<p>There is too much identifying information in the posts under my regular username, so I am using a temporary account for this thread. Please assume that all information I give here is accurate, and that we have not been sitting on our hands as DS' academic career circled the drain.</p>
<p>DS is an 11th grader, almost 17, and failing HS. He did very badly in 9th and 10th grade, and is off to a very bad start in 11th. His GPA is probably between 1.0 and 2.0. He gets near-perfect scores on all tests, but does not do homework or projects. Although DH and I are still working with him on his motivational issues, we believe that he is rapidly approaching the point at which continuing HS does not make sense. Two bad years followed by two years of excellent performance is one thing; three bad years, and there is not much point in doing the fourth, while watching classmates make plans for college. I am working on a Plan B, and hoping that some of you can help me with ideas. </p>
<p>DS is brilliant. He has been to CTY summer programs, where he thrived and excelled. The teachers there told us that he is extraordinarily talented in math and science, even among that group. He was labeled "highly gifted" by the school system early on, based on intelligence testing and their observations, and there has been some acceleration in math and science. He has some significant achievements in a science, and he has taken two AP courses in science, and scored "5" on the exams. He spends a great deal of time learning on his own and pursuing a science-related hobby. He reads widely, and he is an original thinker. He is a good kid, kind, compassionate, respectful to teachers and other adults, well-liked by other kids. His friends are great kids, all doing well in school. There is no question of drug or alcohol use. </p>
<p>This is what I have in mind: unless DS is able to get his act together very soon (and he may when confronted with Plan B as the alternate path), he will drop out of HS when he turns 17 (a few months from now). At 17, he is old enough for Americorps. I had thought that he might do a year of volunteer work with them, but after spending some time on their website, I'm not sure that this will be possible. Most of their programs seem to start in the fall, and there don't seem to be many that do not require at least a HS degree. And I'm not sure that they are looking for HS dropouts who need a maturing experience.</p>
<p>If Americorps does not work, then I would look for another volunteer activity or a research internship. Again, I'm not sure what I will find given DS' situation. (And it will be me looking, not DS. He does not have the necessary motivation or resourcefulness.) Another possibility is a job, but I don't think that he will have many possibilities in this economy.</p>
<p>After one year out of HS, DS would be eligible for entry to our local CC, maybe even in their spring semester. If he does very well at CC, he will have some good transfer opportunities. </p>
<p>I would be very grateful for suggestions on possibilities for this gap year.</p>