Growing up, you likely knew of only one kind of education: traditional. Since then, pedagogical approaches have expanded from the conventional teacher-led setup to more progressive forms. But even progressive education has its nuances, with Montessori and Waldorf being two of the more popular philosophies. And then there are newer schools offering a mix of different approaches. Confusing? Take this quick quiz to explore your options.

1. Your kid asks you how rainbows are formed. How do you answer?

a.    I think back to my school days and serve up a scientific answer.

b.    I help her figure out how to use the microphone on my phone so she can find the answer herself.

c.    We head outdoors and use our imaginations to dream up rainbow origin stories. She’s a bit too young for science.

2. You and your child are at a children’s party. How does your child behave?

a.    She is comfortable sitting in the kids’ area, even with children she’s never met before.

b.    She tries to help her little brother join the games.

c.    She sticks to one or two of my friends’ kids who are her age.

3. You have a free afternoon with your child. How do you spend this time?

a.    We go through flash cards so she can learn her numbers and letters early.

b.    I ask her which chores she’d like to help me with: cooking, sweeping, or folding clothes.

c.    I give her a box of toys, sit back, and watch her create her own make-believe world.

 4. You give your child 10 minutes to use a tablet. What does she do with it?

a.    She watches some educational videos on YouTube Kids.

b.    She opens an app where she can trace letters.

c.    She’s actually not allowed to use a tablet.

5. What kind of extra-curriculars do you want to enroll her in?

a.    Swimming—I would be thrilled to see her win a medal!

b.    Whatever she’s interested in

c.    Music lessons or theater class (and preferably something that allows me to be a stage mom!)

Mostly As: Traditional school

This is most likely the kind of school you went to. The conventional system is teacher-centered and is heavy on rote memorization. The usual classroom setup is a teacher lecturing in front, with kids listening, reciting, and taking notes. Students need to pass standardized tests, and honors are given to top performers, which means the environment can be competitive. Class sizes are generally large, and students have no choice but to keep up with the pace of the class. 

Mostly Bs: Montessori school

A child-centered form of education, the goal of Montessori is to foster independence. Classes normally include children in a range of ages (3-6, 6-9, 9-12). Teachers are there to guide, and classrooms are divided into areas where kids can hone different skills at their own pace: practical life skills, sensory, and language and mathematics. They have the freedom to choose whatever activity captures their interest, and are given uninterrupted work time. One caveat: Founder Maria Montessori did not trademark the term “Montessori,” so schools can just use the name without strictly following the approach. You might want to consider schools that have been accredited by international Montessori organizations.

Mostly Cs: Waldorf school

One of Waldorf’s marked characteristics is that it discourages exposing kids to media influences (so no tablets and TV!) as they are believed to hamper cognitive and social development. The Waldorf philosophy is all about educating the child through the “heart, hands, and head.” There is a big focus on imaginary play, so music, theater, and dance are a large part of students’ lives; the usual academic subjects like reading, math, and science are introduced later on. While it is also a progressive form of education like Montessori, Waldorf groups children according to their age and provides more opportunities for outdoor learning. Parents are also expected to play an integral part in their children’s education, working closely with the school.

Mix of As, Bs, and Cs: Eclectic

An emerging system, eclectic education takes elements of progressive and traditional systems. This may mean a more holistic, child-centric approach that fosters independence, while providing structure through more conventional tools like worksheets and homework.

When it comes to your child’s education, it’s important to do your research and be prepared. After all, she’ll be going to school for the next 18 or so years. So read up on the different educational philosophies, go on a school tour, and have your child sit in at classes to see what she responds to. You can also start coming up with a financial plan to cover your child’s schooling, as this is one of your biggest financial commitments. AXA Philippines offers two educational plans to ensure your child’s future: a specially designed investment plan that provides a yearly college fund, a graduation gift, and guaranteed contingency fund; and a simple and affordable plan that offers a guaranteed fund for your child’s future education. Visit http://po.st/AXAEducation for more details.