Every day, we are inundated with reports highlighting the deficiencies in our education system. Many describe it as monotonous, while others criticize traditional teaching methods as regressive and ineffective. Nevertheless, some individuals have taken it upon themselves to innovate and develop alternative approaches to teaching and schooling. Here is a compilation of unique schools from around the world that stand out due to their distinctive methods of education:
- The Train Platform Schools, India
- Notable Feature: Bringing education to underprivileged children.
Indian educator Inderjit Khurana initiated this remarkable effort to educate and support children who beg on the streets. This innovative initiative provides education to 4,000 students and offers food and medical assistance to their families.
- The Makoko Floating School, Nigeria
- Notable Feature: A school that floats on water and can accommodate up to 100 children at a time.
Originally constructed to withstand rising water levels in lagoons, this school floats on water and can host around 100 children, even in adverse weather conditions.
- World’s Greenest School, Indonesia
- Notable Feature: A campus sustained entirely by natural resources.
This school, recognized as the world’s greenest, conducts classes within a vast bamboo and straw hut. The campus is constructed using sustainable natural materials and powered by over 100 solar panels.
- The Cubical School, Denmark
- Notable Feature: Sections called ‘drums’ designed for contemplation.
With over 1,100 students, this school features a large gymnasium divided into sections called ‘drums,’ encouraging students to engage in contemplative thinking.
- Dong Zhong: The Cave School, China
- Notable Feature: Educating approximately 186 students with the help of 8 teachers, within a cave.
Discovered in 1984, Dong Zhong was located in one of China’s most impoverished areas. It provided education to children who had no access to traditional schooling. Unfortunately, in 2011, the school was closed by the Chinese government, claiming that the country had progressed beyond being a ‘society of cavemen.’
- The School In The Real World, USA
- Notable Feature: Empowering students to focus on their interests.
This school allows students to pursue their passions. As students mature, the school helps them determine their potential professions and pairs them with mentors specializing in their chosen fields. This innovative teaching approach is currently adopted by 55 schools nationwide and embodies a vision where such a model should be the norm, not an exception.
- The School of Silicon Valley, California
- Notable Feature: Utilizing high-tech equipment to enhance creative thinking.
This school strongly opposes traditional teaching approaches. Catering to children aged 4-14, it employs cutting-edge technology like iPads, 3D modeling, and music to stimulate creative thinking and technological skills.
- Unique Feature: They have cubicles instead of classrooms.
- Instead of traditional classrooms, this school features 300 cubicles, one for each student aged 3-12, where they are encouraged to take charge of their own learning. In case of any uncertainties, instructors are available to provide guidance.
- Trabajo Ya, Spain
- Notable Feature: Providing professional courses in prostitution.
In Spain, where prostitution is legal, Trabajo Ya, a school founded in Valencia, teaches effective strategies in the profession of prostitution. This school offers a basic course in professional prostitution with the utmost discretion.
- The ‘Dangerous’ School, California
- Notable Feature: Empowering students to participate in their own learning process.
Imagine a place where you can draw all day, disassemble household appliances, get your hands dirty, and explore everything your parents have forbidden you to do. The Brightworks school is precisely such an institution, where students actively engage in their learning process.
- Harvey Milk High School, New York
- Notable Feature: Designed with the LGBTQ+ community in mind.
For those who felt marginalized due to their sexual orientation in traditional schools, the Harvey Milk High School was designed with them in mind. Named after the California politician who played a pivotal role in promoting the gay rights movement in the 1970s, this school persevered despite opposition from anti-gay groups.
- The Gender-Neutral School, Sweden
- Notable Feature: Eliminating gender-specific pronouns, using ‘they’ for all.
In this school, ‘he’ and ‘she’ are irrelevant as all students are treated equally and referred to as ‘they.’ The school also places significant emphasis on mental health and combating stereotypes.
- The Brightest Elementary School, Sweden
- Notable Feature: Transforming corridors into libraries.
This school has repurposed corridors into libraries equipped with resources and Wi-Fi access. According to their philosophy, corridors promote collaboration between students and teachers, fostering more effective learning.
- Wahroonga Preparatory School, Australia
- Notable Feature: Prioritizing individualized learning.
This dynamic school stands out due to its emphasis on individualized learning plans, easily adjusted by teachers and parents. Classes are conducted in small groups.
- Steve Jobs School, Amsterdam
- Notable Feature: Prioritizing students’ interests and talents.
Following individual learning plans, this school considers the talents, skills, and interests of children from grades 4 to 12. The plan is readjusted every six weeks to provide a tailored education.
- Sudbury Schools, USA
- Notable Feature: Empowering students to determine their evaluation methods.
In this system, children decide their timetables, what they want to study each day,
