Anonymous
02/03/2026 08:51
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Anonymous wrote:
Hello! Sorry if this isn’t the right place (I originally posted this on the private school forum, but someone told me to come here.) 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.
Our daughter is at Fusion Academy in Tysons. It has been wonderful for her. They classes can be accelerated to meet your abilities, or you can take all AP classes.
Anonymous
02/03/2026 08:03
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Anonymous wrote:Hi OP!
Would your parent support you to homeschool?
Here are some resources that might supplement alternative schools.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Teenage_Liberation_Handbook
https://michiganvirtual.org/
https://www.ucscout.org/
My public school kid takes Chinese through Michigan Virtual. I am going to have him take AP Physics over the summer from UC Scout. It is cheap if you want to audit but $400 per class if you take exams, get grades, and a real transcript that you might be able to use to get credit at your public school.
Our public school does most APs through a company called Edgenuity. Kids don't seem to like it though.
There are a few more sources of online APs. Northwestern has a center for gifted youth with online APs. But you need high PSATs to qualify.
Good luck. I hope you find the right supportive environment!
How has Michigan Virtual been for foreign language? My teen wants to take Latin through there. I’ve heard they often don’t run the level 3 languages like Chinese and Latin since they need at least 10 kids per class. That would be a problem for us if we ran into that. Any insight? (Sorry to high jack, OP).
Anonymous
02/03/2026 08:00
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Junior year is more than half over and you only have one year left. I think the best thing to do is consult with your high school counselor about what your options are. Many seniors don’t need many more credits to graduate and have a lot of flexibility to do work/study programs, internships, dual enrollment classes, online classes. Moving actual schools right now doesn’t make much sense. You likely won’t need to physically go yours much at all next year with the many options available.
Anonymous
02/02/2026 23:36
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Anonymous wrote:I wonder if the Lab School might be a good fit? I think you are brave and awesome for recognizing what's going on internally and for doing your research, btw.
Has your school mentioned a treatment plan or some sort of mentorship for next year? I worry you may regret restarting in your senior year. Keep us posted!
OH, you also may want to ask your parents to consult with an educational advocate that focuses on school placement, as well.
Anonymous
02/02/2026 23:35
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
I wonder if the Lab School might be a good fit? I think you are brave and awesome for recognizing what's going on internally and for doing your research, btw.
Has your school mentioned a treatment plan or some sort of mentorship for next year? I worry you may regret restarting in your senior year. Keep us posted!
Has your school mentioned a treatment plan or some sort of mentorship for next year? I worry you may regret restarting in your senior year. Keep us posted!
Anonymous
02/02/2026 23:16
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Hi OP!
Would your parent support you to homeschool?
Here are some resources that might supplement alternative schools.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Teenage_Liberation_Handbook
https://michiganvirtual.org/
https://www.ucscout.org/
My public school kid takes Chinese through Michigan Virtual. I am going to have him take AP Physics over the summer from UC Scout. It is cheap if you want to audit but $400 per class if you take exams, get grades, and a real transcript that you might be able to use to get credit at your public school.
Our public school does most APs through a company called Edgenuity. Kids don't seem to like it though.
There are a few more sources of online APs. Northwestern has a center for gifted youth with online APs. But you need high PSATs to qualify.
Good luck. I hope you find the right supportive environment!
Would your parent support you to homeschool?
Here are some resources that might supplement alternative schools.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Teenage_Liberation_Handbook
https://michiganvirtual.org/
https://www.ucscout.org/
My public school kid takes Chinese through Michigan Virtual. I am going to have him take AP Physics over the summer from UC Scout. It is cheap if you want to audit but $400 per class if you take exams, get grades, and a real transcript that you might be able to use to get credit at your public school.
Our public school does most APs through a company called Edgenuity. Kids don't seem to like it though.
There are a few more sources of online APs. Northwestern has a center for gifted youth with online APs. But you need high PSATs to qualify.
Good luck. I hope you find the right supportive environment!
Anonymous
02/02/2026 22:47
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Maybe Loudoun School for Advanced Studies? They have a new team running the school.
Anonymous
02/02/2026 21:45
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Anonymous wrote:Templeton
+1
Anonymous
02/02/2026 21:35
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
I would highly reccommend GW Community School. The head of school is so kind and wonderful and the faculty can provide real rigor for you.
Anonymous
02/02/2026 20:53
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Another vote for Nora. It doesn't have official AP classes, but with small class sizes (about 10 kids in each class), teachers are happy to challenge you and if you want to self study for AP exams, they will set that up. They accept mid year transfers, so you could start this year if you wanted. They really understand anxiety and will work to make you feel safe.
Anonymous
02/02/2026 20:39
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Would it help to mostly switch over to mostly do classes via dual enrollment at NOVA? Does FCPS allow that?
Anonymous
02/02/2026 20:33
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Templeton
Anonymous
02/02/2026 20:32
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Look at Nora School
Anonymous
02/02/2026 20:09
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Anonymous
02/02/2026 19:59
Subject: Looking for nontraditional schools — HS student struggling in public school
Hello! Sorry if this isn’t the right place (I originally posted this on the private school forum, but someone told me to come here.) 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.