You could put your children in a school that hammers them into assembly-line products. Or you could choose an education that nurtures your children into creative, sensitive individuals. First of a two-part report from the leading alternative schools and their underlying philosophy

What's the difference?

Alternative schools have a small number of students

Children are allowed to learn the basic skills of reading and writing at their own pace

Such schools may or may not subscribe to the national examination system. Learning is pursued for the sake of knowledge and building character

There is an inherent spirit of cooperation with an internal discipline. The uniqueness of each child is nurtured

There is little or no internal hierarchy in alternative schools. The ambiance is essentially fluid and informal