<p>Bard is not easily affordable for most.</p>
<p>Gap Year - I love the Rotary idea. But remember, not all Gap Years need to be structured programs. Anything is acceptable if you can show you did something.</p>
<p>One of my fav. writers (Christopher Paolini) spent a 2 yr gap writing from ages 16-18, writing. By the time he was 20 he was an international best selling author. </p>
<p>My son will be 17 if he goes off to college straight out of high school. We are learning not all college towns are welcoming to students under 18. The local curfews really effect the physical mobility of a student.</p>