FAQ

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1 : What is Alternative Learning?

Alternative Learning is a beautiful concept where there is an amalgamation of all learning methodologies and pedagogies. In Alternative Learning, the mode of instruction or guidance is not limited to the classrooms or to the traditional methods of teaching.

2 : Who is Alternative Learning for?

Any child who is willing to take a non-conventional route or study out of school.

3 : At what age can we begin with home-schooling?

It can start at any age at home, provided the child understands basic words and instructions.

4 : Can a child go back to normal school after being in alternate school?

Yes, a child can go back to a regular school anytime. However, please note, since we are not a registered school, nor do we claim to be one, we  CANNOT and DO NOT  provide school leaving certificates or any other documents (such as Transfer Certificates or Leaving Certificates) that we are not authorized to issue. Remember, homeschooling your children is a personal choice. Please ensure to review all the options carefully.

5 : Is there a certificate we get?

It’s a personal choice. Typically, most Open Learners choose not to appear for any exams or opt only for 10th and 12th-grade exams during their journey. At the 10th and 12th-grade levels, they can take formal exams based on the boards they have chosen. While Sandbox provides certificates for all internal exams and competitions, we DO NOT and CANNOT provide certificates that can be used as legal or mandatory documents required by schools.

6 : What is the board we follow at Sandbox?

Please remember and note that Sandbox is NOT a school. Sandbox is an open learning center; however, we offer options for NIOS and IGCSE at grade levels.

7 : How can SandBox help with Home-schooling?

We are like a one stop solution for all the open schooling families. We have parent handholding sessions, regular home-schooling co -ops, tutoring and mentoring facilities and career guidance too.

8 : What about practical exams?

We have labs which will help the kids practice the experiments as and when required. Physical access to the labs is provided on need basis. Lab Materials are provided to the students.

9 : Do we have face to face classes or are they pre-recorded?

We believe in student-centric approach and hence we have online classes where the teacher takes live sessions. None of our sessions are recorded. All are face to face classes.

10 : What about the curriculum or books?

We design our own curriculum and books and take pride in being a bookless school. However, if parents find or wish to choose age and grade appropriate reference books for their children, they are free to do so. We provide notes, worksheets, and other necessary materials to support their learning journey.

11 : Is SandBox affiliated to any board?

No, it is an open board. As we mentioned earlier, Sandbox is not a school. It’s an alternative learning space for children who opt for such methodology by choice or for personal reasons. However, we mentor students for IGCSE and NIOS boards.

12 : What is Home-Schooling?

Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents or guardians choose to educate their children at home rather than sending them to a traditional school. It involves designing a personalized curriculum tailored to the child’s needs and interests, often using a variety of resources and teaching methods. Homeschooling allows for flexibility in scheduling and promotes individualized learning experiences outside of a traditional classroom setting.

13 : How are the social needs of the child met during home-schooling?

During homeschooling, social needs can be met through various avenues such as involvement in community activities, sports clubs, volunteer opportunities, and co-op classes with other homeschoolers. Additionally, joining homeschooling support groups, participating in group field trips, and engaging in extracurricular activities like music lessons or scouting can provide opportunities for social interaction and skill development. Parents can also arrange playdates, organize group projects, or enroll their child in local classes to foster social connections and interpersonal skills. Sandbox regularly conducts and arranges such get-togethers and events. 

14 : What are the timings?

We usually meet from 10am till 12am Monday to Friday for lower grades. However for higher grades we meet from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

15:What subjects do you offer?

Our curriculum covers a wide range of age-appropriate subjects, utilizing Phenomenon-Based Learning (PhBL) to teach thematically and ensure comprehensive subject coverage. While subject selection may vary based on logistical or academic factors, we have integrated cutting-edge topics like Global Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Wellbeing, and Sustainability to enrich the learning experience.

16 : How is the payment schedule?

Certainly:

We prioritize transparency and honesty in our approach and do not intend to hold you to ransom by demanding full fees upfront. Understanding that parents may require sufficient time to fully comprehend and witness the effectiveness of our system, we offer payment schedules on a **quarterly** and **annual** basis. This allows for a period of 90-100 days, ensuring ample opportunity to evaluate the results and benefits of our educational approach.

17 : Can we change the subject midterm?

There is flexibility to change subjects mid-term, provided there is sufficient time to complete the syllabus of the new subject. However, this option is available only once during the entire academic year. If there isn’t adequate time to complete the syllabus, additional teaching hours may be necessary, potentially affecting the fees. It’s important to note that this decision rests solely with the parents. While Sandbox will provide full support, the responsibility for any incomplete parts of the syllabus remains with the parents.

18 :The “S” word?

Socializing, often colloquially referred to as the ‘S’ word, cannot be artificially manufactured in a controlled environment. In essence, socialization is not solely the responsibility of teachers, peers, or school staff. Rather, it is a collective effort that involves parents, grandparents, relatives, and society at large. While the school can facilitate social interactions and provide opportunities for networking, the foundation of socialization lies within the broader community and family units. This holistic approach ensures that children receive diverse social experiences and develop essential interpersonal skills beyond the classroom. We are open to discussing and exploring this concept further to ensure the best social development for our students.

19: Will I be able to Home-school?

Absolutely! Emphatically, yes! While the initial stages may present challenges, the journey is profoundly meaningful and entirely worthwhile. Feel free to engage with us to gain insight into our personal experiences, and we encourage you to connect with other parents to gauge what lies ahead. However, it’s essential to recognize that each journey is unique, and your experience may vary.

20: What are the career options for Alternative Education students?

Short Answer – A LOT! We will have to discuss this in person to understand the nuances of career and the options available. Just understand, since Alternative Education does not believe in “restriction”, so options are endless.

21 : It’s still a new concept in India, how can you claim this is a proven methodology?

Indeed, the landscape of homeschooling has evolved significantly over the past decade, experiencing remarkable growth and expansion within the community. We invite you to engage with us to gain insights into the astounding progress and rapid development within the homeschooling movement. Moreover, our credibility in making this claim stems from our active practice of homeschooling, as our son has been exclusively homeschooled throughout his educational journey.

22 : What about life after Covid-19? What if the in-person classes start?

We are working on creating Alternative Learning space for the children. Please keep visiting the website for updates.