An Alternative Education

What does a parent do when their child needs an alternative to traditional schooling?  This is a daunting question and one I grappled with for quite some time.  There are just some kids who do not fit the mold for a traditional school setting.  These kids like to "think outside the box."

Fortunately, with some luck and good timing the alternative simply appeared.  Thanks to the educational visionaries who were disenchanted with the direction and outcome of traditional schools-- the High Tech charter schools were formed.  The school(s) were designed with four principles:  a) personalization b) adult world connection c) common intellectual mission and d) teacher as designer.

Grant thrived in this setting.  It was project-based learning (no textbooks but learn by doing), the classrooms had 25 students max,   all kids had access to laptops and the newest technology, the teachers were young/fun and on one year contracts (if they were inefficient they were gone).  Watching a bunch of middle and high school kids get excited about their learning was mind-blowing.

From middle school through high school I cannot recount all of the opportunities and benefits reaped via the High Tech schools--there were too many.  One of my favorite experiences was the mandatory 11th grade academic internship.  All of the kids had to secure an adult workplace environment and spend three weeks working full-time, side by side with their mentors.  What an incredible way to gain real world experience.  This was the apex for Grant's real world connection.  


My sincerest and deepest gratitude is extended to the founders and visionaries of the High Tech schools.  Grant loves to learn and will have a bright future.

Photo above of Grant's beloved middle school humanities teacher Mrs. Morton (far left), myself and Grant on one of their many fun field trips.