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<li> There are many ways to demonstrate interest, and lots that a student can do without having a high school that provides the opportunities. In fact, it is probably more impressive to have learned languages or developed apps or websites or something on one’s own than as part of a class.</li>
<li> Depending on how prestigious and specialized a university it is, this premise may or may not be true. Most universities do not require their students to declare majors until second semester of sophomore year anyway, so a student has plenty of time to explore CS at the university before declaring a major.</li>
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<p>My son goes to the “best” school in our region. I remember asking the head of the middle school about some students’ obsession with doubling up on science classes as Freshmen and whether it would negatively impact my son if he chose not to. His response was, “They get to go to college.” A graduate of a prestigious himself, he knows the game. It was his way of saying let him be a kid, let him get a broad education, things will sort themselves out. They do.</p>
<p>What you need is an environment where knowledge for its own sake is respected, where kids won’t be picked on for liking school or studying. Beyond that all he really needs to know is that next year is the first year his record will be indelible.</p>
<p>Is your son outgoing - does he make new friends easily? Will he know anyone at the alternative school? Be sure that you know exactly how that daily commute will go. ECs can be difficult to fully embrace if the commute is really tough. If he is really interested in CS and the science clubs, the alternative HS might be a good fit for him. Just be sure that these are his interests. Best of luck.</p>