Alternative Education is a growing movement that is aimed at discovering innovative education methods that promote critical thinking, life-oriented skills, problem-solving, synergy, team-building, and lateral thinking in all walks of life. It cares to answer critical questions like:

1. Would an individual who prefers visual-aided learning be content with only text and note-making?

2. Would an individual who prefers to study through trial and error have any place in the traditional education system?

3. Would an individual who discusses problems and solutions fit into the traditional education model?

Alternative Education aims to answer the questions above and more, and therein lies the significance of this system.

The adoption of Montessori Education, Steiner, Home-schooling, et al is a welcome move towards establishing Alternative education. It has to be noted that the traditional education system is always aimed at “one size fits all” approach which means everyone has to fit into a defined system than the other way round. This system has also failed to explore the innate or the latent abilities and talents of an individual as he or she is forced to follow a set pattern.

In alternative education, the learning environment is not necessarily the classroom as any environment can fit into the system easily. This is because the learning methods are an active collaboration of different participants: pupils, teachers, parents, school, and society. Traditional education modes have also failed to understand the emotional needs of pupils in an age where Emotional Quotient (EQ) takes precedence over Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in every field. The world needs people with preparedness to face the challenges of the future with confidence and leadership, and alternative education is a step in the right direction. If there’s any education mode that takes school dropouts and students with learning disabilities in its stride, then it should be this. Dr. Howard Gardner rightly put it “Teachers must be encouraged – I almost said 'freed', to pursue an education that strives for the depth of understanding.” Remember, limiting a student to a single modality of learning can only do more harm than good.

We welcome parents to visit Vriksha Patashala if you want your child to stand unique in this highly competitive world, and become useful citizens of the society.