Non-traditional HS options for ADHD 8th grader

[mrs.b]

Faith is a critical component to any decision, particularly one such as this. That is helpful information in providing advice, as well. My boy was in a very similar place a little over a year ago, and we chose homeschooling. Anna's parents have opportunities ahead of them to help put her feet on the path that will provide her the best possible opportunity to thrive and rise to her maximum potential. My family was told we should lower our expectations for his ability to learn and meet his peers' normal standard (thanks, No Child Left Behind nonsense; Autistics think a different way but are by no means beneath their peers in capacity and ability if provided the right opportunities...the same definitely applies to ADD/ADHD and similar disabilities). While we do not demand he meet perfection, we knew he was far more capable than they were giving him credit and just needed to be taught a different way; he could only demonstrate academic knowledge two years behind his grade level but was handed As because they claimed he was meeting his max potential (in that environment). Fast forward 16 months, and he is now able to demonstrate knowledge on par with (and in some cases, above) his peers according to standardized testing. If he grows up and chooses to be a grocery bagger, I will be so proud of him for doing as he wants, but I am so pleased we prayed on the decision, researched all available options, and came to the conclusion that provided my son a CHOICE of career paths, instead of giving up on his abilities as many of the public educators insisted we should. He currently thinks he wants to be an astronomer and begs for computer time to look up facts about everything outside our atmosphere and is giddy that the weather is cooling so we can start getting the telescope out for backyard stargazing; a year and change ago, he could not tell you much about even our closest neighbor, the moon, and hated anything having to do with learning.


If the family would like to look at private school as an option, here is a list I found of Roman Catholic private schools in North Carolina. Availability above 8th grade appears limited, but there are some high schools in the list, depending on where you all are located and how far of a commute may seem reasonable. North Carolina Roman Catholic Private Schools | Review & Photos

If the family would like to continue to give secular public school an opportunity but would like information on their rights for demanding further services and assistance for Anna, the National Center for Learning Disabilities has a wealth of knowledge of what should qualify, how to request those services, and how to fight for her rights within the system. National Center for Learning Disabilities | NCLD.org - NCLD

Lastly, if homeschooling is determined to be the best path, there are a few parochial catholic curriculums. There are several Christian curriculums Ted and his wife may enjoy (in fact, faith-based curriculums dominate the homeschool market). The first steps are legal and preparatory in nature as Jennifer outlined, though. Curriculum choice follows and will come when the other details are in place.