What Are Some Types of Nontraditional Education? (Including Pros and Cons) 

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If you did not know, Giving Tuesday is a global initiative that encourages extraordinary people, like you, to give back. If you are someone who is looking to support the financial needs of children pursuing an education outside of the public school system, you are in the right place! Consider donating to Strike Hope this Giving Tuesday. 

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What is a Nontraditional Education?

 A nontraditional education is one that is offered in ways other than a traditional classroom setting. It can take place in different environments, have different (and even looser) schedules, and contain different curriculums. These forms of education are skyrocketing and becoming more widely accepted not just by parents and educators, but also by educational institutions and society. 

There are various types of nontraditional education, and it can be hard to determine which one may be right for you and your family. So, we’ve compiled a list that includes the pros and cons of some of the types of nontraditional education: 

Homeschooling 

Homeschooling, also known as home education, is probably one of the most popular forms of nontraditional education. It’s directed by the parent or guardian from the comfort of their own home (or anywhere else they’d like to teach). Homeschoolers may or may not be required to meet state education standards, depending on where they live, and parents or the family must provide the resources for learning. 

• Pros
  • Easier to explore your child’s interests 
  • Extremely flexible 
  • Can adapt to changes, such as a pandemic 
• Cons 
  • There’s a cost for providing your own resources 
  • Your child can feel isolated (unless they’re in a learning/homeschool pod) 
  • The adjustment period if you’re transitioning from traditional to nontraditional education

Virtual Schooling 

Technology is slowly becoming more important in our everyday lives, and education is just one aspect in which it’s becoming more and more common. 

In virtual schooling, the educators tend to be a school, teacher, or instructor and they must meet school standards and requirements. Some resources may be offered by the virtual school, while the family is responsible for the rest.

• Pros 
  • Cost effective
  • More personalized and accessible options 
  • Schoolwork can be completed faster 
• Cons 
  • Some students may not have consistent access to technology or Internet 
  • Too much screen time can negatively impact a child’s health 
  • It’s harder to blend subjects together

Unschooling 

This type of education is often practiced by homeschoolers and ‘worldschoolers’. It advocates for ‘learner-chosen activities’, meaning that students can choose what and when to learn. They can learn from virtually anything, including books, family and friends, things they find on the Internet, etc. This focuses more on the experimental and organic part of learning. 

• Pros 
  • Great flexibility 
  • Less stress 
  • Freedom of choice 
• Cons 
  • Lack of report cards and standardized tests (this may be a pro for some people though!) 
  • A lot of decisions fall on the child 
  • Lack of socialization

These are just a few of the many types of nontraditional education; there are so many more out there to explore to help you determine what works for you and your family! Nontraditional education is very unique and can be confusing at times, and it can be hard knowing how to help your child succeed. 

That’s why we’re here! Strike Hope helps with the financial needs of children exploring an education outside of the public school system, and as you can see from the above examples, money for resources does add up. 

And we need your help! Donate to our cause so we can help children across the nation get the education they deserve. DONATE NOW