Bespoke education is a truly customized approach to education. The curriculum, the learning material, teaching methods and delivery are specifically and carefully tailored to the needs and goals of the individual learner. As you can imagine, this is a labour intensive process which allows learners to progress at their own pace, accelerated or more gradual, in a way the best suits their needs and interests.

There are several factors that you should consider when deciding if alternative education  is the right option for your child. These may include:

1. Your child’s learning style and needs: Some children may thrive in a more traditional classroom setting, while others may do better in a more personalized or alternative learning environment. Consider whether your child has specific learning needs or preferences that might be better met in an alternative setting.

2. Your child’s interests and goals: Alternative education can often offer a wide range of programs and curricula that are designed to be more focused or specialized. Consider whether your child has specific interests or goals that might be better supported in an alternative learning setting.

3. Your family’s lifestyle and schedule: Alternative learning settings may have different schedules or attendance requirements than traditional schools, which can be a better fit for some families. Consider whether an alternative education schedule and structure would work well with your family’s lifestyle and commitments.

4. Your financial situation. Alternative education may have different tuition costs and financial aid options than traditional schools. Consider whether you can afford to make the financial investment for the tuition for this differentiated setting. Bear in mind that the costs go often go into the staff’s professional development and learner-specific resources that benefit each individual learner rather than large ‘institutional’ premises.

5. The alternative school setting’s reputation and resources: Research the reputation and resources of the alternative education centres you are considering. Consider whether the centre has a good track record of success and whether it has the resources and support to meet your child’s needs. At Imagine If, our most profound factor is that our Founder-Director’s own children benefitted from this kind of education model. You can learn more about this ongoing journey by viewing Pika’s bio and videos of Pika’s kids Ria and Arjun.

6. The staff that you meet are welcoming, willing to listen and well qualified and personally believe in the mission, vision and philosophy of the setting where they work.

It’s important to carefully weigh all of these factors before making a decision about pursuing alternative education.

A sociocratic education is a form of education in which children are given the freedom to pursue their own interests and learn at their own pace, rather than following a predetermined curriculum or schedule.

There are several potential benefits of this kind of education for children:

1. Increased motivation and engagement: When children are allowed to choose what they learn and how they learn it, they may be more motivated and engaged in the learning process.

2. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Self-directed education requires children to take initiative and be proactive in their learning, which can help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Opportunity to learn at their own pace: Children who are allowed to learn at their own pace may be more likely to fully understand and retain what they are learning, as they are not being rushed to meet a predetermined schedule or curriculum.

4. Development of independence and self-direction: Self-directed education can help children develop independence and the ability to take control of their own learning, which can be valuable skills in both education and life.

5. Opportunity to follow their passions and interests: Self-directed education allows children to pursue their passions and interests, which can be highly motivating and is likely to lead to a lifelong love of learning.

Consent-based education at Imagine If is an approach to education that prioritizes the autonomy, agency, and well-being of the learner. It is based on the idea that learners have the right to make informed decisions about their own learning and that they should be treated with respect and dignity in the learning process.

There are several  benefits of consent-based education including:

1. Increased motivation and engagement: When learners are given the opportunity to make decisions about their own learning and are treated with respect, they may be more motivated and engaged in the learning process.

2. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Consent-based education encourages learners to take an active role in their learning, which can help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Opportunity to learn at their own pace: Consent-based education allows learners to learn at their own pace, which can be particularly beneficial for learners who may need more time to fully understand and retain what they are learning.

4. Development of independence and self-direction: Consent-based education can help learners develop independence and the ability to take control of their own learning, which can be valuable skills in both education and life.

5. Opportunity to follow their passions and interests: Consent-based education allows learners to pursue their passions and interests, which can be highly motivating and may lead to a lifelong love of learning.

Overall, a consent-based education at Imagine If can be a highly effective approach to learning that prioritizes the well-being and autonomy of the learner. After all, if our  objective is to ensure mental well-being and develop pro-social citizens, they need to learn in a manner that respects their own learning flowpath.

Sociocracy, also known as dynamic governance, is a decision-making system that emphasizes consent, transparency, and inclusivity. It is based on the idea that all members of a group should have an equal say in decision-making and that decisions should be made through a process of consent, rather than through majority rule or the authority of a single leader.

There are several potential benefits of sociocratic education, which is an educational approach that incorporates the principles of sociocracy that we utilize at Imagine If:

1. Emphasis on collaboration and cooperation: Sociocratic education emphasizes collaboration and cooperation, which can help foster a sense of community and support among learners.

2. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Sociocratic education encourages learners to take an active role in decision-making and to consider the perspectives of others, which can help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Opportunity to learn at their own pace: Sociocratic education allows learners to learn at their own pace and to pursue their own interests, which can be particularly beneficial for learners who may need more time to fully understand and retain what they are learning.

4. Development of independence and self-direction: Sociocratic education can help learners develop independence and the ability to take control of their own learning, which can be valuable skills in both education and life.

5. Opportunity to follow their passions and interests: Sociocratic education allows learners to pursue their passions and interests, which can be highly motivating and may lead to a lifelong love of learning.

Overall, the sociocratic education learners are exposed to at Imagine If can be a highly effective and rewarding approach to learning that emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and the autonomy of the learner. It is a good option for those who are seeking an alternative to traditional schooling and are interested in an approach that emphasizes cooperation and consent.

If your child is unhappy at school but you are hesitant to leave the school system, it is important to take the time to explore your concerns and consider your options. It may be helpful to talk to your child about their feelings about school and to try to understand the root cause of their unhappiness at school. It may also be helpful to talk to a teacher, counselor, or educational advisor to get their perspective on your child’s education and to explore potential solutions. An Imagine If education bridges this gap by providing an experience that still has the structure and routine of ‘going to school’  but is carefully curated in terms of social and educational opportunities.

Here are a few things you can consider if you are considering leaving traditional schooling but are unsure if it is the right fit for your child:

1. Talk to your child about their feelings: Take the time to talk to your child about their feelings about school and to try to understand the root cause of their dislike for school. This can help you identify potential solutions and determine the best approach to education for your child.

2. Explore alternative education options: There are many alternative education options, such as online learning, independent study, and alternative schools, that may be a better fit for your child and Team Imagine If can help you explore these options via personal consultation.

3. Consider your child’s individual needs and preferences: Every child is unique, and it is important to consider your child’s individual needs and preferences when deciding on the best approach to education.

We cannot emphasize how important is is to really take the time to explore your options and to consider your child’s individual needs and preferences when deciding on the best approach to education. With the right resources and support, you can find an education approach that meets your child’s needs and helps them learn and grow in a meaningful and rewarding way. Team Imagine If is available to help you with this decision-making process.

Most parents see their children decompressing after a long work day at school, “recharging their batteries” after a draining day or week (adults do this too!) or ‘zoning out’ on their devices or TV. That doesn’t mean that your child will only play video games when given a fully day of free choice. In fact, it’s amazing to see what children choose when they’re fresh and able to be curious!

​Even if they do play computer games or draw for hours during school, it’s important to remember that your child is always learning. They are constantly absorbing information from the environment around them and the task on which they are focused. There is no way for adults to predict where a child’s interests will lead them (Einstein was made fun of for watching objects float in a bucket of water for hours…).

At Imagine If, we have seen video gaming turn into greater interest in literacy, computer programing, or something unrelated all together. Just because we have been taught to artificially divide activities into “academic” [work] or “non-academic” [non-work] does not mean there is an actual division. Many students may start their time at Imagine If recharging their batteries, but usually find there’s much more to do and explore. We expect students to go through a period of transition from having no say in their education to their newfound responsibility to teach themselves anything they want to learn. This is part of the ‘deschooling’ process. (link to deschooling paragraph above).

Telling your family members that you have decided to follow a different educational path for your child can be a challenging conversation, especially if they are not familiar with anything outside of the societal narrative of school.  or if they have concerns about your decision. Here are a few tips for having this conversation:

1. Explain your reasons: Take the time to explain your and your child’s reasons for wanting your child to leave traditional school. This may include discussing your child’s learning needs, your concerns about the traditional school system, or your desire to provide a more personalized learning environment.

2. Address concerns: It is natural for family members to have concerns about this and it is important to address these concerns openly and honestly. Consider sharing information about the benefits of a bespoke learning environment and the resources and support that are available to them at Imagine If .

3. Involve your child: Involving your child in the decision-making process can help them feel more invested in their education and can help them understand the reasoning behind the decision.

4. Keep an open mind: It is important to be open to the concerns and suggestions of your family members and to be willing to listen to their perspective. This can help foster a sense of cooperation and support as you embark on this new educational journey.

5. Seek support: If you need help having this conversation or if you have concerns about your family’s reaction, consider seeking support from a family friend, a counsellor or a member of Team Imagine If.

Overall, it is important to approach this conversation with openness, honesty, and respect, and to be prepared to address any concerns or questions that your family members may have. With the right approach and support, you can have a productive and positive conversation about your decision to have your child leave traditional school system.

Bespoke education at Imagine If can be structured or unstructured, depending on the needs and goals of the student and the approach taken by the educator.

In some cases, bespoke education may involve a more structured approach, with a clear curriculum, set goals, and a defined timeline for progress. In other cases, it may be more flexible and adaptable, allowing learners to explore their interests and learning at their own pace.

Overall, the structure of bespoke education is highly dependent on the specific needs of the learner. The key is to find the right balance of structure and flexibility that meets the learner’s needs, helps them progress, and achieve success. This is what Team Imagine If helps families achieve.

Imagine If learners can still have opportunities to socialize and learn important social skills through activities such as:

1. Participating in extracurricular activities Imagine If learners have a condensed educational pathway so they have more time to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, music lessons, and clubs, which can provide opportunities to interact with their peers. Indeed many of these opportunities are curated by Team Imagine If educators to occur on our premises or with other professionals vetted byh Team Imagine If to share our values and philosophy in education.
2. Joining an alternative education group: Many Imagine If families belong to alternative learning goups which can provide learners with a chance to interact with other learners pursuing an alternative education and participate in group activities.
3. Volunteering or participating in community service: Imagine If learners can get involved in their community by volunteering or participating in community service projects, which can provide opportunities to interact with a diverse group of people. Team Imagine If can provide ideas about how to arrange this upon request from families.
4. Participating in online communities: There are many online communities for alternative learners, which can provide a way for them to interact with their peers and learn about different topics. Indeed following @imagineifbespoke on social media will connect you quickly with a like-minded community.

It is important for parents and caregivers to be proactive in providing Imagine If learners with opportunities to socialize and interact with others, as socialization is an important aspect of learners’s overall development. However, it is also important to recognize that every child is unique and may have different social needs and preferences, and it is important to consider the individual needs of each child when planning activities and opportunities for socialization. For specific advice on your child, Team Imagine If is happy to engage with you.

At Imagine If children are given the freedom to pursue their own interests and learn at their own pace, rather than following a predetermined curriculum or schedule. This can allow for a great deal of flexibility and creativity in the learning process, and many learners find that this approach helps them to stay motivated and engaged in their learning.

However, it is important to recognize that an Imagine If education  requires a certain level of organization and structure in order to be effective. Our team may need to help learners new to this process and used to the spoon-feeding of tradtional school, to create a schedule or plan for their learning, and they may need help to manage their time effectively in order to make the most of their learning opportunities. Imagine If strives to provide a supportive and resourceful environment, which will help children stay motivated and on track with their learning.

This adaptable and flexible method can be a highly effective and rewarding way to learn, but it is important for parents and caregivers to help to provide children with the resources and support they need to be successful.

Deschooling is the process of transitioning from a traditional schooling environment to a different approach to education, such as an Imagine If education. It is a period of adjustment during which parents, caregivers, and learners can learn about and get used to the new way of learning.

An Imagine If education requires a different mindset and approach to learning than traditional schooling, and deschooling can be an important part of the transition to this new way of learning.

Deschooling can be necessary before embarking on an Imagine If education  for a number of reasons, including:

1. Adjusting to a new way of learning: Transitioning from a traditional schooling environment to a more flexible approach can be a significant change, and it is important for parents, caregivers, and children to take the time to adjust to the new way of learning.
2. Reducing stress and anxiety: The transition to an Imagine If approach can be stressful, and deschooling can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a period of adjustment and exploration.
3. Building trust and communication: Deschooling can be an opportunity for parents, guardians, extended family and caregivers to build trust and communicate with their learner about their learning and what they need to be successful.
4. Exploring interests and passions: Deschooling can provide an opportunity for learners to explore their interests and passions and discover what they are truly passionate about learning.

Overall, deschooling is an important part of the transition to an Imagine If approach, and it can help parents, guardians, caregivers, and learners adjust to the new way of learning and prepare for a successful and rewarding educational journey.

However, it is not necessarily true that the lack of structure and oversight in a non-traditional learning environment, such as homeschooling or unschooling or an Imagine If education, will necessarily lead to a lack of motivation and accountability.

There are many ways that Team Imagine If help parents, caregivers, and learners to create structure and support in a non-traditional learning environment, including:

1. Setting goals and objectives: Setting clear goals and objectives help learners stay motivated and focused on their learning.
2. Establishing a routine: Creating a routine or schedule can provide structure and help learners manage their time effectively.
3. Using resources and tools: There are many resources and tools, such as online learning platforms and educational software, that can help learners stay organized and on track with their learning.
4. Seeking support and guidance: Parents, caregivers, and learners can seek support and guidance from Team Imagine If or other experts to help them stay motivated and accountable in their learning.

Ultimately, the objective of an Imagine If education is to help each learner to stay motivated and accountable in learning by taking the time to find an approach that works for the individual learner and provides the support and structure they need to be successful. This takes patience, committment and a great deal of self-reflection on the part of the family seeking to change their child’s educational trajectory.