SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) - All you have to do is give Michele Scott the opportunity and she'll tell you all about Hilltop Montessori School. She's executive director.

"As a private school we are independent and we are free to teach the children in the way that we see fit," she said.

For the school that means thinking outside the box and for the most part ditching desks in favor of mats on the floor.

"We also offer individualized curriculum based on each child's ability. The teachers have freedom to tailor education for each individual child," Scott continued.

Despite the best efforts of of public school teachers, she says that's something lacking in the public school system. That's why she says her school stays full. She says parents are looking for an alternative. For her, it's much like the alternative Governor Bentley is pitching with charter schools.

"Charter schools don't work and they cost too much," Lance Hyche with the Alabama Education Association said.

The powerful AEA is not a fan of the governor's idea. They've dedicated the front page of their website to fighting it. On the site they detail what they call untested and unaccountable schools.

"They don't have to have certified teachers, they have plenty of money. Why not give traditional public schools the money we need to be successful and we'll have better proven results," Hyche said.

The governor says the proposal is about offering parents a choice. He plans to push it hard this legislative session.

"I think some of the already established private schools see this as an opportunity to get more private school dollars," Hyche continued.

"We're not here for the money. The school was built for the children," Michele Scott said.

What's best for those children at the center of a big battle.