Mainstream school can work well for many children.
But some children need a different pace, smaller environment, more flexibility, more challenge, less sensory load, or more individual attention.
Choosing an alternative doesn't mean something is wrong. It may simply mean your child needs something different.
Families looking for alternatives to mainstream school in Wellington have more options than they may realise.These can include small independent schools, homeschooling, one day a week programmes, hybrid and distance programmes.
Before changing schools these questions can be helpful in finding a good fit.
Is the issue values, academic, social, sensory, behavioural, emotional, or a combination?
Does the child need more challenge or more support?
Would a smaller group help?
Does the child need more movement or hands-on learning?
How much flexibility does our family need?
Does the parent want to take responsibility for teaching at home?
How important are regular peer relationships and an in-person community?
Small Schools
Most Wellington schools have multiple classrooms of tamariki. This can offer a large number of peers, many cultural and sports opportunities.
Small schools, sometimes known as microschools can offer an alternative home away from home. With a small group of peers children don’t have to get to know a new system and group of people each year. The teacher has a high knowledge of each child, the environment is quieter and children get used to the same group of peers.
Small schools may offer fewer same-age peers, specialist facilities or large-team sports opportunities, so families need to consider which features matter most for their child.
Alternatives to Mainstream
Montessori
Individual pacing
Mixed ages
Hands-on materials
long work periods
explicit lessons plus independent practice
strong literacy/maths alongside cultural subjects
independence and responsibility
Montessori can suit families who want a structured school environment but more flexibility in how and when children learn. Children receive explicit lessons and are expected to make academic progress, while having greater opportunity to work at their own level and explore subjects deeply.
Porirua Montessori is a small school in a homelike environment which caters for children aged 5-13 from across the Porirua , Hutt Valley and North Wellington.
Home Ed
Home Education allows you to tailor a learning journey for your own child. As the home educator you develop the curriculum and source the materials.
The parent workload can be quite high
Whānau who homeschool source social and community events that meet their needs. There are a wide range of opportunities.
For children of compulsory school age, 6+, parents generally need to apply to the Ministry of Education for an exemption from enrolment at a registered school before home educating.
There are several Facebook groups to connect with which can offer opportunities for social and connection events.
Options include:
Hybrid and
Distance
Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is New Zealand's state distance-education provider. Some students qualify for government-funded enrolment under Ministry of Education criteria, while fee-paying options may also be available. Te Kura provides the learning programme and teacher support remotely. Te Kura is not homeschooling.
Porirua Montessori offers both a fully online/distance option and a hybrid option as well, with a small roll your child will not be lost in the system and the learning can be tailored to them.
One Day School
Nature School
There are many nature school options in the wider Wellington area. Children attend one day a week and spend time outdoors in a range of activities often fully student led.
Options include:
Earth School - Upper Hutt
Bush Sprouts - Porirua
Other options
Porirua Montessori offers a one day option where children can attend one day a week. They can do this if enrolled full time in a mainstream or if homeschooled. If enrolled in a mainstream school the school will need to give permission.
How to compare schools/options
Think about what you and your child need and what would help them thrive.
A checklist to help you when considering alternative options for schooling.
What is the class/group size? Do we want a big or small group?
What is access to the teacher like?
Do the academic expectations align with ours?
What flexibility is there in how learning is delivered?
What is the behaviour approach? Does it align with our own?
How much screen use is involved, and does that suit our family?
What are the outdoor movement opportunities?
What is the curriculum breadth?
What support is there for transitions?
What is the cost?
Does this option work with our work commitments?
What expectations does the schooling option have of us?
How far are we comfortable travelling for the school or homeschooling activities or the nature school?
Which option might suit us?
Want school but smaller/more individualised → Full-Time Montessori
Want part home/part school → Hybrid
Already homeschooling or considering homeschooling but want community/support → One Day
Need learning from home → Online
Want time outdoors → Nature School One Day Options
Want full parental control → Home education (requires exemption from the Ministry of Education)
Get In Touch
Not sure which option is right?
You're welcome to talk it through with us. Our Principal has firsthand experience across Montessori, mainstream schooling and home education, as well as experience navigating alternative learning options as a parent. There is no pressure to enrol — sometimes it simply helps to talk through what your child needs.