1. Which School Setting Is Best? Today’s educational system is no longer limited to just traditional schools, teaching traditional subjects using old school methods. There are a variety of options for parents and students who wish to seek an alternative type of education. There are a wide range of philosophies and methods offered at these alternative institutions, some with strong political, philosophical, and scholarly focus, while others promote self-awareness and emotional growth. Most traditional schools offer the same academic approach. In fact, both school settings provide very similar teaching methods and strategies. Some speculate if students are offered a better learning experience and opportunity in the alternative school setting. The purpose of our research project is to examine the differences between alternative schools versus traditional grade school, with an emphasis on if alternative schooling offers a better educational approach. This controversy is researchable in an interdisciplinary sense because it is the focus of more than one discipline. Many think this issue lies mostly in the discipline of education, but it really is a subject that involves other disciplines as well. For example, our youth in today’s classrooms are diverse in so many ways. Examples of this diversity include: culture, family socioeconomic status, living conditions, and parental guidance. Disciplines such as Behavioral & Social Sciences and Economics were very important in the collection of the data throughout this extensive research.

2. All children deserve to have an education that is tailored to their specific emotional, physical and psychological needs. While some students flourish in a traditional school setting, some are better suited with an alternative education that nurtures their specific talents, personality and style of learning. There are so many conflicting views about which school setting offers the best education for students. When faced with deciding the most benefiting school setting for children, parents must explore all of their options and conduct their very own investigation instead of settling for the norm. Since many people already have strong opinions and make assumptions about what better suits most opinion, the information gathered during this research can help with the redefinition of preconceived assumptions and give a better insight as to what really is beneficial to students, traditional schooling or alternative schooling. We wish to highlight the differences and possible benefits and disadvantages of alternative schools versus traditional schools and why one or the other might better benefit some students. We feel that one of the assumptions of these disciplines is the negative attitude/behavior people have and the false “ truths ” they have gathered about alternative schools. People have perceived these assumptions for various reasons that in most cases, tend to be unfounded. The common ground that exists here is acceptance. Individuals from both disciplines have accepted certain assumptions, both positive and negative, but gaining and maintaining a positive outlook is what ’ s needed

3. Types of Traditional/Alternative Schools Alternative Schools: A wide variety of established alternative schools serve all levels and kinds of students. These schools range from programs for at-risk, expelled, and violent students to schools for the exceptionally gifted and talented. Many alternative or optional schools serve heterogeneous student bodies with average achievement and behavior characteristics. Charter schools: As of 2001 these schools had been approved by legislatures in thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Charter schools exchange many of the rules and regulations of public education for the opportunity to operate with autonomy to demonstrate student achievement. Traditional Schools: Many parents choose to send their children to the public school in their neighborhood, according to an assignment system developed by the school district. Attending a neighborhood public school can make it easy for your child to get to school, to work with classmates on group projects, and to visit friends. These schools are often anchors in a community. Other Traditional Schools: You may want to investigate other public schools. In an increasing number of districts, you can choose to send your child to a specialized public school. These schools of choice often emphasize a particular subject or have a special philosophy of education. One school might emphasize science, art, or language study. Another might offer a firm code of conduct

4. Similarities & Differences Alternative Schools Class Size Some niche schools have even lower ratios. The Study Day Program in Toronto, for instance, has about five students per teacher. Curriculum Programs are based on provincial curriculum and enriched with electives or deeper course content. Teaching Method Follow education methods based on their founder's teaching philosophy. Other alternative schools, use interactive technology such as smart boards to let students and teachers work together during in-class lectures. Campus Campus sizes are typically smaller, reflecting the smaller student bodies served by alternative schools. Traditional Schools Class Size Traditional private schools generally boast lower student- to-teacher ratios than public and separate schools. Curriculum Traditional private schools offer various elective subjects outside of the provincial curriculum. Teaching Method Most classes are delivered in instructor-centered lecture format, with the teacher speaking at the front of the class. But students also learn through projects and are often asked to present their findings in class. Campus Because many traditional schools have been operating for decades and have more students, they tend to have larger campuses with more facilities

5. Disciplines Involved Common ground and integration occur because it is necessary and highly important that schools meet the needs of children both emotionally and educationally. In order to obtain a better understanding if a child is succeeding in their current school environment, both the Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education disciplines must be integrated. The Behavioral and Social Sciences discipline is involved when we look at student’s affective filters in the classroom, multiple learning styles, and brain development. The Education discipline is involved because it needs to be ensured that every student is being challenged and provided a proper education with the proper resources. Since many people already have strong opinions and make assumptions about what better suits most opinion, our research project can help them with the redefinition of their assumptions and give them better insight as to what really is beneficial to students, traditional schooling or alternative schooling. Education: Traditional schools offer a “one size fits all” curriculum whereas alternative schools provide a more varied educational experience. Students learn best when placed in programs that are tailored to their specific needs, learning styles and personality. While most traditional schools offer the same educational approach, there are a wide range of philosophies and methods offered at alternative institutions, some with strong political, philosophical, and scholarly focus, while others promote self-awareness and emotional growth. Behavioral and Social Sciences: Children have different personalities, physical and emotional needs and varied learning styles. Alternative schools offer a more tailored educational experience based on the needs of each individual child. Students not only perform better when provided with a tailored education, they are also more psychologically and emotionally supported, offering students a well rounded education.