Alternative schools? | ADHD Information

Too bad you don't live in the Phoenix area! It sounds like my daughter's school would be a perfect fit for your son--they have percussion and guitar and put on fantastic performances.
As far as how to get them into a charter school, the simple answer is just call the school and ask for info. If you're trying to find charter schools in your area, I know in our state, the department of education has a list of all charter schools with very basic info that you can find on the internet. Then you can go from there to the schools' websites, call them, etc. In our state charter schools pretty much have to take everybody, just like public schools, except that unlike public schools they can limit the number of students they will take. To get in you just get the enrollment packet and fill it out.
Also, my daughter does have a 504 plan. She got it in public elementary school (5th grade) and it went with her to the new charter school in 6th grade. It is reviewed and updated annually.
Best of luck--I hope you're able to find a great school for your son.
You submit an application, you get an interdistrict transfer, or sign up for a lottery selection. It depends on the type of charter school. Some are part of the public school system and are staffed entirely by teachers. Others significantly rely on parent volunteers and are not part of a school district. They might attend all assemblies, parades, fun activities, at the main stream school. Others are for homeschool children but provide guidance, state testing, fieldtrips etc. The term charter is used loosely and the differences are vast. I'm imagining that there are a ton of option in LA, and then less as you go into less densely populated areas. You'll have to do some research.Jessica N39965.8298148148Has anyone had any experience with removing their child from public school and doing an on-line type of school?  I keep seeing the green and purple ad for k12, I think it is.  I am thinking my son would be better off not going to school.  He's very good when he's home, but when he goes to school things start changing.  We are in So. Calif, and both my husband and I work, so I'd like to find a place where he can still have a social life, not sit at home.  I don't think he's mature enough for that either. He'll be 14 soon.  I wonder about a charter school?  Any ideas?My daughter attends a charter school for grades 6-12. She just finished her second year there (7th grade). She loves her school and we are very happy with it. Her school specializes in performing arts (music, theater, dance, etc.) and she loves these things. Being at a school where she is excited about what is going on has made a huge difference for her. She's made friends with wonderful, creative kids who share her interests (and have things to talk about besides boys and shopping!) She has learned and grown tremendously. I believe the classes in the arts expand and develop her mind in different ways and help contribute to her academic success. But the main thing is that she is doing things at school that she is excited and happy about; that makes all the difference! She became a member of National Junior Honor Society this year. Two years ago I would never have imagined her being able to do that. Her school is not online though, it's the kind with a building that kids go to.
A woman that I work with has a daughter who is 13 or 14 and she does school online. This woman works part-time and so is able to be home and stay on top of the school-work with her daughter. I don't know the details, but I know they are happy with this set-up.
Charter schools are all different, so it depends on what you can find in your area, but if you can find a school that suits your child, it is definitely worth any inconvenience IMO!
If you do choose an online school, you may be able to get involved with a homeschool group where your son could be involved in activities with other kids, or it may also be possible for your son to be involved with extracurricular activities through your local school district even if he's not a student there.
Best of luck!
I suspect that you need a stay at home parent to do an online education. He is already behind in certain subjects, right? I think that your instincts in general are right. The educational environment that you have been describing is not a good fit. Jessica N39985.3715277778Yeah, I'm going to look into the charter schools.  My son loves music, wants to learn drums, guitar, etc.  If fact, when he loses his priviledges, the one thing that he hates to lose is his IPOD.  How do you get them into a charter school?  Well I am not sure about were you live, but if you live near a big city look
into there public school system. For instance NYC public schools have all
kinds of alternative schools, such as ones that emphasize the arts or
science
etc. Even in smaller cities such as Cincinnati have tons too. In Cincinnati
they
have a montassori school and preforming arts school and I know there are
some more. I also know we have a school for kids with ADHD and
aspergers
which is federally funded. You could look into schools like these. If you
are
out of district you have to pay tuition sometimes. I would start by looking
at
every high school near you or close enough drive. Tour it and maybe have
your son shadow a student. Some schools although not alternative may
have
a different feel and maybe your son will really enjoy it. good luck.
This is in Ohio but it would be perfect for your son and many here. Maybe
you could find something like it.
http://www.summitacademies.com/Default.aspx?base


musicfanatic39966.2763194444 [QUOTE=Jessica N]You submit an application, you get an interdistrict transfer, or sign up for a lottery selection. It depends on the type of charter school. Some are part of the public school system and are staffed entirely by teachers. Others significantly rely on parent volunteers and are not part of a school district. They might attend all assemblies, parades, fun activities, at the main stream school. Others are for homeschool children but provide guidance, state testing, fieldtrips etc. The term charter is used loosely and the differences are vast. I'm imagining that there are a ton of option in LA, and then less as you go into less densely populated areas. You'll have to do some research.[/QUOTE]
I think it really varies state by state since it is state law that governs charter schools. The state I live in is very charter-school-friendly and has an abundance of charter schools. They are publicly funded (tuition-free) but privately operated. For the most part they operate outside the school district system, although I have heard of school districts operating their own charter schools. I haven't heard of schools that rely largely on volunteers, although in our state charters do not have to use state certified teachers. Some do, some don't. In my state there are also charters that are online and provide resources to "homeschooled" kids.
Anyway, my point is that it really varies depending on state law. And like musicfanatic said, in some areas there may also be good alternative schools that operate within a school district. A good place to start might be your state department of education website.
Thanks so much to all of you for your suggestions.  I am definitely going to look into the charter school.  He's very artistic and loves music, so hopefully we'll get lucky and find one that he will really thrive in.  In school now, if he likes the teacher and the subject, he gets A's and B's.  If the teacher has an attitude, he goes in the opposite direction.  Once again, thank you....I'll keep you posted.