"Is a public school the right option for my child?" This is a question that many parents have asked themselves. Most of them share similar concerns: overcrowded classrooms, uneven standards, limited resources. And their worries are absolutely valid. As a result, these families feel encouraged to seek out alternatives to traditional education.
There are several reasons for this trend.
Despite the fact that every child is different, traditional classes frequently treat children as though they all learn in the same way. This desire for personalized support is one of the biggest reasons parents start searching for other choices. The best case scenario is an environment where teachers support personal strengths and weaknesses, encourage curiosity and give valuable feedback.
Parents want to know: Is my child safe? Is the curriculum strong enough? Will a school nurture good study habits? If their questions go unanswered, it’s a signal for families to start looking into schools or programs that meet their expectations.
So what actually counts as an “alternative”? Generally, these programs offer:
Some children learn better in structured environments; others — when they’re given more freedom and creativity. Families with kids who have advanced abilities, anxiety, learning differences, or strong interests would prefer customized learning paths.
Before we answer this question, let’s mention that this trend of looking toward private schools instead of public institutions is all over the world. And if you’re considering private schools in Moscow (Russia), have a look at the British International school in Moscow. The school offers an internationally recognised programme based on the National English Curriculum.
Private schools tend to be free to hire specialised teachers, broaden their curricula, and establish comfortable, relaxing, and intellectually challenging learning places.
Many private schools offer programmes to prepare students for admission into universities abroad. One example is the A-Level programme, widely recognised by global universities in the UK, USA, Europe and other countries.
Smaller groups mean more time for each child to get feedback and help from teachers.
For children who love technology, math, robotics, or science, STEM programs provide hands-on labs and project-based learning.
You can ask questions like:
You can also check the school classes and ask about teachers’ qualifications.
Charter schools offer public funding but operate independently, giving them more freedom to innovate.
It’s a good match for families interested in developing a child’s abilities in painting, coding, or speaking new languages. However, most private schools, such as the British International school, have a wide range of extracurricular activities and school clubs (3D modelling, sports clubs, painting, drama, mental arithmetic and others).
If your child learns best when moving at their own speed or if your family travels often, homeschooling can be beneficial for you. There are also a lot of online programmes available with certified teachers, structured lessons and their own online student communities. All home tasks are checked online, so parents feel supported and not overwhelmed.
Let’s analyse a quick overview of each of these educational philosophies:
Montessori schools: A child-led environment. Independent learning and autonomy. Students work independently or in small groups, using specialized materials. Teachers act as observers and guides.
Waldorf schools: Harmonious development of the child's physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Interest-based activities. Absence of early academic pressure. Students participate in the arts, handicrafts, music, and movement. Academic subjects are introduced later than in traditional schools.
Reggio Emilia schools: The child as an active participant in their own learning. The environment as a "third teacher." Documentation and reflection on the learning process. Teachers listen and observe children to understand their interests, then develop projects and lessons based on these interests.
A child is the main focus within the educational organization and all these three systems take a holistic approach into account their interests and differences. They encourage the child's active participation in the learning process. This is a way to build a sense of self-efficacy in the child and get them ready for their future.
Montessori is all about autonomy and independence, often within an accredited program; meanwhile Waldorf focuses on creativity and harmonious development; and Reggio Emilia supports exploration and reflection through formative tests rather than standardized exams. Many parents see these approaches as good alternatives and tend to withdraw their children from standard public school programs.
However, it’s important to remember that any transition to another educational system requires a period of adjustment for both the child and parents. So it would be a wise decision to check if any support services are available within the school before transferring your kid.
Every year, more families realise that education can be flexible and deeply personalized. And that's a significant change. Children who learn in environments that respect their pace, nurture their strengths, and support their emotional world often grow into confident, motivated young adults. Isn't that what all parents wish for?
If you’re considering unschooling or switching to one of the many alternatives or microschools, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
Be open with your child and give themselves time to think of and adjust to a new school or learning model. You know your child better than anyone else. If something feels right, explore it. If not, keep searching.