education today: types of schools

When you think about becoming a teacher, you may automatically bring to mind the picture of the traditional classroom with a teacher standing before rows of desks. While the traditional school and the traditional style of teaching still exist, there are many different types of schools today. There are a variety of options available to a new teacher. The following brief descriptions of the types of schools that children attend today will help you decide the kind of school and the kind of classroom that may be right for you.

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS : Alternative schools vary but they are usually nontraditional in nature for students who, for whatever reason, cannot function or learn well in a traditional setting. They can be for students ranging from gifted to troubled to slow learners to those considered at risk. They are usually marked by innovation and are geared to the individual.

CHARTER SCHOOLS : Charter schools are an alternative form of public schools that are publicly funded and privately run. They have the benefit of small schools and the chance to try new things with more access to quality education.

MAGNET SCHOOLS : Magnet schools are public schools that focus on a specific area or theme ranging from science and literature to performing arts and technology. They attract students based on their interests, skills, and learning needs.

TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS : Technical Prep programs provide meaningful education and career preparation for high school students who will need additional training. Usually they provide preparation in one field of technology, applied science or health services. The classes may include such things as auto mechanics, culinary arts, drafting or electronics. In some places, the student may earn college credit.

PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS : These schools operate much like a college with parents paying tuition. Often they are overseen by a board of directors who determine the curriculum and the school calendar.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS : These are nonpublic schools associated with religious organizations or churches.

MONTESSORI SCHOOLS : Montessori schools are private schools that base their approach on the teachings of Maria Montessori, an educator who emphasized hands on, child-centered learning.

SCHOOL-WITHIN-A-SCHOOL : A school-within-a-school is a program that operates within a host school while remaining separate from that school. It maintains a separate budget, staff, students and program. The school within a school will share common space such as the gym, playground or cafeteria with the host but an effort is made to preserve a sense of a smaller community with more interaction between students, teachers, and parents.

DETENTION CENTER : A detention center is a secure facility where a juvenile will live and attend school while waiting to go to court or until placement can be arranged.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTERS : These education centers offer residential or day environmental outdoor programs to school groups. The programs last from 2-5 days. They can be structured to fit with a school’s objectives in science, social studies, art, or math.

SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS : While special needs students are often served within the mainstream population, there are numerous special programs provided by school districts or the state to serve students who are unable to attend regular public school classes. For example, many states provide a residential school for the deaf, blind or sensory impaired. There are day programs for preschoolers with physical handicaps. There are training programs for adults with mental handicaps. Some students may attend schools that serve only a special needs population and others may attend a class within a regular school population. Some may need to attend a residential facility for all or part of the week.