Terminology
Alternative education refers to any type of education outside of the conventional standard, frequently referenced to the public school system, though in some contexts public schools use alternative approaches. Other words used in place of alternative by many educational professionals include non-traditional, non-conventional, or non-standardized, although these terms are used somewhat less frequently and may have negative connotations and multiple meanings. Those involved in forms of education which differ in their educational philosophy (as opposed to their intended pupil base) often use words such as authentic, holistic, and progressive as well. However, these words each have different meanings which are more specific or more ambiguous than the term alternative.
Read more about this topic: Alternative Education