We're moving to a city with an alternative school

[Linda on the move]

We are moving for DH's job and our new city has an alternative school that should work well for my DD with ASD and goes right through high school.

It will be MUCH better for her sensory issues, give her more freedom, and I think it is someplace that she might actually thrive. I really was having a hard time imagining DD graduating from high school if we stayed here, but I think she'll really like the new school and stick it out.

They are very open to her attending.

They have a pyschologist on staff (even though she won't need much accomodation there, I'm not comfortable leaving her where no one understands her).

She's very excited about it. They have an animal center with goats and chickens, a green house, and a pottery studio. She can take photography next year and they have a dark room.

Her neuro-typical sister is carefully consider her options -- we are letting her choose between the big, wonderful, public school with tons of activities going or the funky little alternative school with field trips to go bird watching in the mountains. It's a tough choice for her!

[BookGoddess]

The alternative school sounds great! I'm jealous about all the animals and field trips.

Is it a private school or public school?

[Linda on the move]

private

In checking into public alternative schools, it seems that most have waiting list and require that children completely fall on their face first.

[Aridel]

It sounds amazing! It's great to hear that both of your girls are excited for school!

[joensally]

That is so great! A great option for one, and great options for the other - that's a wonderful place to be.

[BookGoddess]

I'm ignorant about why a school is called an alternative school? What makes it alternative compared to "regular" private/public schools?

[Linda on the move]

Alternative just means different from a traditional view of education and includes a lot of different styles.

This school doesn't have grades or tests and kids have far more control over their schedule. There aren't any bells or lockers. Homerooms are mixed ages.

[askew]

It sounds lovely. How very exciting for your dd!

[BookGoddess]

Originally Posted by Linda on the move

Alternative just means different from a traditional view of education and includes a lot of different styles.

This school doesn't have grades or tests and kids have far more control over their schedule. There aren't any bells or lockers. Homerooms are mixed ages.

Thanks. The more you describe the school, the more I wish we had something like that here.

[Linda on the move]

My DH had his choice of two assignments -- the other would have been better for his career but this assignment gives us the option of a very cool school.

I'm very grateful that he's willing to do this.

Our typically developing child would do just fine with any decent school, but for our DD with sn, I think this could really make a difference in how she turns out, how she sees herself, etc.