Amanda Cavallari
Learning Outside
As families seek more flexible
the Box:
approaches to educating their kids, alternatives to traditional schooling have become more popular. From modernday homeschooling to worldschooling, these options offer tailored experiences that prioritize a child’s learning style, pace and special interests. Alternatives to traditional classrooms can also offer individualized attention, emotional support and access to more hands-on learning experiences. By opting for an alternative learning approach, a family can foster their child’s creativity and curiosity by adapting their education format to better fit their lifestyle and values, exactly how they see fit. Here is a variety of education options to fit your family, some of which fall under the homeschooling umbrella.
Education options
Microschool Charter Schools Cost: Free Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate independently from a traditional school district, but are required to follow state laws and academic standards. More flexibility often means more innovative teaching methods. Programs may be in person, virtual or hybrid.
16 • SanDiegofamily.com • August 2025
Photo courtesy of Marisa Donnelly
to fit your family
Charter schools offer a level of personalization that benefits all students. Instead of cutting enrichment experiences like art, music, physical education, and project-based learning, charter schools often embrace and prioritize these opportunities, helping students develop holistically—not just academically. ~Stacy Maxon, parent
Clairemont Mesa parent Stacy Maxon chose to enroll her child in a charter school because she wanted a more individualized program to fit her son’s unique learning style. “My child’s favorite thing is being involved in the planning of his learning,” says Maxon. “It allows him to feel empowered and excited about his education, and helps me know what he’s interested in.” According to Maxon, charter school educators focus on the whole child (not just test scores), creating an environment where students can thrive.
Microschools Cost: Varies When the pandemic hit, Marisa Donnelly of Bay Park didn’t want her stepson to miss out on a formal education, so she opened a