Schools are academic institutions dedicated to the imparting of knowledge among the students and are also organizations that encourage the development of the personality and psychology of the child. Therefore it is natural that the schools play a very fundamental role in the growth of the child or the student and therefore school education is essential and a right of every child. If one follows the mode of education in a traditional school, the students are required to visit the school at a particular time of the day following a pre-given routine and then spend a few hours in the school. Schools are not only to convey educational knowledge but at the same time also encourage other forms of extracurricular activities as well.

In general the schools follow a set curriculum which is devised in keeping with the motto of the school and in most schools the means of imparting education are more or less similar. However, there are certain educational institutions that encourage the usage of newer innovative modes and techniques in order to make the educational experience an exciting one instead of the usual monotonous way of learning. Such schools are popularly referred to as alternative schools or minischools. In most cases, it has been observed that these alternative schools follow a different pattern of educational curriculum than those practiced commonly in the traditional schools and these study programs are not as rigid as those of the traditional schools. Since they are more flexible, the amount of pressure on the child is also lesser.

Alternative schools were introduced in the United States of America in the seventh decade of the 19 th century and during these years the main purpose of setting up these alternative schools was to ensure that there could be established a different mode of learning moving away from the traditions and consciousness of the traditional schooling system. Many of these alternative schools provided extremely philosophical and scholarly orientations while some were dipped in political color. But in all cases, there were certain innovative features being introduced for the cause of imparting education.

It is to be noted that in the United States of America especially, the term alternative school has been used as a broad term and there are many educational institutions which fall under its umbrella like the independent schools, home schooling etc. It can also at times refer to institutions providing alternative education. Special schools which are dedicated to the service of students having psychological disorders or behavioral problems are also included under this category.

By: Roberts Bairds