So your teen says they don't want to go to a regular high school anymore. All of his/her friends are going to an alternative school and they say it's much better. What should you be thinking about as a parent when faced with this decision?
First of all, you should probably consider the facts. How is your son or daughter doing at the regular high school? Are they attending? Have they had enough time to really get connected? Have you as a parent made your best effort to get involved and find someone who is supportive at the school?
If you feel you have made all of the attempts to utilize the resources in the regular high school, then you might want to consider an alternative school. Visit the school and check it out before you make a decision. Many parents have misconceptions of what an alternative school is because we think of the schools that were called "alternative" from our days. Today's alternative schools are What will the alternative school have that is different?
Most will offer a smaller campus environment. Some young people (and old for that matter) really thrive in a smaller environment. Youth will not be able to "fall through the cracks" in a small environment. Staff at the alternative schools make an extra effort to get to know their students and to individualize their instruction. The other benefits of an alternative school include extra support for students with personal challenges. Some campuses have on-site sober support groups and counselors, some have child care facilities, many have the ability to adjust school schedules to fit the needs of students who are working full time or need to get caught up in credit.
First of all, you should probably consider the facts. How is your son or daughter doing at the regular high school? Are they attending? Have they had enough time to really get connected? Have you as a parent made your best effort to get involved and find someone who is supportive at the school?
If you feel you have made all of the attempts to utilize the resources in the regular high school, then you might want to consider an alternative school. Visit the school and check it out before you make a decision. Many parents have misconceptions of what an alternative school is because we think of the schools that were called "alternative" from our days. Today's alternative schools are What will the alternative school have that is different?
Most will offer a smaller campus environment. Some young people (and old for that matter) really thrive in a smaller environment. Youth will not be able to "fall through the cracks" in a small environment. Staff at the alternative schools make an extra effort to get to know their students and to individualize their instruction. The other benefits of an alternative school include extra support for students with personal challenges. Some campuses have on-site sober support groups and counselors, some have child care facilities, many have the ability to adjust school schedules to fit the needs of students who are working full time or need to get caught up in credit.
While alternative schools still must adhere to the same discipline and educational standards as the other schools in the district, they may be more creative in the delivery options. This works well for some students. It will be up to you and your child to determine whether an alternative school is the best fit for your situation. Remember there are tons of options these days to get an education. I strongly encourage you to check out all of your options before deciding.
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