Does anyone know if it is ever possible to take a leave of absence from a boarding school for a year for non medical reasons? I.e you are an aspiring model and want to go to NYC for a year or something similar. I know schools often have school (or term) abroad programs but I am wondering about unique circumstances.
What is your circumstance? It would helpful for people to know so that they can properly answer the question
It would be for a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something that could lead to a very interesting future professionally . Imagine a tennis protege or actor wanting to take a shot at developing their career now and if they were to turn it down may not happen again.
My daughter has a friend who took a leave from Hotchkiss a year ago ( junior year) for a situation like this. The school granted permission and said he could return in a year to complete his senior year. He ended up having great success in his new location/situation and decided not to return.
@cameo43 thanks very much.
If a student takes a “leave” from HS would they have to do some sort of distance learning, or home school option for the year? Taking a leave from HS is not like taking a leave from college… truancy laws will kick in, right?
A prep school may allow the student to take a year leave from the school to pursue an exciting opportunity, but the student and their family may have to secure another educational option for the year.
Any of the professional child performers I have worked with have attended a brick and mortar public or private school, the Professional Children’s School, home schooled, and/ or have had tutors. So, my comments are based upon that experience.
@KatMT yes school would be required. Probably some distance/online learning
I wouldn’t worry about truancy…other than to just comply with any regulations on where you would be located.
Any update? @Center
Have a friend at Exeter who went away to study ballet professionally with a company in NY, they gave him a year’s leave with the option to come back if he wanted to or if he got injured. He was a great student. It will depend on the administration and the circumstances, but possible for sure.