Alternative schools: Waldorf, Montessori & Co.

Pressure to perform, full classes, revised teachers: Many parents want a more emotional atmosphere for their children. The alternatives already exist – especially in the private sector.

Lessons with a difference: Waldorf, Montessori & Co. rely on alternative concepts © Syda Productions – Fotolia.com

The German school system has been in constant question for years – too rigid, too conservative, too focused on performance and at the same time not individual enough. The youngsters spend a lot of time in school these days, so that a large part of the education takes place there. Which school parents choose for their child therefore also depends on certain principles that the place of learning represents.

More self-determination in alternative schools

Since 80–90 percent of the lessons in state schools take place frontally, it has education reformers such as Maria Montessori, Célestin Freinet or Rudolf Steiner to make school lessons more individual and experience-oriented. They founded alternative schools that adhere to the basic German concept, but to a large extent promote the students’ rights of self-determination.

Primary schools in particular, both in free and in state sponsorship, offer various pedagogical orientations. These concepts are rare in secondary schools and are mainly offered in private schools.

Overview of alternative forms of school: which one suits your child?

In general, it is important for parents considering alternative forms of school to get their own idea of the school and the teaching concept. Here we present the most well-known types of school so that you can get a first overview.

If a concept seems exciting and interesting to you, then find out more on their websites, which we have linked for you. You can find additional tips in our guide: Finding the right school – in 3 steps to the dream school

Here you can jump directly to the alternative school types: Show

1. Waldorf schools (Rudolf Steiner schools): more than dancing names

Rudolf Steiner, the founder of the first Waldorf school, assumed that people have three basic skills: thinking, feeling and wanting. Waldorf educators therefore attach great importance to the Development of practical, artistic, creative and social skills. A guiding principle of pedagogy is: "Revere the child, educate them in love and release them in freedom."

Lessons at a Waldorf school

Main subjects are taught in "epochs", which means that students only work on one subject at the beginning of the day for several weeks. Projects are often linked to several subjects: if the children treat history in the Middle Ages, for example, medieval reading is read in German classes and cereals are grown in the afternoons. In general, the lessons do not follow a fixed curriculum, but rather adapt to the development of the children. There are no books, the children develop the material themselves. Numbers are rhythmized, letters are sung – sounds are translated into movement during expressive dancing. The famous "Dance names" has its origin here.

In order to create a harmonious and stable environment for the students, the class community always remains the same, nobody stays seated, and the teacher does not change if possible. Special talents are encouraged in small groups. Certificates are only available in the form of a formulated assessment, while without notes to build up as little performance pressure as possible. From grade 9, additional certificates can be given on request.

What degrees can my child achieve??

Children can attend a Waldorf school from the first grade. This often offers a full-day offer with hot lunch and afternoon care. Fundamentally, Waldorf students go to school for 12 years and receive one at the end "Waldorf final", that is not recognized by the state. In order to obtain this degree, you do not have to pass conventional final exams. a. submit annual work and portfolio portfolios.

But it is also possible to acquire classic educational qualifications. In this way, the secondary and middle school diplomas can be passed before an external examiner after the 12th class, for the Abitur the pupils go to school for a year longer Abitur. ”Source: www.waldorfschule.de. A change of school from or to the Waldorf school is generally possible. However, the student may need to catch up on the lesson because the curricula vary widely.

How much does it cost to attend a Waldorf school??

A visit to a Walddorf school costs around 160 euros per month. Generally speaking no student rejected for financial reasons, school fees are adjusted to the parents’ income.

It’s something for my child?

Since there are usually more inquiries than places, individual admission interviews are used to discuss whether the concept fits the child and the family. However, no outstanding artistic skills are required for admission to a Waldorf school.

The main thing is that your child Enjoy movement, creative work and making music Has. In addition, Waldorf schools are well suited for children who are under a lot of pressure from “normal” schools. Important to know: In Waldorf education, there is a strong commitment from parents.

Link tips:

► The son of scoyo managing director Daniel Bialecki will also be attending a Waldorf school from 2015: his thoughts on starting school.

► Interview with the Waldorf educator Henning Kullak-Ublick about reality and prejudices: Waldorf school – that’s what parents and children can expect.

► Erkrath’s personal report on fischundfleisch.com.

► Association of independent Waldorf schools: www.waldorfschule.de

2. Montessori schools: Help me to do it myself!

The Montessori pedagogy developed by the Italian Maria Montessori is characterized by the fact that the individual needs the children are brought to the fore and promoted accordingly. Above all, it is about promoting self-employment: The pupils are supported by the teacher above all in acting and making decisions independently. This alternative form of school gives space to the child’s urge to research and enables self-determined learning. The basic idea of Montessori education is: "Help me to do it myself."

Almost two thirds of the Montessori schools are privately funded (private schools), in the state schools there are sometimes only "Montessori branches", so these are not purely Montessori schools.

Lessons at a Montessori school

Teaching at Montessori schools stands out from state teaching. So there is Freelance work, group work, project work and the bound lessons.

In this alternative form of school, each day begins with two to three hours during which the students decide freely, which topic you want to deal with for how long, with whom and to what extent (self-determined learning). They spend this time in mixed age groups so that young and old can support each other. During this time, teachers only intervene in a supportive manner and help the students to help themselves. After a long break, the tied lessons take place in the same age groups, with different subjects being taught and homework being distributed.

The Montessori pedagogy work materials are designed so that the children can explore the learning material playfully and with all their senses.

What degrees can my child achieve??

In Germany there are over 1,000 Montessori institutions, including children’s homes, day care centers, primary levels (elementary school, also special schools) and secondary levels / secondary schools. The schools are mostly all-day schools and are recognized by the state. It is usually possible to switch to a state high school or secondary school after a successful entrance examination. Students can switch to primary and secondary schools without an exam. So it is any degree possible.

How much does a Montessori school cost??

At private schools a monthly tuition fee is required, which is based on parents’ income and is between 100 and 400 euros on average.

It’s something for my child?

The Montessori pedagogy is principally suitable for every child. Your child is self-determined from the start, learns to work alone, to motivate himself and also to be interested in something. Frontal teaching does not take place, pure consumption is therefore impossible.

Does your child have e.g. Difficulties with the often rigid teaching at a state school could help free and self-organized learning without pressure. On the other hand, the concept also demands a lot from the students: you get few rules and structures. Children who have difficulty concentrating may find it more difficult at the Montessori school. You can find a good discussion of the pros and cons of a Montessori school at hauptache-bildung.de.

Important to know: At Montessori schools, as with most alternative school types in Germany strong commitment from parents intended.

Link tips:

► Interview with educational expert Uta Künkler: Montessori school – yes or no?

► Personal experience report from blogger "scratch Mama" on her blog Rubbelbatz.

Learn successfully – no matter what school type:

3. Freinet schools: question the world

This alternative form of primary school pays special attention to the Individuality of the children placed: This manifests itself in the fact that students largely decide for themselves what they want to learn and for how long. On the other hand, children and teachers make decisions together and form a class council for this. Teacher-controlled lessons are thus replaced by student-controlled ones.

Freinet education focuses on critical discussion the student with their environment. Experiences that they have in everyday life or when exploring z. B. companies, construction sites or landscapes raise questions that are asked and discussed in the class community. The students create on the basis of these questions personal work plans, which determine which teaching topics are to be dealt with in the near future. All teaching results are “archived” so that they can be used again and again.

In the weekly class assembly, the children plan their teaching topics and check whether they are on schedule. This is how the children learn that rules are important and get one Basic understanding of democracy.

What degrees can my child achieve??

Most Freinet schools are primary schools and therefore end with a recommendation for a secondary school. In the event of an impending change to another school, grades will be awarded that normally do not exist according to the Freinet concept. You can get more detailed information from the school in your area. The schools are largely government sponsored, so no school fees due becomes.

How much does a Freinet school cost??

The range of costs at privately run schools is depending on the childcare offer and parental income between 35 euros and 380 euros per month. Freinet schools are mostly state-recognized substitute schools.

It’s something for my child?

Freinet pedagogy attaches great importance to self-determined learning. This school form fits curious children, who have a lot of questions about their environment. Quieter children are motivated to question and empowered to express their opinions. However, shy children can overwhelm this.

Link:

► You can find more information about Freinet schools here: freinet.paed.com/freinet/start.php

4. Jenaplan schools: live and learn

Education and upbringing are inseparable for Jenaplan founder Peter Petersen. That is why the four pillars of conversation, play, work and celebration form the center of the pedagogical concept. Schools should become living spaces.

The compulsory teaching material at a Jenaplan school is in the course lessons taught. This is comparable to frontal instruction in schools without a special educational interpretation. The contents of the course lessons are deepened in the so-called regular lessons. This brings together students from three grades. Big and small are supposed to learn here and support each other.

To problems discuss and make democratic decisions meetings are held regularly to promote children’s social skills. Breakfast and lunch together are just as much a part of the concept as weekly festivals, which are intended to strengthen the sense of community and take learning seriously. The children often work on joint projects that are presented and awarded at these celebrations. Up to grade 7 there is one instead of grades Work and performance report.

What degrees can my child achieve??

Like all other alternative school types presented here (except Freinet), the Jenaplan schools also offer all state degrees on.

How much does a Jenaplan school cost??

Since this type of school is often government sponsored no school fees requires.

It’s something for my child?

The Jenaplan concept is a form of school that reflects your child’s individuality and his support social development want. Children who do not feel comfortable in state schools, but do not have a serious problem with the standard teaching methods there, could be in good hands here.

Link:

5. Democratic schools: Here the children have a say!

There is no fixed curriculum in democratic schools. Arrival and end times are flexible. The students organize their daily routine according to their interests. You have the choice between different projects, courses and activities and are free to visit places outside of school. Without pressure, the children should learn independently and with all their heart. Because those who are involved with their hearts learn sustainably.

At first glance, this concept may seem a bit chaotic, but there is actually a lot of structure behind it. Everyone is involved and supports each other. In a weekly school meeting decisions are made together – teachers and children have equal voting rights here.

What degrees can my child achieve??

At a democratic school, students are put on an external exam for the middle school graduation prepared. Those who pass this exam can go to high school and graduate.

How much does a democratic school cost??

Democratic schools are independent schools and therefore do not receive any support from the state. The School fees are based on the parents’ salary and averages around 200 euros a month.

It’s something for my child?

Thomas Möller and Christoph Schuhmann, makers of the documentary, say this Schools of Trust: "In principle, democratic schools are suitable for every child, but not for all parents".

It is important that parents place trust in their children and accept the self-determined concept. There is no focus on grades and degrees here, but personal interest and joy in learning.

Link tips:

► A list of all democratic schools in Germany: http://www.eudec.org/

6. Daltonplan schools: You learn better if you do it yourself!

The opinion of Daltonplan founder Helen Parkhurst: You learn better if you do it yourself! That is why their Daltonplan concept says above all Independence in the foreground.

Helen Parkhurst worked closely with Maria Montessori at the beginning of the 20th century, took over her pedagogy and later developed it further according to her ideas.

This alternative form of school gives the children time that they can freely design. At the beginning of each school year, Daltonplan students receive one Work package that you can work through in weekly steps until the end of the school year. Classrooms are available for this purpose, each of which is designed for one subject. Teachers become learning assistants who, if they so wish, are at the children’s side. The children are graded based on their written work results.

While the Daltonplan concept is already well known in the United States, Great Britain, Austria and the Netherlands, it is only slowly becoming established in Germany. So far there are not just a Daltonplan school in Germany, but some regular schools partially apply the concept (as of February 2016).

There is something for my child?

No face-to-face lessons, learning at your own pace, independence is very important – those who don’t feel comfortable in regular schools are probably right here. The strong Focus on written work is criticized, however.

Link tips:

► More information about the Dalton plan in Germany: dalton-education.eu

7. Club of Rome schools: think globally, act locally

The Club of Rome is a non-profit organization that works for a sustainable future of humanity starts. It was founded in 1968 and has always been concerned with sustainable development and the protection of our ecosystems. Topics that Club of Rome students also deal with intensively.

Club of Rome schools attach great importance to holistic educational concepts. Here it works Learning beyond the school horizon. Interdisciplinary lessons, learning laboratories and much more should appeal to the head, heart and hand. Each child with his or her personal strengths and weaknesses is encouraged individually and strengthened in their self-confidence.

Teamwork, respect and personal responsibility are central pillars of this alternative school and should be actively taught to the children. Musical support and lots of movement round off the holistic concept.

What degrees can my child achieve??

There are 15 Club of Rome schools across Germany (as of February 2016). These include mostly high schools, but also comprehensive schools, community schools and primary schools. So it can all degrees can be obtained.

How much does a Club of Rome school cost??

Most Club of Rome schools charge no school fees. If this is the case, the monthly contribution is calculated on Salary of the parents and the number of children, who attend school and is usually at most 150 euros.

It’s something for my child?

Every child has them here Possibility to gain sustainable experiences. However, there is no lack of feedback or frontal instruction, which could be problematic for children who do not get along well in mainstream schools.

Link tips:

► Everything about the Club of Rome schools can be found here: www.club-of-rome-schulen.org

8. Mehlhornschule / BIP creativity schools: Every child is gifted

The Mehlhorn schools or GDP creativity schools are relatively young. It wasn’t until 1997 that the first school with the concept of Gerlinde and Hans-Georg Mehlhorn was founded.

BIP stands for talent, intelligence and personality, which should be specially promoted in this school form. Your goal is the "Education of creative people, that can successfully meet all current and sometimes still unknown future requirements of our living environment. ”(Source: www.bip-mehlhornschulen.de)

For this purpose, the state curriculum is expanded to include the subjects of artistic design, musical design, dance / movement, performing games, linguistic design, chess, computer science, English and two other foreign languages, one of which is non-European. In addition, the children are obliged to learn a musical instrument outside of school from the first class.

There are grades in the subjects of German and mathematics in the first school year. From the third school year in all subjects. Reaches a child Grades less than 2, promotional measures are taken. A 3 is already considered negative, since it can prevent the transition to high school.

The children get daily or weekly development results, which illustrate what knowledge and skills they have acquired. The aim is to awaken pride and the will to perform among the children.

All flourhorn schools are All-day schools and have core times between around 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. In addition, the childcare offer continues until 6 p.m. Lessons are shortened until 1 p.m. one day a week so that the children have time to learn an instrument.

What degrees can my child achieve??

The desired degree in flour horn pedagogy is that High School. That is why there are only primary schools and high schools with the GDP creativity concept.

How much does a meal at a flour horn school cost??

Mehlhornschulen are Private schools and charge a monthly fee. This is made up of school fees, creativity surcharges and after-school fees. These costs vary greatly depending on the region. The fees are slightly higher than in other free schools, since each class has two teachers and two classrooms.

It’s something for my child?

Performance and support are very important at this school. Some children can cope with it wonderfully, but unfortunately it is not for others. Your child is very inquisitive and persistent, this school form may be perfect. If it is sensitive to pressure to perform and feels overwhelmed quickly, it could be difficult. The gymnasium is not the best form of school for every child. Use the open house to get your own impression of this type of school.

Link tips:

9. Other alternative schools in Germany and things worth knowing

In addition to these well-known alternative school types, there are other institutions that specialize in very different learning and teaching concepts. You can find an overview here: https://www.freie-alternativschulen.de/

Change from free school to a regular school

What is it like for students who switch from a free school (with an alternative educational concept) to a regular school? From free school to high school – an interview with Emma.

10. Find the right school

Hopefully you have now got an overview of the different alternative schools in Germany. To find out which one School it near you you can use the following pages:

You can find more on the subject in the free eBook School Selection Guide. With tips and tricks on how to find the right school and how to master school.

In order to put a selected school through its paces, we recommend the checklist that you can find in the school choice guide. Pack them up for the next school visit as a reminder and decision-maker.

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