Alternative Education: A Path to Success for Our Kids
Have you ever considered alternative education options for your child? Our journey with two children has shown us that these unique educational experiences can be far more beneficial than traditional schooling. Both of our kids thrived and ended up being wonderful young people, academically years ahead of their peers.
Early Years: Montessori School and Homeschooling
From the ages of 3 to 5, both of our children attended all-day Montessori school. We were convinced that the Montessori system is the best path for young kids. It fosters independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning from an early age.
By the time our children reached 5 years old, both jumped ahead and skipped kindergarten due to the head start they received from Montessori education. However, after a few years, our oldest son became disinterested in the slow pace of middle school and decided to drop out, choosing to homeschool instead. Our youngest followed suit, opting to homeschool alongside his brother.
Homeschooling was different and better in many ways. There was less interruption and idle time, allowing the children to cover more material in a single day. They always worked on new and challenging material, which made a huge difference from a regular school environment. Additionally, the lack of rigid schedules allowed for a more fluid and engaging learning experience. After math, for example, a student could practice piano for an hour and then do reading, turning their day into a continuous flow of learning.
Advanced Learning: Community College and BASIS School
Our oldest son, now 14, became eager for more challenging academic work. He decided to take all his classes, four per semester, at a local community college. He even received a counselor dedicated to helping homeschooled students. This experience truly challenged him, and he excelled in advanced writing, sciences, calculus, digital logic, and even built a 4-bit CPU using an FPGA. He also participated in several computer programming contests.
For our youngest son, the path to high school was different. He attended one of the BASIS schools, which are highly structured and rigorous. BASIS only hires teachers with relevant degrees and most of them hold advanced degrees from top universities. Students must master all subjects and pass rigorous finals to advance to the next grade. By 11th grade, our son had passed all AP classes, earning 4s and 5s, and completed graph theory, astrophysics, and research projects. The BASIS program is everything that traditional schools lack.
Transition to Top Universities
Both of our sons, now in their late teens, easily transitioned from high school to top universities. Our oldest graduated with a master's degree at age 21, while our youngest graduated with a bachelor's degree just two months ago at age 20. Both of them had great internships with leading tech companies and accepted excellent job offers early in their senior years.
Our journey with alternative education has been transformative. It has shown us that these unique educational paths are not only possible but can be incredibly effective. Whether through Montessori schooling, homeschooling, community college, or specialty schools like BASIS, the key is finding the right fit for each child.
Conclusion
Alternative education can be a powerful tool for your child's success. By providing them with an environment that fosters independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning, you can prepare them for a bright future. Whether through Montessori, homeschooling, community college, or specialty schools, take the time to explore what works best for your child.