Alternative schools suspected of sectarian aberrations

Montessori, Dalton, Freinet, names that make many parents dream. Faced with a school system that is sometimes perceived as inflexible and oppressive, the so-called alternative schools are becoming increasingly popular and, with them, more respect for the well-being and rhythm of the child.

The project is attractive (and often expensive) and in theory it is also very supervised: all out-of-contract schools must follow national teaching guidelines.

More and more schools without a contract

Contractless schools are attracting more and more parents. There are more than 1,700 in France and new ones open every year. These include religious schools, bilingual schools but also many so-called alternative schools, such as those inspired by the work of Maria Montessori.

These schools are free to apply their own teaching method, but must follow the same curriculum and address the same topics as traditional schools. While the overwhelming majority of these schools are bona fide and offer compliant education, the institutes’ intentions are not always verified in advance, as the CNAL (National Committee for Secular Action) secretary general deplores.

Steiner-Waldorf schools in the sights of Miviludes

A report by Miviludes published on November 2 warned against the Steiner-Waldorf institutions, and more generally against the movement founded by the philosopher Rudolf Steiner, denouncing an “opaque” operation. This movement, anthroposophy, primarily supports personal development, art and nature. Very attractive at first sight, this movement could take on a sectarian character, and encourage dangerous and xenophobic behavior.

The philosophy of the Steiner-Waldorf schools has been regularly highlighted in the media for several years. However, there are twenty-one in France and dozens of others are more or less freely inspired by their method.