When you think of a school, you might imagine standard classrooms filled with desks and chairs, whiteboards, books, tests, homework, and exams. However, several schools around the world do not match that description, as they approach education differently. Here, we will discuss 6 schools that offer a surprisingly unique way of teaching students.
1. Dongzhong Mid-Cave Primary School, China
In the stunning lands of China, there is a cave that is used by schoolchildren. This school is called Dongzhong Mid-Cave Primary School, and it is located within a natural limestone cave in Miao village. In 1984, there was a lack of government funding for a traditional school building in the mountainous village, leading to the establishment of Dongzhong Mid-Cave Primary School, which means “In Cave.” Students from the area would travel several hours to attend this school. The school taught children for 23 years before it was closed in 2007.
2. Floating Schools, Bangladesh
Also on the list of the most unusual schools in the world are the floating schools in Bangladesh. Bangladesh uniquely created floating schools as a solution to being a flood-prone location. Schools frequently closed due to floods in the area, resulting in the nonprofit organisation Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha suggesting that students be taught on boats. What is even more fascinating is that the boats are fully equipped with several necessities that a school would have, including computers, internet access, and small libraries. These classroom boats are powered by solar panels, and whenever there are flooding incidents, they pick up students from docks and riversides.
3. West Philadelphia School of the Future, USA
In the United States, Philadelphia boasts a completely digital school, breaking away from traditional ways of learning. This establishment is called the “School of the Future,” established in 2006. Instead of struggling with books, students at this school take pleasure in utilising the computers, where all of their lessons are conducted. As a testament to the school’s desire to progress toward the future, they also boast smartboards in every classroom and digital lockers that are accessible through ID cards.
4. Abo Elementary School, USA
Next on the list of the lists of the most unusual schools in the world is an underground school called Abo Elementary. Abo Elementary was built in Artesia, New Mexico, during the Cold War as a dual-purpose educational facility and nuclear fallout shelter. The school provided a safe haven for locals who feared nuclear conflict. The school features a mortuary, a well, ventilation systems to withstand a potential 20-megaton blast, thick steel doors, ample storage for food and medicine, and decontamination showers.
5. Platform Schools, India
There are railway platform schools in India, providing free education to children from impoverished backgrounds. These schools are located directly on the train station platforms, which makes it easier for students to access, as the students often live near train stations. These schools were established after a teacher from Orissa, Inderjit Khurana, initiated the concept to help children who could not access traditional schools. These schools deliver their lessons in several ways, including songs, storytelling, and group activities.
6. Witch School, USA
Lastly on the list of the most unusual schools in the world is a school of magic called Witch School in Salem, which is located in Massachusetts. The school covers all things witchcraft and Wicca, which reflects the rich history of witchcraft in the city that dates back to the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. Witch School was originally established in Chicago but later relocated, and it offers online and in-person lessons that touch on topics such as spell casting and herbalism.
Conclusion
These schools, some of which are no longer in operation, reflect the diversity and adaptability of education around the world. These schools challenge the traditional concept of schools and offer a creative way of approaching education, which shows that through resilience, education is accessible to everyone, no matter the location or situation. They also not only provide literary knowledge to students but also teach them about innovation.
