It's official: I'm dropping out of high school.

Parents Forum
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<p>I totally agree with what 'rentof2 said! We have homeschooled from the beginning, but it's really not unusual to see kids like you that just really need a different path to discover homeschooling in high school. You can find out the homeschooling laws in your state at HSLDA</a> | Home School Laws </p>

<p>When you "officially" homeschool, you are not a dropout! It opens soooo many doors for you! My teenagers have done internships, taken college level classes, started businesses, taken AP classes online, even worked overseas. It is truly a individualized education. </p>

<p>Hop over to the homeschool forum if you want more ideas and suggestions.</p>

<p>Regardless of what you do educationally, depression does not have to rule your life. It is a really rough burden, but there are a bunch of different ways to treat it, and I am sure you'll find a way out. Lots of us have been there before! {{{{hugs}}}}</p>

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<p>faransaa, you are not dropping out of school, you are switching to homeschooling. Millions of kids are homeschooling, and many of them are doing it because they want to get better education. Believe me, it's quite possible that a year from now you will be considering this switch as the best thing you've done for yourself. Have you read the Teenage Liberation Handbook?
Amazon.com:</a> The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education: Grace Llewellyn: Books</p>

<p>Education is very important for our family, too; and that's why we homeschooled some of our kids for some of their school years, when we felt that their schooling was interfering with their education.</p>

<p>One of our kids switched to homeschooling in 11th grade because we felt it could give him more flexibility and challenge. He did exactly what you are planning to do (except for GED). I compiled his high school transcript (he wrote the descriptions for self-study projects/courses he did; and we used the college's descriptions for other things, like Philosophy, Psychology, and English). He was accepted to several strong universities and is now a senior at a top-tier LAC. There's a lot of stories like this - and even better - right here, on CC; and I wish you luck in the wonderful journey you are about to start. </p>

<p>Don't overload yourself; control your condition with the help of your doctors; read about homeschooling and unschooling (and have your parents take a look at those books and websites). You are a thoughtful and very intelligent kid, and you obviously have a great potential - but you don't have any obligations to live up to anybody's expectations (even your own). For a curious kid like you, everything is learning. Don't feel guilty about dropping out of school. Because you are not. If you stick to your plan and take it slowly, you'll get your education just fine.</p>

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<p>And about your parents "giving up" on you... May it be that they just wanted to tell you that you are free, and they don't want to burden you with any expectations ? You know, we adults are sometimes so clumsy with words. "Oh, I give up, do what you want" does not mean we don't care, maybe we just don't know what to do... and just hope that you will somehow feel what's right for you</p>

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<p>I'm not a parent, but I had some personal difficulties in high school and became a dropout. I later did the GED and the community college and eventually went on to an elite school. However, I don't think that it's the ideal path for you, especially since you still have a chance to finish high school in a relatively normal way.</p>

<p>I second the comments of all of the people here who suggest that you should homeschool over dropping out and taking the GED. As a homeschooler, you will have opportunities to differentiate yourself through internships, projects, teams, etc. With a GED, the book is closed on your high school achievements at their lowest point, not where they could be -- in a couple of years as you work through your depression.</p>

<p>I do NOT suggest that you go to community college. Someone here suggested that "you can be social or not and no one will care". That is true. You can be anything, or not, and NO ONE WILL CARE. It is extremely important that you be in an environment with people who care. People care in homeschooling groups. They care at elite schools. In general (there are exceptions, of course) they do not have the time, money, or focus to care at community colleges. This is nothing against community colleges. They provided a second chance for me and for many others. However, I still think you can make a go of your first chance and do not need to fall back on this option.</p>

<p>I like the homeschooling idea. Do a bit more research, talk to your parents, and let us know what you think.</p>

<p>Also, I suggest that you check out Simon's Rock College (Home</a> — Bard College at Simon's Rock). I had some high school friends who went there and loved it. Basically, it is a college for smart kids who don't like high school. It might be interesting for you to think about.</p>

<p>About that depression -- has your entire family been to therapy? Often, one family member shows the symptoms of what is actually a systemic problem. They call this person the "identified patient", meaning that your family as a whole may have deeper issues that are showing up as your problem alone. Depression, in my experience, does not just "strike". There are reasons to feel depressed. There is often great suffering (even though it may seem like there is no "reason" to suffer). You may want to think about your depression as a part of you, not as an outside force, and ask what it might be saying to you, what truth it might contain.</p>

<p>I hope you feel better, and let us all know how it goes (and feel free to PM if you like).</p>

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<p>I second the suggestion to have your counselor evaluate you for bipolar disorder. Bipolar can manifest in much the way you describe - periods of activity with lots of energy and what feels like intense focus, and then a quick swing downwards into massive depression. Bipolar is relatively easy to treat as long as the person stays on the meds, but it's very different medication from straight depression.</p>

<p>At any rate, homeschooling would probably be the best while you straighten out your problems. Certainly the additional stress of trying to function within a school structure isn't going to help you. Take care of yourself first. You cannot be successful anywhere else until you take care of yourself. When you do get on top of all of this - and you will - the grades and college (a better college than you probably realize) will come. Good luck, and keep us posted.</p>

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<p>To the OP:</p>

<p>A little over a month ago, you posted to OP WishWash's High School Life thread entitled, "I give up on school. I just give up." Re-read your Post #20 to that thread. Then, follow your own advice.</p>

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<p>I wish you were getting more support from your family and community. If you've tried therapy, counseling, psychiatry, etc, are you seeing someone now? One reason I'm asking is that perhaps a doctor or psychologist could convince your parents that depression is <em>an illness</em> and they should no more leave you to "fend for yourself" than they did after you had the surgery that kept you in the hospital for two months. It's true that they should accept this fact from doing resarch on the internet, and from you, but sometimes hearing it from an authority figure like a doctor is what some people need to understand that mental illness, like depression, is as real as any physical illness, and requires the same degree of compassion and treatment.</p>

<p>I would say do whatever it takes to get and stay healthy. As a previous poster suggested, community college can be a good option. Another possibility could be staying in high school and taking some combination of high school and college classes. </p>

<p>If you've definitely decided to drop out of high school, you won't be the first gifted student to do that. I looked at some of your previous posts, and you definitely have some unique talents. From what I've read, gifted teenagers actually have a rather high dropout rate. Also, don't rule out applying to college without a high school diploma; maybe send some applications now and see what happens. Look for schools with good student services, good counseling offices, maybe small liberal arts colleges that will look at applications individually. I don't know much about colleges that don't require high school graduation since I just found out that some don't. </p>

<p>Whatever you decide, please do keep us posted. I wish you all the best, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.</p>

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<p>I've decided to go the home schooling route. Thanks to all of your encouraging, warm, and thoughtful responses, it seems that it is my best option, one that doesn't close any doors or burn any bridges. For now, it seems I will be taking 3 classes home-schooled and 4 classes as a "youth special" at my local community college. This means I will be considered a full-time student and have the same privileges as any college student. I am, of course, nervous, but excited all the same. I hope I'm not overwhelming myself; please let me know if this is what you think I am doing. I'm so thankful to have this second chance at high school, to redo what I thought I had so hopelessly destroyed. </p>

<p>The problem with the whole home schooling aspect is that I'm not really sure what it entails, or even how to go about it. If anyone could share on their experiences, I would really appreciate it.</p>

<p>Any thoughts/comments on this?</p>

<p>I'm also a bit (okay, a lot) unsure about what to do after this year. Really, I'm not even sure of what grade I'm in (!). I just feel confused, completely and utterly. Any thoughts about what I should do would definitely be welcome. :) Thanks again!</p>

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<p>As hugenot suggested, you'll be able to get a lot of help from the homeschool forum and other online sources. Look around!</p>

<p>I'm a little skeptical about seven classes considering that four or five classes is a normal load at a college and you've been through so much. I'm wondering if starting with a little bit less of a load might be worth considering. </p>

<p>It's hard to see what next year should look like when you are starting anew just now and you don't know what you will look like in six months. So, some confusion seems normal under the circumstances. What ideas cross your mind as worthy of some further consideration?</p>

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<p>"The Teenage Liberation Handbook" is a great source of ideas and inspiration.
There are effectively no limits to what you can do as a home schooler.
For example, my daughter at 16 volunteered at the natural history museum and started out taking apart a Siberian Tiger, and then bats, wombats, bobcats and a giraffe. All the while working with professional research scientists.<br>
My first two kids asked out of school in 7th grade and were able to gain acceptance to elite schools with no courses at home or elsewhere and no grades. Just reading lists they were able to provide and some stellar test scores. And for that perfectionist in you- don't like your Literature score? So what! Take it over until you're happy.
Your first post makes me wonder if you are struggling with bi-polar disorder. From what I've heard, this can be best managed by getting some medication right. I can understand why your parents may feel played out. That is likely to be only temporary.</p>

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<p>I obviously don't know anything about you but have you found yourself struggling more and more with school as you progress in grade/difficulty of work. I found myself getting really down on school because I never had to work at it and then suddenly in about 11th grade it seemed like all the teachers were speaking a different language. Turns out i had a learning disability... in my case dysgraphia which was causing my notes and assignments to be unreadable to teachers and also to myself. Up until this point I was so naturally gifted that no one ever tested me for a disability. I seriously considered dropping out for a few years but now i just take a tape recorder and record the lecture and I can play it back and I type my assignments. Not trying to hijack the thread at all but I'm wondering if such an abrupt change could be partly caused by a situation like this.</p>

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<p>I think combining homeschooling with community college is a great idea. However, I have to second ADad's suggestion to reconsider your class load. You are planning on taking seven classes combined, which is a rigorous load for only high school classes (the valedictorian at my daughter's high school is taking four APs and PE, only five classes total). If you want the full-time status at the community college, maybe you might think about taking only one hmeschool class. AFAIK, community colleges are good with support for part-time students too (they have to, since so many of their students are working adults with jobs and families). So conversely maybe you might think about something like two community college classes and three homeschooling classes. I would caution anyone about overextenging, but especially since you have been through so much. What you're planning on is a full time college load plus at least half time high school. Don't get burned out. Look at what seems most interesting (and lowest pressure) and go with that. You can always pick up another community college class the next semester.</p>

<p>BTW, I can second how gifted students often don't find out about LDs until late in high school, so it could be worth checking out. I don't know much about homeschooling, but do know that homeschooled students have been accepted in top colleges. With your talent for writing, this could be a much better fit for you than a traditional high school. I think you've made a wise decision to go with homeschooling rather than dropping out of high school. Take care and good luck.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the advice, ADad and califa. I was thinking seven classes was a bit too much for me to handle right now, considering my situation. I really just want to get high school over with, but to learn something in the process. It seems this is too much to ask of "regular" high school, though, and so I am definitely pleased with my decision to home school. </p>

<p>Any more advice on the home schooling aspect, anyone? I really could use the help.</p>

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<p>I have some homeschooling advice for you. If you would like to have a high school diploma, then check out NARHS at NARHS</a> - Your diploma, your way.</p>

<p>I have graduated 2 children through this school. They have been wonderful to work with and are completely flexible. After looking at this program, you may discover that you are much closer to graduating from high school than you realize.</p>

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<p>Faransaa, I agree with the others that 7 classes is too much. My son never took more than 5 classes (homeschool & college combined) at a time and he got into an elite school. If you're going to do 4 at the college, maybe just try one as independent study/homeschool. Then if things are going well and you want to add another, you can. Remember you're not bound to a traditional academic calendar when you're homeschooling. The recommendations for The Teenage Liberation Handbook and also checking into NARHS are good ones. You don't need NARHS or a high school diploma to attend college (even elite colleges), but if you'd like a diploma that integrates all the work you've already done, as well as whatever ecelectic choices your pursue in the future, it can be an organizing influence. We did not use it, but I know students that have and they were pleased with it. You don't need to know the answers to all your questions about homeschooling right at the beginning. They will come as you go along.</p>

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<p>Does anyone know of the Laureate School for the Gifted and Talented (Laurel Springs Academy)? Is it prestigious or at least, well-regarded, or not at all? I presume that EPGY (Stanford) is more renowned, but I just want to keep as many options available as possible. On that note, are there any more online schools like this, or are these the only two?</p>

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<p>Here's a lower key option:
Indiana University offers on line high school classes, including AP classes. College classes too. Everything you would would need to graduate from their accredited high school - you just transfer the classes from your high school to their high school.
Indiana</a> University Online and Distance Education School of Continuing Studies</p>

<p>(Kids in our school district use Indiana University to take high school health when it doesn't fit into their schedules. This is a well-organized and relatively inexpensive option.)</p>

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<p>Thanks, MidwestMom. I'll definitely look into that. Any others I should be aware of?</p>

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<p>You could pick up AP Bio and AP Psych online from BYU. Like Midwest, above, our HS (in another state!) accepts Health and PE online credits from BYU. Our family has had good experiences with the online system there.</p>

<p>BYU</a> Independent Study - Distance Education Courses - Online Learning</p>

<p>Hey, best wishes faransaa. You've got a lot to offer the world.</p>

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<p>Just wanted to update everyone on how things are going. </p>

<p>First of all, I feel more hopeful than I can remember ever having felt. This is a huge deal for me, because hopelessness, a major symptom of depression, has been something I have struggled with my entire life. I don't know if this means I've been dealing with depression (or bipolar) all my life, but my therapist seems to think so. </p>

<p>For the first time, I'm truly excited for the road in front of me: it is a road optimistic in its many opportunities and one that allows me to be myself in a school environment, something I have never before been able to do. There will be roadblocks, of course, and hitches in my journey, but that is only to be expected. </p>

<p>I'm much happier now. I'm not sure what it is - the new medicine I'm on, all the support I've been getting now that I've finally decided to seek it, my new and exciting opportunities, or a combination of the three - but I'm better. I feel ready to obtain all my desires, to conquer all my inhibitions, fears, and doubts, to "be me" again. </p>

<p>Your suggestions have been such forces of strength for me over the last few days, as I have adjusted to new medication for bipolar (per your recommendations) and depression. Though I was already on an antidepressant, my doctor first increased the dose, and, noticing no change, switched me to another that seems to be working well. My therapist, whose opinion I trust completely, is convinced I have bipolar disorder, (as you all perceived so intuitively ;)) and is currently attempting to persuade my doctor into diagnosing me. </p>

<p>For now, I will be taking things slowly. I will challenge myself and my illness every day, partaking in some difficult (for the depressed) task, but not to the extent in which to overload and overwhelm myself, as, you may have noted, I tend to do. Maybe it's walking the dog, or washing the dishes, or doing a crossword puzzle - anything that gets me out of bed. </p>

<p>Beginning January 2009, I will start 4 college courses at my local community college. (I could not be more excited or more eager to begin college, as I have been looking forward to those classes and the collegiate environment ever since I first learned of them and their nature - or at least from what I've heard from others here on CC.) In addition to these, I will take 2 home schooled classes (AP French and Pre-Calculus) through private tutors. (Because of the sheer selectivity of the schools I am considering, I have to take 4 years of every academic subject, right? Or is it different for home schoolers?) I really would rather not take any math or science, though it seems like it could be a good option: I want to be well-rounded in subject matters both interesting and not-so-interesting to me, and I don' t think (if I get into the college(s) of my choice) that I would be doing so on a higher level. What would you consider to be an "average" high school home schooling curriculum? What would be considered rigorous? I absolutely adore the flexibility in home schooling, and the ultimate freedom it allows its students. It's completely liberating to know I am free, released from the shackles of our nation's lacking educational system, able to shape and define my own education. Still, I wonder if I need those pesky requisites to be a competitive applicant?</p>

<p>Life can only improve from here on out for me, and that is a freeing thought. "The world is my oyster," as they say. I never knew life could be so light, so unburdened and open. I feel like someone who had never known that their vision was anything but normal, until one day, some person (maybe someone completely random) lends you their glasses. A perfect prescription, the glasses enable you to see - literally - how blurry your world vision was, how skewed and fuzzy your perception was of life in general, merely because you had never known anything different. </p>

<p>Now, though, I can move forward - step by little step - knowing that though I may have struggles and challenges, they are curable, just as those doctors have been telling me for years. Maybe not EASILY curable, but curable all the same. I know I am going through this ordeal for a reason, that something good will come out of all the madness. It's just debilitating in the process. </p>

<p>I know that I will struggle with my illness(es) all my life, that it is something that will forever plague me, but I am learning to live with it. I am learning to be happy. </p>

<p>So, yeah. It's a good day, today. :)</p>