<p>How do you communicate? Do you carry around a computer? Or do you speak ASL? </p>
<p>You should contact specific schools that interest you in general and ask them about how they could accomodate your disability. It would be nice if you found a school that let you participate in class despite your problems with talking. Just out of curiosity, how did that happen? Like, why can't you talk? Can you make any noise at all? Can you laugh?</p>
<p>I do both, but I mainly write because most people don't know ASL, and the computer sounds weird. I am ONLY interested in schools that will let me participate in classes with other students. </p>
<p>I can't talk because my mouth is semi-paralyzed- I can still move it, but not as well as to be able to talk. I eat and drink normally. I do have a voice though- and I laugh A LOT!</p>
<p>Okay, that's good lol- I don't think I could live through live without laughing haha- </p>
<p>You need to call schools, then. This forum is good, but not for something so unique like this. I'm not sure what you want in a school or how high you want to aim, but a good list would be: Choate, Hotchkiss, Deerfield, Blair, Emma Willard, Miss Porter's, Taft, Lawrenceville, and those are the first schools I could think of off the top of my head, but if you go to boardinschoolreview.com, you'll find more of them. I know that everyone here is obsessed with Andover and Exeter, and they're wonderful schools, but honestly, after actually getting to know people at these schools, I've realized that the pressure exerted on the students there is ridiculous and even unhealthy. You wouldn't want to put yourself in that kind of atmosphere. There are other excellent schools that don't drive you to desperation.</p>
<p>PurpoisePal, I agree with what you're saying about how many great schools there are out there besides Andover and Exeter. However, I wouldn't say that Andover has driven me to desperation.<br>
So far, I've managed to have a really good time, go to a lot of events/dances/parties, play two varsity sports and get involved with a bunch of organizations while still doing reasonably well in my classes. If you stay level headed, Andover is not too hard to handle.</p>
<p>It doesn't drive everyone to desperation, but it does exert unnecessary pressure on its students and it's good that you can handle it, but a lot of people can't and it's not such a hot idea to test our abilities to handle stress if we don't have to. Especially with her disability, she shouldn't seek a school that will add so many more problems than she already has.</p>
<p>Well, I AM looking for a school where I will be challenged. I don't think Exeter or Andover- while both fabolous schools- are the right fit for me. Too big, too impersonal. I'm the kid who ALWAYS does more then she needs too do and always does the extra credit. I don't look as my problem with not being able to talk as a disabilty. Its more of... I think disadvantage is a good word. Imagine trying to yell at someone in sign language- when that person doesn't even know sign language! It's hard.</p>
<p>All the schools you all have suggested sound really good... any more, and does anyone care to elaborate?</p>
<p>Sorry- I know it's not a disability, really, but I didn't know what else to call it. Disadvantage sounds right. I apologize. </p>
<p>Where do you want to go to school? Like what states? How big do you want your grade to be? You said you want to be challenged, but what does that mean? What kinds of grades do you get? Have you taken the ssat's yet? etc.</p>
<p>You DO NOT have to apologize! I meant so offense whatsoever. Thank you though, but its really not a big deal. </p>
<p>I am looking into east coast schools... west is too far from I live. I'm looking for schools with 200-500 people (I mean this as a total school student population). Challenge to me is that I'm forced to think, to actually do work that I have to THINK about. I am not challenged at all in my public school. I get all A s, and I am in a normal class with normal other kids who have no disabilties. I have not taken the SSAT's yet, but I'm going to soon. I hope that answers everything!</p>
<p>I completely agree with what you're saying Purpoise Pal </p>
<p>Good luck liza42 finding the right school; it sounds like you're on the right track.</p>
<p>thanks big blue! I really appreciate it.</p>
<p>@liza42: Disability? Disadvantage? Dis-this and dis-that. All this negativity is dragging me down, man. </p>
<p>I was under the impression that you have been blessed with a physiological condition that inspires you to explore multiple functional alternatives to conventional audible expression.</p>
<p>correct you are, d'yer maker. I should seriously start telling people that I have a physiological condition that inspires myself to explore multiple functional alternatives to conventional audible expression! This is great! If I went to school tomorrow, and I told everyone I had that, they would be... surprised. I'm going to start telling people that! thanks.</p>
<p>You're not dis-anything. You've been given the gift of distinction. Soon, they'll all be asking, "Hey! No fair! How come I'm just...(yawn)...conventional?"</p>
<p>Pretty soon regular speech will be just as "out" as white bread. And you'll be the person who makes people realize that different forms of expression -- like panini, ciabatta and tortano ripieno -- are far more wonderful to consume than the plain old factory-fresh, pre-sliced, white loaf breads that people think of as being safe, predictable and comfortable.</p>
<p>Thats so nice of you! I really, really appreciate your words of wisdom. The next time I'm feeling inadequate (ahhhh! I can't spell!) i'll think to myself- "You are a tortano ripieno! Be strong!" That will be my mantra.</p>
<p>Does anyone else have any schools to suggest?</p>
<p>And also please tell me WHY its a good school</p>
<p>Based on the info. you've given us, I think Concord Academy might be a really good fit for you. Originally started as a girl's school, but has been coed for 30+ years. Mid-sized. Very strong arts program. They pride themselves on being very diverse, encouraging people to develop as individuals. Also, they work hard to create a strong sense of community.</p>
<p>Located in Concord, Mass., a beautiful New England town just outside of Boston. I think its just about the size you're looking for. They do have a fairly large day population, which may be a negative for some (for more on this topic see the heated discussion on another thread).:)</p>
<p>I agree with prpdd that it is a great school, but we did not pursue it because of several things that I think make it hard to be a boarder there. for example. the dorms are locked during the day-</p>
<p>I recommend Milton. Though a little bigger than you're looking for, it's still smaller than Andover/Exeter and just as good for English and History. The community is very supportive. It's easier for boarders to get into than A/E because the fiercest competition is for day student slots.</p>
<p>Milton sounds good. I'll check it out. However, I am looking for a school with 60% OR MORE boarding students, ONLY grades 9-12.</p>