<p>My son struggles with homework completion and has horrible grades. We constantly battle over getting the homework completed. He may not even graduate if he doesn't get his act together. He also has anxiety issues. He would like to go to college but is obviously not ready. His ACT score is 33 and his SAT is 1950. His GPA is 2.2. We are looking for a Gap Year program that may help him with living, organizational and general study skills in a college environment. We live in the Mid Atlantic area and would like to keep the program in the East. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>I saw your post under the Parent’s forum, glad you found this one. Read through some of the threads here. There is evidently a program at Landmark College that people have said is good. They have a transition program that might be helpful. </p>
<p>I don’t have personal experience, but have been reading this board since I have a DS who is LD and a current HS junior. I’m trying to find out as much as I can to help him find the right fit. His GPA is a bit better than your son, but his test scores will not be nearly as good! He’s a terrible test taker.</p>
<p>Good luck, and hopefully others will have more suggestions. </p>
<p>I second the idea of Landmark College. I’m wondering if Marshall in West Virginia is another option, but Landmark is in Vermont and may be closer to you. Also, we have had success with our son by working with an ADD specialist. Finding the right meds has been a struggle, but when they work, they REALLY work – but also, and possibly more important for your son, my son has a therapist that he sees once a month, and they work on problem solving for issues with homework completion, etc.</p>
<p>I have to say, I’m very impressed with your son’s ACT and SAT scores… We have the opposite problem … my son didn’t test that well, but he’s got a 3.5 GPA in spite of having to deal with the sudden onset of seizures, and the incredible difficulty that seizure medication puts on cognition and sleeping. </p>
<p>Something that seems to be working for my son is having him put together a “journal of best practices” that has to do with literally everything in his life, from his wake-up routine, to his night-time routine, to how to write an essay, or deal with a teacher/professor, etc. Something about writing this all down, putting it into book form, etc. forces one to THINK and PROBLEM SOLVE about the little issues most of us handle day-to-day, but our children on the spectrum (possibly with ADD problems as well) seem to struggle with. It just helps to make amorphous decisions more concrete.</p>
<p>If you are interested in a nonacademic gap year that concentrates on life skills but not study skills, look at Dynamy in Worcester, MA. </p>
<p>You might want to take a look at Thames Academy which is a PG year program at Mitchell College in New London Connecticut. </p>
<p>From their website:</p>
<p>Thames Academy is a residential post-graduate program for students with academic challenges, documented learning disabilities, or other learning differences who can benefit from a structured learning and living experience that prepares them for the transition to college or a career. Unlike conventional post-grad programs offered at college preparatory schools, Thames includes college level courses for credit. The program is set on a college campus with a recognized tradition of support for students with learning differences.Classes are small and designed to help students adjust to new life demands and interactions. Students can participate in the cultural life of a vibrant college community as well as enjoy activities specifically for Thames students. Thames Academy helps students prepare for the learning, social and emotional challenges of college or a career with confidence.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.thamesacademy.org/index”>http://www.thamesacademy.org/index</a></p>
<p>I am wondering whether anyone has had any experience with this program?</p>
We visited and were impressed. Also like the fact that 18 college credits, and even more if your first semester’s grade are good, are included. Thames kids eat all meals in dining hall with Mitchell College and take some classes there as well. Mitchell College itself offers the Bentsen Learning Center for those who need a bit of guidance/tutoring after Thames. It is a good fit for my DS and we are excited about the future.