<p>Well, it looks like our son will probably be changing schools next year. My husband and I met with the school's guidance office and we didn't see any major red flags that we didn't already know. They did confirm that last year's graduating class, their first, only sent 15% of kids on to 4 year schools but that they expect that number will change. Average SAT scores from last years class (only 40% took the SATs) were about 100 points below average SAT scores at the current school (but son already scored well above both averages as a 7th grader for the CTY program). </p>
<p>Son will be placed in honors and AP classes next year --- although we did confirm that the "honors" classes are not separate classes as such, but rather the honors kids are mixed in with the regular classes and get "honors credit" for doing extra assignments. But, the AP classes are separate and we may be able to get him into at least one AP class next year (chemistry). They have AP physics and AP chemistry, while our current school only offers honors in those two classes with the option of taking the AP test at the end. Taking community college courses is very possible and they seemed fairly open to helping us make sure son is challenged. </p>
<p>Son talked with the football coach (you know a kid really wants to change schools when he is taking the initiative) who also happens to be a physics teacher. The coach apparently was pretty tickled to have the chance to get a player from the top ranked football program at his current school. He mentioned that son would not have to try out for the team and could potentially be put on the varsity team because they are weak in defense (son's position). A plus for the son is that the team does not have the intense summer training program that his current school does (it's a six week 4 hour a day program), nor do they do much training during the spring (son is currently spending 3 hours a day, 3 days a week in training). Son liked the coach a lot and I must admit I was impressed with how quickly he responded to son's message. </p>
<p>Of course, football isn't everything. I am not particularly thrilled with this turn of events --- I know that my son would have more opportunities and definitely receive a better overall education at his current school but he doesn't want the long commute and wants to be with his friends again. Sigh. I suppose this is a bit like having a kid get into an Ivy but decide to go to the local state school. It's disappointing but he's a smart kid and will probably do fine in the end
(fingers crossed).</p>
<p>Thanks for the update. I bumped into one of the GCs at my S's school and we marveled at how many kids have been accepted into top schools from the rather mixed public school my S attends. If the public school is flexible, your S can have a very good education.<br>
PS: My S learned more about writing papers in his "honors" options in 9th and 10th grades than he is in his AP History and English classes. If your S can make the most of these Honors options, chances are he'll have the same experience because they won't be about teaching to the test.</p>
<p>Carolyn, I am curious. If he takes classes at the community college won't he still get a great education?
Maybe, you can get a job as the college counselor at the new school. It sounds like the school needs one badly. They get you and the school automatically improves drastically. :) (I'm smiling but not kidding).</p>
<p>I think I had much the same feelings when my daughter left her small catholic school after 8th grade to attend our local public high school. Things have certainly turned out ok for her and I am sure they will for your son also!</p>
<p>Thanks for the update. When son was a freshman I desperately wanted him out of the crummy school district. He insisted on staying with his established "band/music family" with good/caring faculty. You know the end-he came out ok, very happy now. Sure everything will fall into place for you son.
L</p>
<p>Carolyn: from just what little you wrote, it sounds like the school was pretty forthcoming and straightforward with you in several areas e.g. academic results so far, opportunities ahead and athletic avenues. Doesn't sound like anyone dodged any questions, they are open to alternative avenues e.g. community college courses, and the coach welcomed your son. All those add up to what sounds like a positive environment. Plus, your son is happy and we know how much that counts! I think he'll do fine and maybe assume some leadership roles as well e.g. pushing for more AP classes.</p>
<p>Thanks for keeping us posted - I know I was getting curious what was happening there.</p>
<p>Yes, son is happy. Frankly, he is the type of kid that you want to make happy because other wise he will keep mentioning it and mentioning it until you give in from sheer exhaustion. :) Unfortunately, both my husband and I have let this factor into our decision - the thought of three years of long car rides listening to him bring up the subject again and again and again and again is not a happy picture. </p>
<p>I just wish I didn't feel so disappointed about this turn of events. Ironically, we just found out that he will be receiving the "outstanding freshman" award for academics and school participation at his current school's spring awards ceremony. :(</p>
<p>carolyn - thanks for keeping us informed. I think this can be a life experience for your S that our situations are what we make of them. He has already started that, by taking the initiative as you mentioned. How many of our hs sons do that? He will be more motivated to do that where he is, which will be excellent preparation for what college, and life, will be like.</p>
<p>Carolyn, no sad face for that outstanding freshman award! Congrats to son! What a way to go out! My kids' paths in their various highschools were not what I had wanted for a variety of reasons, certainly not my first choice, and I still hurt a little about some of it. Also they are totally against everything I believed in education. Felt (still feel) that single sex schools in the lower grades, particularly for boys are dinosauers, a good public school need support from its district (and here I am with all of mine in private), and I did not want the long commute which I certainly wish on no one including you and your son that we have had and have with our sons. Just the way it worked out and these were the best choices for the kids at the time. The many moves did not help our situation. I promise you that having your son wanting the school is a big factor in success. I've always felt that financial issues aside, a kid should pick his college, because you just have a better chance of his succeeding there if he has that momentum going for him. Of course, if there is an overriding reason that a parent clearly sees, that has to be factored in, but the kid's satisfaction index and stake in the results is a pretty heavy factor. Let us know how it goes. Now your D will stay where she is, or is she going to do this long commute as she has just the last year to go?</p>
<p>Thanks Jamimom. I am learning that as the kids get older, I have to let go sometimes.</p>
<p>Yes, my daughter will stay at the current high school for her senior year. She loves it there - loves the teachers, loves the staff, loves her friends, loves the smaller, nuturing atmosphere, even loves the religion classes - and doesn't mind commuting even farther than she already is to reach the new campus. She is very sad that her brother is going to leave the school.</p>
<p>I agree ...Your son has certainly shown the initiative! He will do great wherever. I think you should be proud. It also sounds like he has the "gift" of persuasion? That will do him well in life. I had a friend whose son was also so gifted. His pediatrician laughed when he was young, saying he had all the attributes that are highly desirable as an adult -- just using them a little early as a child. </p>
<p>The Outstanding Freshman award is fantastic! No frown allowed. That doesn't mean the new school will not see the same talent! I mentioned previously in the other post, that things may (WILL) come up that you may want to kick yourself for allowing the change. He may do the same. Don't let it. Sounds like you are already second guessing? You'll probably also find lots of nice surprises and benefits -- you just don't know them yet!</p>
<p>He sounds like such a great kid, he'll come out on top in either place. That letting go thang aint' as easy as it sounds, is it? ;-}</p>
<p>Questions to ask yourself about the varsity football team--how much does your S weigh? Who are the opposing teams and what do their varsity teams weigh? Is there a senior who has your S's postition?</p>
<p>Even though it would be a great honor to play on varsity--it might be worth it to postpone until his weight and mass are on par with opposing teams? Just a thought. There could be other advantages to junior varsity--playing time, space to shine, comraderie etc. There are other disadvantages to playing varsity; ie invited to all the senior parties.</p>
<p>Having said that, I know a number of freshman/sophomores play varsity successfully and injury free--particularily the sons of professional athletes. </p>
<p>It also sounds like he has the "gift" of persuasion? >></p>
<p>Yes, my son has been an attorney in training since he first could speak. He is a master at coming up with arguments that no one can argue with. Case in point: when he was three years old, I signed him up for group swimming lessons. The instructor was frustrated because try as she would, he absolutely refused to open his eyes under water. Week after week, lesson after lesson, she begged him to just try it. Finally, he looked at her and in all seriousness said "See my eyes? I have X-ray vision. If I open them under water all I'll burn a hole in the bottom of your pool and all of the water will drain out. " The instructor just looked at me and said, "Get this kid out of the pool." </p>
<p>It's basically been like that ever since. :)</p>
<p>Cheers, Son is six foot four and 235 at 14. He's a pretty solid kid for the defensive line. It does sound like the football program at the new school is a little less intense than at the current school in terms of training requirements and coaching. That may or may not be a good thing.</p>
<p>Carolyn~I am glad to hear that you and your son have been able to make this difficult decision. I predict that it will be a very happy and positive one for him. It is a wonderful sign that he took the initiative to get with the new school's football coach. And OMG, your son is a BIG 14-year-old!!!!! Is he cut out for football or WHAT??!!</p>
<p>I think that his being with his friends and in the setting that he prefers will be very positive for him. He sounds like the kind of kid who will thrive if he's happy, and I think this move will make him happy.</p>
<p>I have one of those "lawyer sons"--this year's graduate...raising him has been quite the challenge! But it always keeps me on my toes!</p>
<p>Again, I am happy for your son, and I wish him all the best in his new school setting! ~berurah</p>
<p>Carolyn-
I am glad to hear you and son came to an agreement without coming to BLOWS!! I know you are sad about him leaving his current school but think how happy he is! And I am impressed he went to talk to the coach-not to mention that the coach is the physics teacher. DS#2 also took some AP's as a sophomore, the ones that worked well for him were AP US History, AP Econ, and AP Bio. As a junior this year, he has AP CHem, AP Euro, AP Calc AB and BC, AP English, AP Stats and Spanish. Also has another honors science, some research class. Granted he had his honors labs before but the AP Bio and Chem have not been too difficult.</p>
<p>Since your son doesn't have the summer football camp to worry about he can actually contemplate going to summer programs without the coach being all over him. If you pick up a weight bench he can do some of his stuff over the summer at home. DS#2 bought one himself, set up a schedule and is also running about 6-7 miles a day. So the summer won't be a loss especially if he builds up his strength and endurance. It will help keep him in better shape and reduce some risk for injuries.</p>
<p>Have him definitely take advantage of the honors classes and find out what foreign language prgrams they offer. Our local public here hired a Latin teacher when my kiddos said they would take the classes and get their friends to take as well. They are actually thinking about teaching Greek for the same reasons. Also have him check out all the new clubs, organizations, stuff like Science and Quiz bowl, MUN.....sometimes some clubs exist on public hs campus that don't on privates. If he is playing football in the fall, have him take a look at the wrestling program for winter and maybe the track program for spring (if he doesn't care for running, most football players do shot and discus).</p>
<p>I am trying to think of all the things my boys did when they left parochial for public. I know the school here has a contact for working as a page at the state capitol (it is a paid position). Also working for the local state rep's. Sons' did summer research at Duke and aerospace at Embridy-Riddle. They were quite happy flying the simulators. I know our dean here was so happy to have some high-achieving kiddos that she went out of her way to find opportunities for them and in turn with the publicity it has encouraged other students who were not interested before to now participate.</p>
<p>School did not have AP Calc BC before, or Latin or AP Stats, AP Physics, AP Spanish...they will be keeping it with the hopes that others will now try. And the athletic teams are making a much bigger deal about being scholar athletes...there really has been a change. The local community and local business have gotten involved.</p>
<p>I am happy for your son, he has done well. And I am sure the new high school will truly appreciate all your insight, info and support. They don't realize just yet how lucky they are!!!</p>
<p>wow, Kat, what an agent of change your kids have been. I'm awed by their accomplishments and their ability to pave the way for others!
Great ideas for Carolyn's S to follow up on.</p>
<p>Carolyn, now he can do Greek2 without worrying about football training and at the same time keep in shape if he follows the regimen recommended by Kat. That has to be a plus!</p>