Glossary

Alternative schools encompass a range of non-traditional learning environments, including microschools, learning pods, homeschooling, Montessori, and Waldorf schools. These models often prioritize personalization, small group settings, or unique educational philosophies outside the standard public school system.

BIPOC-led education refers to learning environments, programs, or tools created or led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. These initiatives often center diverse perspectives, cultural relevance, and equity-driven approaches to education.

Charter schools are publicly funded but independently run schools that operate under a charter agreement. They often have greater flexibility in curriculum and operations in exchange for increased accountability.

Classical education is an educational approach rooted in the trivium—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—emphasizing critical thinking, moral virtue, and the study of classical texts, often including Latin or Greek.

Competency-based learning focuses on students demonstrating mastery of specific skills or knowledge at their own pace, rather than advancing based on seat time or age.

Democratic and self-directed learning environments give students meaningful control over what, how, and when they learn. These models often include school meetings, student voting, and no fixed curriculum.

Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are state-administered programs that allocate public funds to families to spend on approved education expenses—like private school tuition, tutoring, or homeschooling resources.

Faith-based education refers to schools or programs that integrate religious beliefs, values, and practices into the learning experience. These environments often combine academic instruction with spiritual development, guided by the doctrines of a specific faith tradition.

Gifted and Talented education programs are designed to challenge high-ability learners through accelerated content, enrichment opportunities, and individualized learning paths.

Homeschooling is a parent-led educational model where children are educated outside of traditional school settings, often using a mix of curriculum, online resources, co-ops, or real-world experiences.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized program emphasizing academic rigor, critical thinking, and global citizenship across its Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs.

Learning pods are small groups of students who learn together, often in homes or community spaces, with a shared tutor, rotating parents, or virtual instruction. They gained popularity during the pandemic.

LGBTQ+ inclusive education refers to schools, programs, or tools that actively support and affirm students of all gender identities and sexual orientations. These environments prioritize safety, representation, and belonging for LGBTQ+ learners and families.

A microschool is a small, independent learning environment—often with fewer than 100 students—that blends personalized learning, project-based work, and educator autonomy.

Montessori is a child-centered educational approach that emphasizes independence, hands-on learning, mixed-age classrooms, and self-paced exploration, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.

Outdoor and forest education immerses children in natural settings for extended periods, encouraging environmental stewardship, unstructured play, and experiential learning across seasons.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional method where students explore complex questions or challenges through hands-on projects that foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an early childhood philosophy focused on child-led exploration, creativity, collaboration, and expressive 'languages' like art, music, and storytelling.

School choice refers to policies and programs that allow families to select the best educational setting for their child—whether public, charter, private, virtual, or homeschool—often supported by funding mechanisms like vouchers or ESAs.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, responsible decision-making, and healthy interpersonal skills.

The Socratic Method is a form of dialogue-based instruction that uses open-ended questioning to encourage critical thinking, reflection, and reasoned discussion.

STEM education integrates science, technology, engineering, and math to foster problem-solving, innovation, and real-world application of technical skills.

Unschooling is a learner-driven approach to education where children pursue their interests without a fixed curriculum, often blending real-life experiences, play, and exploration.

Virtual schools deliver instruction online, allowing students to learn from anywhere. They may be public, private, or hybrid models and often include asynchronous or live classes.

Waldorf education, based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, emphasizes imagination, the arts, nature, and holistic development across academic, emotional, and physical domains.