Looking for nontraditional schools - HS student struggling in public school

[Anonymous]

Hello! Sorry if this isn’t the right place, I’m new here. I’m not a parent, but I’ve had a hard time finding answers online, so I thought I’d ask people who might have HS age kids.

I’m currently a junior in high school (FCPS), and I’ve been struggling with the traditional public school environment because of ongoing, severe anxiety and mental health challenges (I won’t go into too much detail). I did well academically last year, but it was really difficult for me, and I think I might do better in non-traditional / alternative school.

My biggest worry is ending up somewhere that isn’t challenging enough. My freshman year, I attended a temporary alternative program where my classes were very dumbed down, and I didn’t enjoy it. At my current school, I take AP and honors classes and do very well when I’m able to attend consistently.

I’m hoping to get some recommendations for alternative schools or programs that might be a better fit. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Do you need to be in person if not Stanford online high school?

[Anonymous]

I’d really like to stay in-person, but thank you for the recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Have you looked into the Howard Gardner School?

https://www.thehowardgardnerschool.com/

[Anonymous]

You can take the GRE and go to community college. Or see if you can layer on credits and graduate early.

We have looked into a lot of programs for our son, and most of the “alternative” ones are not super rigorous. But if you are self-motivated and can be flexible, maybe it would be better. Those schools include Nora, Parkmont, and Templeton.

I’m wondering though if better support and coaching from a therapist might help you cope where you are?

[Anonymous]

Yeah, the first two aren’t really an option for me because of my parent’s expectations.

Honestly, I think I’ll just have to accept the fact that I won’t get an education that’s super rigorous if I decide to transfer. But I’d rather do take easier classes than struggle a lot in my current school. I’ll look into the ones you mentioned.

[Anonymous]

Oh yeah and I do have a therapist! But she’s only looked into fully online school which I really don’t want to do.

[Anonymous]

Have you checked out the New School? Sounds like it might be a fit.

[Anonymous]

Try the Special Needs forum of DCUM.

[Anonymous]

New School for sure. Or Howard Gardner, Commonwealth Academy, or Sycamore. Maybe Fusion or Linden too.

Each of these schools has their own “thing” depending on what you need most.

[Anonymous]

GW Community School is worth looking at.

https://www.gwcommunityschool.com/

[Anonymous]

Look at Templeton Academy or Fusion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, the first two aren’t really an option for me because of my parent’s expectations.

Honestly, I think I’ll just have to accept the fact that I won’t get an education that’s super rigorous if I decide to transfer. But I’d rather do take easier classes than struggle a lot in my current school. I’ll look into the ones you mentioned.

Ok. Is there a therapist or trusted adult you can talk to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, the first two aren’t really an option for me because of my parent’s expectations.

Honestly, I think I’ll just have to accept the fact that I won’t get an education that’s super rigorous if I decide to transfer. But I’d rather do take easier classes than struggle a lot in my current school. I’ll look into the ones you mentioned.

Ok. Is there a therapist or trusted adult you can talk to?

I have a therapist.

[Anonymous]

Look into Parkmont School in NW DC. Bit far from you but could be an option.