We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Alternative Learning Center?

By Susan Grindstaff
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,536
Share

An alternative learning center typically describes a type of school or education program where progressive methods of teaching are adopted. Alternative methods may vary greatly with each program, but in most cases, the methods of teaching are often very different from what students experience in traditional school environments. Some of the more popular alternative methods of teaching involve self-motivation and unrestricted progression. For instance, students may choose what they want to study and are allowed to advance at their own pace, rather than keeping up with a specific curriculum. If they are able to quickly move beyond the learning material, they are allowed to do so, or if they need extra time, that too is arranged.

In most cases, an alternative learning center functions as a private school, though experimental programs of this type are sometimes government sponsored. Like most private schools, alternative schools typically charge parents a tuition, and enrollment is sometimes restricted, with admission being based on a wide variety of criteria, including test scores and parental and student interviews. Alternative colleges, high schools, and early education programs often have long waiting lists because there are so few openings available.

Choosing an alternative learning center over traditional schools can be expensive, and in some cases could limit a student when it comes time to enroll in college. Many universities require that students have received credit in certain courses to be eligible for enrollment. If students have attended an alternative learning center with an open curriculum, they may not have taken all the necessary classes needed to attend certain colleges. In this situation, students may have to take additional courses prior to enrollment or may have to attend an alternative study university.

Charter schools in the United States sometimes practice experimental methods in educating students, though the core curriculum is usually the same as other public schools. Charter schools in the US are public schools funded by state and federal government, but are exempt from many of the regulations found in other public school settings. In many ways, these schools are allowed to set their own educational goals and determine their own pathway to achieving those goals. New charter schools are typically given about four to five years to prove they are able to produce federally required academic results.

Parents interested in finding an alternative learning center should carefully evaluate the pros and cons of such a learning environment. If a public alternative school is unavailable, a private center may be the only option. It is a good idea to carefully evaluate each school before making a decision.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-alternative-learning-center.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.