unlock their full potential.

Each Prisma middle schooler is assigned to a cohort of 15-20 peers and a mentor coach. This cohort stays together for several years. The coach conducts individual meetings with each student while providing valuable academic feedback and leading interactive workshops.

Prisma emphasizes project-based learning, independent goal setting, and self-reflection.

Victoria Ransom talks about how her kids were inspired to take this plunge and how she loves the fact that her kids are learning skills beyond regular academics. She says after 2 years of research they found this mode where kids will love to learn.

https://youtu.be/Bj6XK876zU8

Founders- Victoria Ransom, Alain Chuard

Website -https://www.joinprisma.com/

Gt.schools (For Remote Learners)

Gt.school believes in equipping children with core life skills that extend beyond the classroom. These 5 core life skills are designed to instill positive habits and a growth mindset that can lead to tremendous potential and success.

Through the implementation of these core life skills, students are taught how to develop resilience, empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability with the belief that these skills are critical for success not only in academic settings but also in personal and professional settings.

At GT school, learners have the freedom to establish their objectives and determine the steps they need to take to accomplish them.

At gt. school, students take ownership of their learning and development. They are taught how to utilize resources to overcome obstacles they may encounter. Students understand that their success is not solely reliant on external factors, but rather on their agency and capabilities to accomplish their goals.

At gt. school, the focus is on creating an environment that supports children's mastery of skills and concepts, while also developing their ability to self-assess and reflect on their progress.

Founders- Victoria Ransom, Alain Chuard

Website -https://gt.school/

These learning models are a fresh breath in education innovations. They provide an environment where students have control over their learning and can follow their passions and interests. With these alternate learning options, children can learn in a way that works best for them, leading to greater success in their education and beyond.

Sudbury Valley School (Location Based)-Since 1968, many students have graduated from the school, while some left before graduating for different reasons. Today, those Sudbury students are pursuing various careers, including artistry, entrepreneurship, university studies, and technical or vocational college programs.

In Sudbury schools, students are advised to feel at ease in the classroom and work at a pace that suits them. They are also given unrestricted time to complete tasks. If they feel bored, it is not considered a problem as it is a natural process of adjusting from being bombarded with constant stimuli in the outside world to gaining autonomy.

Sudbury schools have a unique approach to education where there are no traditional classrooms or set curricula. Instead, students can learn beyond the classroom. Sudbury schools offer a different educational experience compared to traditional schools whereby classes are arranged according to the student's interests.

Sudbury schools in United States- https://hvsudburyschool.com/sudbury-schools-in-the-united-states/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IPGElqaGYY&t=10s

Founders- Daniel Greenberg, Joan Rubin, Mimsy Sadofsky, and Hanna Greenberg 

Website -https://sudburyvalley.org/

Barefoot University- (Location Based)Barefoot University is an educational program that aims to connect families to nature and one another. Their forest schools prioritize the holistic health and education of children through child-led learning and engaging in STEM and science-based activities. In addition to fostering a love of nature,

Barefoot University encourages community service projects, creating communities, and equipping families with the tools to observe and explore the natural world around them. 

They offer family-style activities that allow children of all ages to engage with and learn from each other. Lessons are not forced, and each week revolves around a specific theme. Supplies are strewn about to encourage children's natural curiosity to take root, and they will naturally observe, analyze, or apply principles based on their age.

BU aims to establish robust family communities that meet weekly. Our approach involves following yearly learning rhythms and instilling the value of community service in children through various projects.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hWOD7cgkRdXTN840uEekv?si=Xwd-A_HpTZKNkcmjD3tjew

Founders- Madeleine Braden, Amber Brown

Website -https://barefootuniversity.org/

Outschool (Worldschoolers/Remote learners)-

Outschool is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses for children and teens aged 3 to 18 years old. The platform connects learners with teachers and provides a virtual classroom environment where students can take live classes and engage in real-time discussions with their peers and teachers.

Outschool offers courses in a variety of subjects, including STEM, coding, arts and music, social studies, language learning, and more. The classes are typically small, with an average class size of 6 students, which allows for more personalized attention and interaction between students and teachers.

Outschool is designed to be flexible and convenient for families, with classes offered at various times throughout the day and on weekends, and many courses can be taken on a drop-in basis or in a series.

They have more than 30,000 families enrolled and more than 8000 classes on the platform. He talks about his parents supported his interest in gaming in his early years, found a mentor to help him go ahead.

https://youtu.be/FKj29peYj5w

Founders- Amir Nathoo, Mikhail Seregine, Nick Grandy

Website -https://outschool.com/

As more and more parents explore the idea of alternate schooling options, they are realizing the potential of alternate learning models to provide a personalized and enriching education that meets their children’s needs. With these models, students can experience an environment where they have autonomy over their learning and can develop skills beyond traditional academics.

It is no wonder that more families are making the switch to this unconventional educational path. By providing students with the opportunity to learn in an environment that works best for their individual needs, these alternate learning models pave the way for greater success in education and beyond.

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