Weirdest schools that actually exist.
When you say “school” to someone they usually think of the typical norm like backpacks, classrooms filled with florescent lighting, desks or lecture halls. But there are hundreds of different ways to get an education and a million things worth studying that you aren’t going to find in your typical standardised testing curriculum.
To open your eyes and your mind a little bit we have listed some of the top unique schools in the world, from unusual and innovative environments to surprising curriculum content.
1. The Grey school of Wizardry
“It's leviOsa, not levioSA!” Focusing on classical education, this non-religious, non-profit school gives you the chance to earn a magical, classical education. They offer 16 departments, and four that students under 18 are sorted into: Sylphs, Salamanders, Undines, or Gnomes. At Grey school, you can learn anything from Alchemy, Wort Cunning, and Magical Practice to Natural Philosophy, Lore and more. Now if your dream is to become a real-life version of Harry Potter, then the Grey School has the knowledge you seek!
2. The Brooklyn Free School
A school for freedom itself! This private school, decided that freedom is more important than the state testing curriculum. It allows the children of the school to make the rules, and guide their own learning experience. Here they can choose their own classes, with the guidance of teachers, their peers, and the community as a whole. They’re a part of something called the Democratic Free School movement, which is truly inspiring!
3. Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service
Studying for a future job where people are dying to see you! This school is exactly what it sounds like. This college caters to those students who wish to have a career in the funeral business. They do follow the basic state testing curriculum classes such as math and history, but they do specialise in courses revolving around the end-of-life services, from Principles of Embalming to Mortuary Law and Ethics. These students are dedicating their lives to help others deal with one of the most difficult things we all experience, the passing of a loved one.
4. Deep Springs College
If you like the outdoors this might seem like an appealing college to be in. Located in Dyer, California, students are responsible for running the ranch which includes milking cows, herding cows, and other cow and ranch related things in addition to classes. The idea is that manual labour and thoughtful political discourse are an important part of a liberal arts degree. To that end, Deep Springs ensures that their student body receives plenty of both!
5. Hamburger University
Although the name might be deceiving, it’s not completely what you might think it is! Hamburger University is a real thing, but sadly, it doesn’t teach you how to make perfect hamburgers. It does however teach you the ins and outs of McDonald’s restaurant management. Founded in 1971, over 80,000 McDonald’s managers, owner/operators have graduated from Hamburger University.
6. Maharishi University of Management
A stress-free environment! This university teaches life management, as they believe that all aspects of our lives require management. Here they practice Consciousness-Based learning, and only take one course per month to minimise stress. In addition, all faculty and students are required to participate in daily meditation to develop their consciousness as they believe that practicing transcendental meditation leads to increased intelligence and improved health.
Although all schools focus on education, teaching, and learning, each example of the schools above shows a different aspect of the educational system, and are all valuable in their own way!