Alternative Schools

Alternative schools vs. traditional public schools

For some children, traditional public school just doesn’t cut it. From behavioral problems to learning disabilities, to simply wanting a better education, certain issues keep some students from thriving in a traditional school environment. Luckily, there are a number of alternatives to conventional public school.

Alternative schools

Here’s a look at some of the more common schooling alternatives:

  • Boarding school – This is a tuition-charging school where students not only study but also live on campus grounds. It generally encourages a stronger focus on education. Some boarding schools feature additional training, as well; for example, military boarding schools combine an educational curriculum with military discipline and exercises.
  • Military school – This is an educational institution that also prepares students for service in the military. It focuses on discipline and obedience, and many offer programs for troubled teens.
  • Private school – This is a tuition-charging school that is not run by the state. Private schools focus on smaller class sizes for a higher quality of learning.
  • Language school – A language school focuses on helping students achieve competence in a foreign tongue. Usually, this is done through language immersion – conducting all classes and school activities in the language being studied.
  • Christian school – This is a school that runs on Christian principles and makes religion a part of the curriculum.
  • Montessori school – This type of school focuses on the Montessori method of learning, which places an emphasis on self-directed activity.

The benefits and disadvantages of alternative schooling

There are many benefits to providing children with alternative schooling. Alternative schools can offer:

  • A focus on students who are at risk, such as those who are behind in credits, display behavioral problems, are pregnant or parenting, have learning disabilities, are homeless or exhibit other learning obstacles.
  • A reduction in drop-out rates and truancy.
  • A redirection of misguided students into a more effective learning environment.
  • A curriculum that focuses on hands-on learning by connecting the students with the community.
  • Lower enrollments, allowing for smaller student-to-staff ratios.
  • A staff trained to teach, mentor, counsel and tutor students.
  • A student voice in school operations.
  • Clear and fair rules that are consistently enforced.
  • High standards for personal responsibility, performance, behavior and attendance.

There are, however, also some disadvantages to choosing alternatives schools over the traditional public school system. These include:

  • A tuition, which can be quite expensive.
  • A lack of stable funding, which means they sometimes can’t live up to their standards.
  • A lack of diversity in the student population, which can adversely affect socialization.
  • A curriculum that doesn’t always conform to educational regulations, leaving students inadequately prepared for certain programs down the road.
  • A high level of competition, which may be difficult, or even damaging, for some students.

Alternative schools have come a long way from the cliched home for wayward youth. Today, a variety of options cater to those seeking nontraditional education for a number of reasons. As often as not, alternative schooling is sought to provide a broader educational experience as opposed to a stricter code of conduct. Only you and your child can decide whether an alternative school is appropriate and, if so, which option best meets your child’s needs.

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I need help with my 14 year old daughter. she is adhd and bipolor and will not take her meds.... she calls me bad names and hits and kicks me... she was arrested a couple of weeks ago.... and had cops her again tonight... she lied to the cop and she she didn't kick me.... they didn't take her... but mad a report on it..... i don't know how much more i can take... her dad does not want her... he has nothing to do with her... i need help
Posted on 3/15/2010 11:04:00 PM by Anonymous
For anyone interested i also have a son 15 yrs who i have noticed has some anger management issues. i was able to get him in a program called get a better chance anyone interested in this can look it up online if the child is in junior high school or at least in 9th or 10th grade may apply. Their has to b a financial need for the scholarship. It is here in nyc but i am not sure about other states. It pays most or all tuition at private schools here in nyc. just get online and check it out. My son attends a private school but i need to find a good therapist to help him with the anger management.he had a fight last year and this year and i am afraid he will not only loose his scholarship but to be expelled if he doesnt get it right
Posted on 3/3/2010 6:22:00 PM by Anonymous
My Name is Heather, I am a mom of Four boys and one girl. I have never posted any comments on any website before, but I felt I needed to this time. My childrens ages are 16, 13, my girl 10, 2 and 1. When my first son was growing up i never had any problems what so ever with him. I swore he would never give me any problems. BUT than when he turned 13 of my GOD! I didn't know him any more, he was acting out at school and had trouble with the children at school. He was ok at home disrespectful at times but he was shutting everyone out. I took him to his doctor and to see a theropist. Come to find out he had been molested and raped by a 16 year old when he was 10. He did not know how to cope and because he was hitting puberty he was going through a emotional warfare in his mind. He has the help he needs now and is doing very well in school. But he still has a problem dealing with his male peers. I am an extreamly protective mom and to me this should have never happened to my child. I have told you this story basicley because of the comments the woman with the 6 year old made. Sometimes there are thing that happen to our children that are out of hands. They are subjected to many elements in there life that they dont understand and as children shouldn't have to. As parents we are suppose to be there and do whatever it takes to see that they become good happy healthy adults. So if you feel like your child needs some other kind of education, you and only you know whats right for that child. Many people critisized me on taking my child to see a theropist at age 13 when he was "just a troubled teen" but as his mother I knew there was something more, and I was right. Parents be parents good parents, the only person you have explain yourself to is YOUE CHILD and god. P.S. There are no perfect children but mine! LOL
Posted on 1/6/2010 2:31:00 PM by Anonymous
I am amazed how quickly we give up. I have worked with juvenile delinquents since 1977 and have yet to give up on a child. I am not bleeding heart, and don't have all of the answers, but I do know that children need direction and love. Yes, there are some cases when chemical imbalance makes it almost impossible to deal with behaviors, but thinking that there is no hope only makes the matter worse. My son commmitted suicide when he was nineteen. he was a good kid, never any trouble, and yet he took his actions because he was hurting. I would give anything to have a child now. Even if your child is having problems, at least your have your child. Just love them, that is the best thing that you can do.
Posted on 1/6/2010 2:29:00 PM by Anonymous
I am a parent looking for an alternative middle school for a child that does not have bahavioral problems I am concerned that my child might develope problems in an environment such as this Please tell me this is not an obstacle..lost in massachusetts
Posted on 12/9/2009 8:02:00 PM by Anonymous
my son is 9. He's been with us since age 1-1/2. Diagnosed with ADHA and ODD. He's in 4th grade and is now on step 6 of the disciplinary program. The kicker is school has only been in progress for 2 months. He's been kicked off the bus several times. He's been in counseling for several years and to no avail. He has had medications changed 4 or 5 times. He is stealing, lying, become abusive to me, his teacher, as well as other students. His counselor now is going to refer him to the home based counselors. I am at my wits end. He's suspended again for the next 2 days. I am seriously considering alternative schooling of some type. How extreme do I need to go? My husband is retired and I recently lost my job. We're going backwards instead of forward. We have no resources to pay for any type of boot camp but something has to be done. I'm sure you can track my e-mail address. Help!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on 12/3/2009 9:01:00 PM by Anonymous
Too the posting below this comment of mine, I have two teenage boys. One is 14 and the other is 13. I have been VERY strict yet fair with both my children. The 14 year old stays active in sports, does well in school and is well liked by his peers and other adults. My 13 year old is mean, manipulative and disrespectful. I have been told by his councilors and other professionals that I am doing the right things. I am getting him the help he needs and he is fighting it tooth and nail. He is about to be kicked out of his present school for good. I came here looking for MORE HELP! How is that giving up on my child? I pray everyday and all day for him to have the desire to feel good and truly take control of his life. You obviously have never been in the situation that some of us are in with our teenagers and I pray you never are. Please do not judge us....unless you are the lord himself with the right to do so. How about saying some prayers for our kids? And Thank you Kidica for the resource you provide for myself and others looking for more help.
Posted on 11/24/2009 2:02:00 PM by Anonymous
I am hurt to see so many parents writing comments basically giving up on kids and throwing it into the hands of a private school to "fix". I am willing to bet that most of these parents let their kids see they lost hope for them which only hiders their eagerness to please someone. Children thrive with boundries that are consistant not part time parenting. Before totally giving up on them because of their behavior, redetermine the type of parent you want to be in comparison to the type you really are. The child is not the only one burnt out and hopeless. Consistancy, boundries and respect for your child speak a million times louder that just shipping them to bording schools/ I have a 6 byear old who is incredibly active, smart, sometimes mouthy but bored with his schooling. I am looking to challenge him with things that will not bore him givibg him time to act out. If anyone knows of any exellent private or magnet schools that focus on the arts please let me know. I will not let my child give up on himself which is why I am backing his desire to learn more and his love of the arts. Parents please be parents not friends or pushovers, the benefits will show in time but stop giving up on you kids thankyou-- C
Posted on 11/18/2009 8:49:00 PM by Anonymous
I HAVE READ ALL THESE THINGS ABOUT THE CHILDREN.. I HAVE A 12 YR OLD GIRL WHO DOES EVERYTHING THAT YOU ALL WROTE ABOUT PLUS LITTLE MORE. REGULAR SCHOOLS CANT HANDLE HER AND BEHAVIORAL SCHOOLS ARENT WORKING. IS THERE A MILTIARY OR BOARDING SCHOOL AROUND THAT WILL HELP HER WITH LIVING ON SITE AND HELP HER LEARN RESPECT AND WHATEVER ELSE HER ATTITUDE NEEDS TO START BEING THE TYPE OF GIRL I KNOW SHE CAN BE. SHES VERY TALENTED BUT HER MAJOR BEHAVIOR GETS MADLY IN HER WAY. TAKES ALOT FOR ME TO DO THIS BUT I DESPIRETLY NEED A MILITARY SCHOOL FOR MY DAUGHTER, CAN ANY ONE SUGGEST ONE IN OR NEAR NEW JERSEY.. THANK YOU DESPERATE MOM.
Posted on 11/16/2009 12:38:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a 11 year old and he is always in some kind of criminal behavior and I need help asap I a afraid that he will get into some trouble that no one will be able to help him on. He needs a boarding school that I cant afford is there some kind of tuition help that i can look into?
Posted on 11/7/2009 7:36:00 PM by Anonymous
Hi i have a 8 years old girl grade 3 she doesnt listen to me or her teacher wen i even talk to her nicelly she s yellin and giving attetude and talks back alot so im really scared wen she grows up it will be worser so i dont no if u have any suggestion other than boarding scholl please contact me nazaneen_123@hotamil.com i want to put her in boarding school but The income limiteof every families is less then they have to and im a single mother.I realy happy if kindly help me to know about this schoo. God Bless you all.
Posted on 10/1/2009 3:31:00 PM by Anonymous
My son, who is 9 1/2 is "out of control". I have had hm to 2 different counselors. Supposidly he has ADHD & ODD. He is very smart and does well in school (straight 'A' student)...I am very proud of hm but he drives me crazy @ home. The 'Oppositional Defiant Disorder' is directed toward me & me only, which really makes me sad. He has 'fits' stomping, hitting walls, screaming like a little girl, & is constantly hitting or punching hs 7 yr old brother (for little things, or 4 no reason at all). He often gets furious over the littlest things. I have 'threatened' hm w/ military school, "go ahead" he tells me... nothing seems 2 phase hm. He often says..."I'm going 2 kill u" 2 hs brother. He is also causing problems between his dad & I. We have been married for 13 years. I love my son very much...rather i'm upset or not i tell hm 3 & 4x a day. I am so tired of crying & being upset w/ hm. He has shoved me & drawn a fists, not recently but it has happened. He tallks sarcastically, or back at me frequently (mouthy or mocking)- he is not physically abusive when hs dad is present. Any suggestions? Anyone heard of "Total Transformation? ...................................sooo sad in Ohio.
Posted on 9/23/2009 10:36:00 PM by Anonymous
girl is thinking of killing her mother you should just solve it and go to a boarding school like i am i am having some problems any one have sujestions of any boarding schools
Posted on 9/8/2009 7:12:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a 5 year old son who does great for about a week and then the next two weeks he just does whatever he wants.....kicking, spitting, hitting, not listening not just to the kids in his class but to his teachers as well. I am former military but i don't want to take it that far with him. I just recently got him back and myself and my boyfriend are at our wits end and are thinking of military school. We have tried everything from paddling him to ground him to his room and nothing has worked. I even yell at him and so does my boyfriend. We were hoping that by him having someone older to look up to things would change but thats not even working. I have even told him that I would go back to being the mean military mom that I used to be and he told me no that he would be good. That worked for two days and then right back to the old 5 year old. Does anyone have any suggestions besides military schooling? contact me at alhuskers01@hotmail.com
Posted on 8/21/2009 6:31:00 PM by Anonymous
I am one of the bhutanese refugee recently coming in st.louis Mo. I realy happy to see all the programms you have . We are realy back in education field. The income limiteof every families is less then they have to.I realy happy if kindly help me to know about this schoo. God Bless you all.
Posted on 8/17/2009 9:12:00 PM by Anonymous
Was considering starting my son off in an alternative school in hopes he would maybe learn something "different" maybe more compassion and more about the world around him better than the current curriculum in our public schools. But after reading the comments - sounds like he'd be going to school with a bunch of bad behaved children who's parents can't handle them and which public schools refuse to teach - which is exactly what I was hoping to try and avoid. I'll be sticking to mainstream schooling for now and see how that progresses.
Posted on 8/10/2009 11:06:00 AM by Anonymous
And i have about every 1 of those kids "problems" as i call it. i have at least 1 of every kids "problems."
Posted on 7/24/2009 12:45:00 AM by Anonymous
The previous message was from me, yes i'm one of the "Bad kids" but heres what i think goes on most in my oung mind (other than girls) I think that i should have it my way and don't listen to authrity i do it to be cool and impress, i hold back tears when i say everything bad though, im an A/B student i do have suicidal thoughts but mostly to make my mom feel pain truthfully i question love i do most things becuase i think im doing what i should my mom says things like dont listen to Teenagers (the song) becuase it curses and rebelious then i take 1 of her favorite bands like green day and say they always curse and are rebellious to authority, I'm getting my way. I do the stupidest things she falls for. what i think my mom should do is stick to it, through thick and thin. no matter what. but saying cuz i said so gets annoying just give a reason like well Green day is my favorite and im an adult and ive heard that language before and know what the goerment is doing and i can't talk back to anyone. and use it that way. but like spankign a kid makes him/her feel humiliated and undignified so he/she goes into more of a tempor tantrum. and i always like a choice like no computer for a weak or no tv for a weak and when you use a new trick for like a time go the full length of time or that tricks gone. and your kid will trick you. Kids are smarted than you think. They will plan for the dumbest things. but then sometimes kids get punished for not combing/brushing there hair and that isnt right unless there in military or boarding school or in the army, navy or marines. so do think wiselyy and stick to your plan. this is from a REAL kid that has REAL PROBLEMS.
Posted on 7/24/2009 12:44:00 AM by Anonymous
I'm a 12 year old kid who steals things for other peoples pleasure i talk back and sometimes curse to my mom, im bad on the bus i have 1 record of fist fighting on the bus i think about killing my dad and brother and mom yet im very kind to people i don't know i have good friends and there moms love me. but im bad to the bone. i have a record of cursing to ppl. i want to join the Marines but I'm getting more defiant every day, im listening to rebellious music. and think of doing bad things. My mom is thinking about a way to get me into a Military school but she doesnt have the money, what should she do, and will military school shape me up?
Posted on 7/24/2009 12:29:00 AM by Anonymous
i have a nine year old boy and he is not a good behavaior he allways wants his way and he lies allways on important and not important things. One day, i went out somewhere and his grandma stayed with him and he called me on my cell and after he is done, his grandma asked him, where is your mom now? and he answered she hit by a car and died. Then his grandma started to be scared and almost fainted and then he started laughing and saying i was just liing. I always explain for him what is wrong to not do and what is right so he can learn . But he never learns he always does the same over and over again. He has a 7 year old brother and a 3 and a half year old sister and he lets them all the time get angry from him and his behavior. Now they are learning from him alot and i do not want that to happen. i want him to be a good and not a liing boy. He has very bad behavior and i cannot explain more than that but he has way more bad and not good things. I hope you can help me with my son.
Posted on 7/21/2009 7:36:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a nine year old son who is very defiant, always in trouble, and very abusive to his brother and his sister. I have tried everything in my power to control him, when he is good we reward him but it seems as if it bites me in the butt. What can I do? Not only is he in trouble at home but he is in trouble at school as well. This past school year he was suspended three times as well as kicked off the bus many times, when he returns to school he is kicked off of the bus for 180 days. I am at a loss and am asking for help.
Posted on 7/19/2009 7:27:00 PM by Anonymous
I have an 8 yr old little boy. He is very smart and is a straight A student. He has the worst attitude I have ever seen. He was recently diagnosed with moderate to severe anxiety and was medicated for this. He has stopped going into rages and now is just defiant in his behaivor. He beats his brother and sister in the head and keeps threatening to kill them and me. I cannot find any help until he turns 13, Please help me I don't know what else to do and I am scared he is going to hurt himself or his brother and sister.
Posted on 7/17/2009 4:35:00 PM by Anonymous
Our family (homeschoolers) will be attending our son's graduation at USNA in May 2010 and are looking for some housing options for our family. Parents, two teens and possibly a grandparent or two. Do any of you have any suggestions or ideas????We are coming from Georgia! Many thanks! - Jeanne H.
Posted on 7/8/2009 9:17:00 PM by Anonymous
I have an 8 year old boy that has ADHD. I am trying to find a place for him to go for the summer. He just got kicked out of his daycare and I can't seem to find a behavioral day care in my area. Can you please help.
Posted on 6/20/2009 5:27:00 PM by Anonymous
like the mom with the 10 year old and the 6 year old im mother of five and my 10 year old also has adhd and i too dont know what to do for help ive looked everywhere and still cant find any help for him untill he turns 13 please if anyone can help let me know
Posted on 6/15/2009 11:46:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a daughter. She's not allowed to swear but gets really good grades. Now her grades are lowering because she works so hard to fight the erge to curse. should i let her curse or not?
Posted on 6/13/2009 8:37:00 PM by Anonymous
I have an 10 yr old son who feels like he came do what he wants to do.He has been exspelled from school in the past month for stealing.He has ran away from home twice. I would like to get him some help before someone hurts him or he winds up in jail.
Posted on 6/8/2009 4:55:00 PM by Anonymous
i have an 8 year old child who has been diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. He is completely out of control. He hits his other siblings and cusses at us the parents, destroys our house. I dont know what to do with him and every school I look at doesnt offer help to his age group. I want to find him some help before he ruins his life.
Posted on 5/22/2009 9:56:00 AM by Anonymous
i have a daughter that is 13 soon to be 14 and see is a handfull. i have tried to have her stay with her dad but it didn't work. she doesn't have add adhd or any of that stuff but she needs to find herself so she can calm down. her dream is to be the first woman in of family to be in the miitary... so if i send her to a military school do you you think she will strsighten up?
Posted on 5/17/2009 1:14:00 PM by Anonymous
alternative schools in floyd county, ky are in my opinion not a school at all. ever since my son has been sent there he has not learned anything period. there is never any homework, and very little classwork. all grades 6-12 are consolidated into the same classroom. there are fights everyday, and teachers are telling me my child needs to learn to defend himself, so the only teaching he is getting at this school is a lesson in physical altercation and violence!!!!!
Posted on 5/15/2009 10:53:00 AM by Anonymous
is there a military school for 14 yrold boy with add adhd ocd vod i think he needs discpline most of all and a school who will take the time to show him how life can be but i dont have a lot of money as am working 3 jobs to support all of us yo can email me at harris_597@hotmail.com plz and thank ya'll bill
Posted on 5/14/2009 2:10:00 PM by Anonymous
I am an experienced elementary and ESL teacher. I would like to teach at an online alternative school. Could you recommend any online schools? Thank you very much. Libby Rohde Karch lrohdekarch@att.net
Posted on 5/5/2009 10:46:00 PM by Anonymous
I found out that my daughter (12) she's lien on school,and now Home ,I don't want these to get worse what can I do?
Posted on 5/2/2009 10:33:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a stepdaughter who will be 18 soon. She has always had rages and tormented her younger brother when they were young. She was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 and medicated. It helped. She received assistance throughout her schooling years. At 9 she tried to hurt herself and was diagnosed with a mood disorder. She was medicated for that and WOW what a difference it made. It wasn't perfect and her bitter mom made things worse with all the kids. When she developed at age 16, she crossed the line, became even more difficult to handle, threatening her family and destroying things when her will was crossed. She moved in with her mom, quit taking meds and dropped out of school and started fighting with her. Physically. Eventually we had to send her to a wilderness school followed by boarding school in another state. It was very expensive. She still has another year and a half of schooling and has learning needs. The point I am trying to make is that we could have sent all of our kids to private school for their entire schooling years and put two of them through college for what this past year has cost us. In retrospect I wish we had not gone the public route. I f your kids are having trouble in public school get them out while they are young and you can still do something to change their direction! Learned the hard way.
Posted on 4/27/2009 1:27:00 PM by Anonymous
I have searched and searched, on line for a military boarding school for my two sons one is 9 and has a disapilnary and emotional problem and the other is 6 1/2 and has ADHD and can not retaine anything you tell him ad is influnced from the bad habits from the 10 year old. I cn not handle the older one anymore and have tryed everything, I feel if he was not at home my younger son would be much better behaved. Please help me find a school that takes 1st thru 5th graders, Sincerly A Mother at the end of her rope.
Posted on 4/23/2009 1:23:00 PM by Anonymous
To the parent with a 14 year old son with the terrible attitude, maybe the following book will help: Have a New Kid by Friday: How to Change Your Child's Attitude, Behavior & Character in 5 Days by Dr. Kevin Leman.
Posted on 4/17/2009 6:20:00 PM by Anonymous
i have a 14 yr old son who wants to tell me what to do and he hates school, he is very disrepectful of me and his father, he only has 2 friends, his dad wants to put him on medication and i dont want to, we tried counseling , he throws temper tantrums such as kicking h oles in the wall slamming doors etc, what should I do- i dont know where to turn.
Posted on 4/17/2009 4:46:00 PM by Anonymous
I am a single mother of 6kids.I have 15yr old son that is very direspectful,puts holes in walls and cusses me out.I also have a 17yr old son that does the same as my 15yr old son too.They are the only ones that I really have problems with.I also have a 13yr old daughter that has a mouth but I can handle that.Whom I am worried bout with all these problems from my older boys is my 4yr old daughter.That watches everything they do.I also have a counslor in my home,and seems like they do not care what the counslor is saying. Thank you just for listening
Posted on 4/12/2009 7:04:00 PM by Anonymous
I am single mom of one 13 year old, who has been excepted into a private high school in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan this fall. I am also on permanent disability and low income assistance. However, I cannot afford the high cost that they are expecting for me to pay..The school has informed me that we qualify for the tuition grant that covers the majority of the tuition but there is a deposit required every year of $2000.00 before the following school year starts. What do I do, I really need a grant for my son that the private school will except.
Posted on 4/8/2009 5:11:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a 14 year old who I home school. I would like to know if there are any sport facilities where I can take her to so she can socialize with teens her age.
Posted on 4/8/2009 9:49:00 AM by Anonymous
I think there is a fair amount of distinction between abuse and discipline. Shouting at a child should not neccesarily mean abuse. Ofcourse physically punishing them is not the right way but occassional shouting is needed for some characters. There are many kids who recieve the good essons from their parents but just overlook them due to their adamency. These kids understand the upperhand standings from the legal view and justifies their activities in the platform of their parents helplessness to have control on them. I do not think any type of councelling helps and in most cases the effect is not more than a few days. In extreme cases the children just starts to scream as if they are being punished by not letting them do the objectionable act. I think the laws should be considering these facts more analytically.
Posted on 4/6/2009 7:26:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a set of twins a boy and a girl and they are 9 yrs old. This past school year they have been getting suspened from school and their behavior at home has been bad as well. So far this year they have learned nothing because of their bad behavior. The school they attend is a public charter school and they want to keep them in the 4th grade next year. I've put them in therapy and even that doesn't seem to work. I feel that boarding will be good for them, but of course they don't want to go. I am a single parent with another set of twins that are four and a half years younger.The older twins are starting to corrupt the younger twins and they haven't started school yet. I have taught all my children to respect other people, their space, their beliefs and opinions. Even though we live in a real bad drug infested area. Everyday is a learning experience just by taking out the trash. They can't even go to school without seeing drug dealers and drug users on the corners. They can't play outside and be kids with fights and police. I need help on finding the funding and other resources to protect my children's academic future, as well as their emotional development.
Posted on 4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM by Anonymous
How can I find funding to help keep my daughter in private school? I see help for parents wanting to change kids from public to private, but about the rest of us due to this economic set-back.
Posted on 3/31/2009 6:15:00 PM by Anonymous
For the mom who has an 11 yr old son, I would like to state that it is against the law that your child is home with you. If a child is suspended from public school, the school district must provide some type of schooling for your child. If the district disagrees, please call the Office of Civil rights. I hope this helps.
Posted on 3/30/2009 5:39:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a 14yr. old that constantly gets suspended from school.I NEED HELP IN GETTING HIM IN A SCHOOL FOR BOYS .
Posted on 3/30/2009 3:59:00 PM by Anonymous
I have an 11 year old African American son that has been suspended from public school for behaviorial problems. He can't go back to public school until August of this year. All of the private schools I have checked will not take him because it is so late in the year. At this rate he is going to have to repeat 6 grade. What can I do? He is home with me everyday.
Posted on 3/30/2009 10:21:00 AM by Anonymous
hi ,i have a 16 yr.old son,who is a.d.d . he has always struggled with school.he is a very good kid.no behavioral problems. he just has a very difficult time staying on task.we did use meds.,prescribed by the doctor,but its just not working. he is currently in public school and i am considering alternative school.i mean he has been going to school all year plus every summer it just sucks for him. how ever he did get his very first A in metal shop! can anyone give advice on alternative schools? thank you just being mom
Posted on 3/18/2009 10:28:00 PM by Anonymous
Ben and Justice scored a 100 on there health test but DUSTIN didn't.
Posted on 3/16/2009 3:56:00 PM by Anonymous
heh heh, hi... i weigh three hundred and sixty five thousand pounds.. im 63 years old. im looking for a women who likes long talks, ( cause i can't leave my bed, ha ha) eating burger king and McDonalds. And shaving my back.
Posted on 3/16/2009 3:52:00 PM by Anonymous
I am looking for ancestors that may have attended your church/school back in the 1920's to 1930's. The last name was Bruneau, Philias and Josephine, they had an adopted daughter (my mother) Sophie. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. JoAnn Fellner E-mail : joann_fellner@yahoo.ca 1824A - 37th Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2B 0Y4 (403) 245-6582 home (403) 360-7053 cell
Posted on 3/2/2009 3:30:00 PM by Anonymous
Hi, I am a child who went to a christian school. From K-5 and up. I also went to public in 6th and in 10th. I was not as wealthy as some of the girls so I felt a little less than. I didn't have disiplinary problems as I was taught to turn the other cheek and skipping was out of the question. I was never offered or exposed to drugs alcohol, sexual behavior or even cursing in my christian school. I was exposed to it in public school and took up smoking at lunch and occasionally smoking pot 2-3x In 10th grade at lunch time outside. At the christian school we wern't allowed outside at lunch and even if we were we would have been well supervised without opportunity to do anything wrong. Teachers were able to protect us from verbal abuse if they heard it. Everything was orderly and calm. I always felt safe but did think my day was too long and that I was given too much homework which is why I was failing. I had no one to help me with all that homework and quickly fell behind. I will send my son to a private/christian school who will support my teaching him (my responsibility) a Godly world view. I am the youngest of 10 children. None of us have seen a jail cell, have an addiction and all attend church and are responsible citizens now. I strongly believe in home schooling and in private schooling. Because public school only teaches academics and their is so much more we need to understand to be successful and happy. It grieves me to see the turmoil I have read here. I saw be very open minded to change and get some really good christian counseling i.e. Dobson ect.,., and be part of a group so you can learn how to love your children through the symtoms of the causes of their pain and missunderstanddings of life. Learn to care for yourself so you can care for them with demostrated patience, tough love, prayer, siinging, family activities, caring and REALLY listening, Study your children. They're feelings are the root of their behavior so you must know why and how they came about. Cause what does it all matter is you loose them to the world. I have seen this behavior and seen how long it continues and how the children never really mature until the parents realize that they are sometimes part of the problem so really consider what a professional Christian counselor tells you and ask them some hard questions too. God Bless, I pray God gives you rest/peace and the ability to enjoy your children again.
Posted on 2/12/2009 2:45:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a son who is 9years of age.His name is Shairo.Shairo has a learnng disiability. I had Shairo evaluated and he was diagnosed with having dyslexia. Shairo is in the third grade .he reads on a first grade level.I have pleaded and protested for help with my son.We live in louisiana .Our education system here is so poor.Shairo is failing and am pleading and begging fro help for my son.
Posted on 2/11/2009 7:32:00 PM by Anonymous
if some one can help me for me ot to send my kid to military school that is 6yrs old please send me an e-mail luzelly@hotmail.com....p.s. I'm afraid that something bad could happen in that school due to many rapes of kids that has been going on and now more often .. i'm the parent that had left the comment as ,,I need help!!!
Posted on 2/10/2009 6:03:00 PM by Anonymous
I need help !! i have a 6yr. old.grl. and she has been lieing to me ,she has been bringing stuff that is not her's . makes up a lie for everything,she gets my stuff and takes it to school. she has an attitude problem, every time i ask her to clean her room and to do her homework.always yelling and fighting with her brother and older sister. when brushing her teeth or combing her hair, even her cloth on what is she going to wear. I got separeted from her dad when she was 4 yrs. and my son was 2 , my oldest is 8yrs,but my oldest come from a diffrent dad.so know that i found someone and have 2 more babys. even though i dont think that she got affected because she dont remember her dad.he does not get in touch with them. so i try my best to give them what i can and I've been scareing her that if she dont stop this that she will go to mitary school. i dont know what to do i realy need HELP !!!
Posted on 2/10/2009 5:54:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a nine year old step son, who is angry with his mother, and taking it out on me, and so he was failing in school, not doing his work... now I AM homeschooling him, and he isn't doing his work, and it's driving me crazy... what do I do? I need help.
Posted on 2/10/2009 12:14:00 PM by Anonymous
i think a bas child comes from bad parenting
Posted on 1/30/2009 12:01:00 PM by Anonymous
I think boarding schools are kinda good =)
Posted on 1/29/2009 2:56:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a grand daugther that is bad in school .I have to ask her to be good every day before she go to school.She also be cursing,call names and dont listen to nothing i say.
Posted on 1/28/2009 5:51:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a nine year old granddaugther that is bad in school and be cursing ,call names and dont listen to no one.
Posted on 1/28/2009 5:38:00 PM by Anonymous
My heart goes out to each of you having problems with your teenagers.I,myself,a grandmother raising 3 grandchildren(6,13&16)have been going through h--- with my 16 year old grandson.I have just recently been involved with the sheriff's dept. for 3 days now.My grandson became irate after asking that he seperate his laundry to be washed.He then went outside my home and destroying everything I had.He then left.He returned home 3 days later.The officer asked him why he left,"I got p----ed off when I was told to do the laundry.I wanted to eat breakfast first".He has also destroyed things inside my home.He bad mouths me.He curses at me.He calls me names.Ther has been times when he has threatened me.I have taken him to counseling.I've tried other resources.I have two other children to protect.So where do I go from here.If he stays here I will end-up losing everything I worked hard for because the law states that there is no law against a juvinile running away or destroying things.Please help!
Posted on 1/28/2009 1:28:00 PM by Anonymous
i got to an alternative school, and am now going to graduate on time.
Posted on 1/27/2009 6:48:00 PM by Anonymous
i have a seven year old daughter that dont want to listen to me constant cursing at me i need to do something bout it what can i do
Posted on 1/27/2009 5:48:00 PM by Anonymous
LISTEN UP! A year ago, my 15-year old daughter reached a peak in bizarre behavior. She was failing school, being disrespectful, beligerent, and even combative. She admitted to smoking, drinking and even being sexually active. I put her in counseling and now at 16, she is making A's in Honors Level classes and is honest to God being a really respectful and responsible girl. Please do not underestimate the power of counseling. As it turns out, she was angry because my exhusband had cut off communication when he remarried and had a new baby. Why do men treat children as if they are disposable? Anyway, once we got to the root cause of all her anger and addressed the hurt she was feeling, we were able to rebuild our relationship. And today, I honestly don't have a single complaint. She is exceeding my expectations and is looking forward to college in a year. Do yourselves and your kids a favor and seek counseling before things get too far out of hand.
Posted on 1/22/2009 12:47:00 PM by Anonymous
my boyfriend has a15year old daughter, he is at is wits end with her. she already repeated 7th grade twice. She is currently in the 8th grade now. she disrespectful, she has a flip mouth. and no matter how hard he tries to work with her he cant seem to get though to her. he really need some help.
Posted on 1/21/2009 11:27:00 AM by Anonymous
I am a single parent also. Someone previously mentioned not being able to afford counseling...check into different programs. Many insurance company's pay for counseling. Even Medicaid covers some counseling. Or many non-profit organizations will offer counseling FREE or low cost based on your income. If you think that your child will benefit from going to a Private school, look into scholarships. My daughter has an income qualifying scholarship through a non-profit program which pays $1800/year. Most of the remainder of her tuition is paid by the school through their scholarship program. Don't feel discouraged. Look for the help that you need. It's out there.
Posted on 1/16/2009 1:27:00 PM by Anonymous
Not sure how I came across this website and first, I'm not a parent, I tutor/mentor a 17 yr old that I am trying to get to graduation. After reading what is written here, I cannot believe the struggles you parents are suffering and I dont understand and I'm still not doubting that I want children because I am from the old school, was raised by a southern grandmother that I would never dream of disrespecting, even now and she is deceased. I'm 39 years old and my mother is not someone I will speak out of turn to either. I am thankful to my upbringing and no, I wasnt beaten or abused in any way (I had perfect attendance, kindergarten through graduation and straight As), but I do believe there is hope for you all. I will pray for everyone here.
Posted on 1/15/2009 11:34:00 AM by Anonymous
I am on this site for a reason, I am looking into a boarding/military school for my 16 yeara old. There is no way it can happen, however, dreaming is free. My daughter is angrier than hell at the world and her father and his parents, they have "abandoned" her . They have in every way, and when her father does show up out of the blue he does nothing but cause havoc in my home. She is a very intelligent child and has sooooo much potential, but seems to always choose the easy way out. She skips school, has been suspended for it, hates working (but needs money) and has verbally and physically abused me. We are in councilling, I try, she hates that i have support and tells me she has no respect for me and hates me too. I believe that the hate is misdirected, but the abuse towards me is WRONG and she has been warned. If i could take the anger away i would, however , i am not willing to physically take the anger. It is heartwrenching to my daughter in such termoil. I just keep hoping for that better day. Thanks for listening.(She would call it wining to anyone who will listen.)
Posted on 1/8/2009 11:50:00 PM by Anonymous
We are the grandparents of a boy, 9 years old that has aspergers. We tried and did everything we could to help him including a private catholic school in our town. To make a long story short, everytime he was disiplined( spanked on the rearend for running away without telling us,, lieing, stealing, are the reasons he was spanked. We also talked to him and took away privilages to get through to him. He is highly intelligentand passed his punishments on to the teachers at school. My husband has been a member of St. Roberts and the community all his life and people know us both . Chris was never beaten or abused, but he told teachers at school about all his punishments. He has had several sraps and bruises from falling down because of his lack of cordination. Anyway the school called social services several times, and they decided to place him elsewere. We even went to court to try to have my husbands name expunged from the child abusers list and we never heard the dicision on this matter. We feel we and Chris were treated very unfailly because none of the people envolved really knew about Chris's Aspergers nor did they know how much we really tried to do for him. It seems everyone got their nose in our family life and ruined it for all of us. The one that really suffers is Chris. What can we do, where do we turn. No one involved was an expert nor did they know because they were not here. They only belived a littleboys stories that he made up to get attention.
Posted on 1/3/2009 6:09:00 PM by Anonymous
Sorry to hear, but don't give up. I was a single parent to 1 girl and 1 boy - they are both grown now and doing ok. After numerous mistakes and much prayer, one of the biggest REVELATIONS that helped me was understanding that it was my job to "teach" them about things - from social norms (like how to behave in the restaurant BEFORE we went in) to goals and attitudes in life. And by "teach" I mean calmly explaining, getting their input, and being honest on what worked and what didn't. The calm part was hard at first, so I would remind myself and them that things would be ok. I also tapped into support - my parents, firends and a small Christian school during middle school years. I still worry even now and wish I could redo a LOT, but I can't so maybe we can still do a little better each day. Hope some of this helps.
Posted on 12/26/2008 1:04:00 PM by Anonymous
My daughter is a liar - she cannot say anything with out lying , she does not want to do anything around th house and everthing she says is a lie - I do not have money to even send her for councelling how can or what other options do i have out there
Posted on 12/16/2008 8:11:00 AM by Anonymous
Wow! I am not alone! While I haven't had many problems with my own boys, other than they can be lazy. My stepdaughter,15, has been awful. She came to live with us after her mother could no longer do anything with her. I sure wish I hadn't instigated that. I thought it would be okay, but she has tried hard to break up our marriage, and is si close to winning. I really don't know how to get a long with her, I just don't even want her around. She wants to be with her mother, and she should be with her mother. Afterall, mom is the one who ruined her! Oh well, sorry for venting... got et over it.
Posted on 12/12/2008 2:02:00 PM by Anonymous
Well, I have 3 teenagers who are off the charts in behavior. My two boys and my husbands daughter. ages are 13, 14 and 14, they miss behave in school, at home and everywhere they go. Mouthy, rude, sometimes down right ignorant. I have taken my 14 yr old son to see a Psychologist and yes he changed for about a yr. Then the 3 of them started using drugs and alcohol. I called the State Police when I found out, there is nothing that they can do until they catch them with possession of any substances or alcohol. You want to talk about being at wits end, I wish they were still little and just a little mouthy and maybe a temper tantrum here and there. That is nothing to getting a phone call from the school and having to leave work because they are being expelled. My step-daughter was sent to live with us because she was about to be expelled for the year at her school. Now my boys I am ready and willing to send them to a military school, that is how bad it is. I cannot send my step-daughter without the permission of her father and mother, but my boys given the chance they will be going. I don't want to see them end up in prison when they get older and this is right where they are headed. I have been told that you as a parent can discipline your child as long as you are not beating them and leaving bruises. My goodness I got a spanking every now and again and I turned out just fine. The Child Welfare System needs to focus more on children whom are endangered, not disciplined. I have seen and heard of too many cases where the children are badly abused and the system sends them right back where they came from and will take a child from a parent whom has just spanked them or maybe smacked them in the mouth for swearing at them. THIS IS WRONG!!!!!!! Kids nowadays need the discipline I am sorry if I am offending anyone elses beliefs but this is how I feel. I wish I would have known when my kids were younger that a spanking here and there was not going to get them taken away. I would have done it, so heed my warning now, take control of your child before they end up like mine.
Posted on 12/12/2008 1:45:00 PM by Anonymous
Gee, Im glad Im not alone. I thought I was the only one with the similar problem everyone else has posted here. My 10 yr old never had tantrums when she was little but started now in the last 2 yrs, and I have to get outta her way when she does or I get hurt. She is easy to anger and says the most awful things and gets violent at times when she doesnt get her way. No I dont think I spoiled her, could never afford it.Yelled alot though so I figured shes mad at that but now Im concluding , after reading everyone elses similar problems, that it is probably the stage of the age and not ALL our fault.
Posted on 12/7/2008 11:35:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a 5 year old that is a constant problem in a kindergarten public school, I do not know what to do and I need help with him, but I cannot afford the expensive private school or boarding schools what do I do then. Mrs. T. Jones
Posted on 12/1/2008 6:58:00 PM by Anonymous
i have an 8 year old daughter that is disrespectful wont do anything around the house except mess she has a temper then she smart mouths me on a daily basic i am at my wits end in school it is all about the boys she is only 8 what am i to do
Posted on 11/28/2008 11:37:00 PM by Anonymous
I think private schools are the most wonderful thing out there. I also know (both of my children attend a private school) that it is not always the case of social problems. If the school is good enough there will be no diversity issues. They are expensive but scholarships are usually available. The expense is completely worth it.
Posted on 11/14/2008 9:19:00 PM by Anonymous
For all of these comments, we are all of you combined. Please consider first having a psychological exam conducted. they may be facing challenges they truly cannot control. It helped me to know that my child has a personality disorder than can can be controlled. It is unfortunate we didn't have this information prior to him being permanently expelled. academically he was sound, but his behavior was off the chart for a very long time.
Posted on 11/11/2008 2:02:00 PM by Anonymous
i have a 12yr. and I've always done everything volunteer at her school and sports. and in the last year she is so disrespectful, hateful and i can't take no more what can i do to fix it
Posted on 11/9/2008 2:35:00 AM by Anonymous
I have a 8 year old daughter who has a big problem with her mouth, and her temper. is there any one yhat can help with this problem.
Posted on 10/30/2008 9:27:00 PM by Anonymous
I have a problemed 11 year old girl and she has us to the piont of sending her away can anyone give advice on what to do she doesn't respond to anything and she is getting violent.
Posted on 10/29/2008 9:34:00 PM by Anonymous