<p>OP</p>
<p>I have a very smart 11th grade son who has ADHD (inattentive) and LD issues. Our biggest struggle this year, aside from the organizational issues, is self-esteem. Community College straight out of 12th grade would be a disaster for him. We have a gorgeous CC with a solid teaching staff, however, they do not meet the classroom experience my son needs at this stage. I’ve seen my kid do some amazing things in the last few months. Next year he may be ready for “sleep away” college or CC. Who knows. Stay fluid.</p>
<p>Like you, we have been very forthright with our finances. </p>
<p>I just want to caution you to look beyond what you heard about the CC and look at it in context to your son at a stage closer to attending. If the experience harms his esteem and he still lacks maturity, then he may do poorly just to spite you. </p>
<p>For our family, if son were a senior now, I know it would be the wrong choice. The CC would not help him gain maturity. You don’t know what your son will be like in 2 years. So, IMHO, keep up the talk about the CC, but also consider a gap year and consider allowing him to go through the app process with his peers. The most important thing you can do is continually reinforce that straight road is not necessary. It is difficult when they are in a peer group who has always considered 4 year sleep away as “the only way” instead of one of many ways.</p>
<p>I agree with you on the lower cost third tier schools. What those outside of our region do not realize is the bias against those schools in the job market in our region. I see it time and again in my industry.</p>