A brief biographical account of the life of Elizabeth Byrne Ferm and her work in the Modern School Movement describes her early life; her educational training based on Froebel's ideas; and her development of "free" kindergartens, particularly at the Modern School at Stelton, New Jersey. (SAS)

Ron Miller, founder of the journal "Holistic Education Review," discusses his intellectual background in humanistic psychology and historical studies, definition of holism in education, the holistic approach as an answer to the reductionist and fragmented modern era, founding of the journal as a form of activism, and the incremental nature of…

East Hill Farm and School is a K-6 school with 12 students, 4 teachers, and intensive parent involvement. Teachers and parents believe that learning is built upon the experience and expression of feelings as well as the mastery of skills. Entries from a teacher's journal describe events and activities. (SV)

Jon Scott, former department chair at the State University of New York at Albany, discusses his early education in the Modern School Movement, transition to public school, college experience, and opinions on the deficiencies of higher education. (SAS)

Various forms of alternative education include elements that are incompatible with each other; alternative educators must clarify their principles and follow their own paths. For example, Kinokuni Children's Village (Japan) is a "free school" that has blended elements of the philosophies of Neill, Dewey, and its founder Hori. (SV)

A teacher at a nontraditional school describes how a 12-year-old boy with a background of personal loss and school failure was helped to find his way by an apprenticeship experience in which he reconstructed his school desk. The pivotal contribution came from the boy's mentor, while the school's contribution lay in what it didn't do. (SV)

Published in 1949, chapter 1 of a book by the Stelton Modern School's coprincipal discusses the natural self-directed development of creativity and intellect in children. This process is thwarted and wasted by conventional schooling's emphasis on conformity, discipline, and uniform structured activities that have no relevance to the individual…

The two issues of the journal SKOLE for 1994 contain original articles and reprints about small alternative schools, home schooling, the contradictions and deficiencies of public education, and educational innovations. Major articles include: (1) "Reunion" (about Rockland Project School, New York) (Alice Gerard); (2) "Children's…

A former student from the Arthur Morgan School, a residential school in rural North Carolina, reminiscences about an adventure that he instigated while attending junior high. Years later, a teacher who witnessed the incident shared his pleasure on finding that students were not being mischievous as expected, but instead, finishing work that should…

A comparison of the philosophies and pedagogies of Waldorf and Montessori schools points out that no single educational perspective can encompass all possibilities of human growth. Educators should attend to the "seed qualities" of alternative educational philosophies rather than their dogmas. A caring relationship between teachers and students is…

Addresses similarities and differences in educational philosophy and practice among alternative schools such as the Free School (Albany, New York) and Summerhill (England). Discusses philosophies of Summerhill's founder A. S. Neill and his belief that children should be loved and accepted and allowed to participate within the school's power…

Developed for poor students in England during the 19th century, the Lancaster system was cost effective and was based on the "monitorial" concept giving students responsibility for their learning and emphasizing entrepreneurship. In 1805, the Lancaster system came to the United States, but it quickly ended when it came under state…

Parents who are considering homeschooling their children should examine whether they are willing to engage in child-led learning, possess genuine humility and compassion, have the inner security to teach others freely, are themselves willing to learn, and possess patience. Discusses the rationale for and implications of homeschooling. (LP)

The four issues of "SKOLE" published in 1996 include articles about alternatives to public education, the value of free schools and home-schooling, and children's learning experiences. Feature articles include profiles of alternative schools and educational programs; descriptions of learning experiences and teaching practices; a study of full…

For 11 years, a private school operated out of a rented house has offered homeschoolers, charter- and public-school students, families, preschoolers, community activists, college students, apprentices, and educators programs that reflect the homeschooling lifestyle and incorporate feminine-based education. Describes the school's structure,…