Hey, I’m in high school and being sent to an alternative school for 30 days due to something I did that broke the school’s rules. I’d rather not get into specifics, but I’ve heard mixed things about what alternative school is like. Is it really as intimidating as people say? Any advice on what to expect?
I used to teach at a juvenile facility and alternative schools. My advice? Take advantage of all the support offered. Many students miss out on resources just because they don’t pay attention to them. Keep focused on your schoolwork and don’t get involved in any drama.
@BookwormBard
Funny how your helpful comment ends up buried. Why do so many on this forum seem to have such a negative view on kids?
I work in an alternative school and, reading between the lines, it sounds like you may have done something pretty serious, even beyond just breaking school rules. Keep a low profile, take any counseling they offer, and don’t give up. Many of the students there have, and you don’t want to be one of them.
@holmesben
Agreed. Whatever it was, OP is in alternative school because of something major. Most school rule-breaking doesn’t get students sent there.
LisaMoore said:
@holmesben
Agreed. Whatever it was, OP is in alternative school because of something major. Most school rule-breaking doesn’t get students sent there.
Not sure why people are focusing on what OP did. They’re asking for advice on what to expect at alternative school.
@Lenox
Acknowledging their actions is a start. It’s part of owning up and getting out of alternative school for good.
LisaMoore said:
@Lenox
Acknowledging their actions is a start. It’s part of owning up and getting out of alternative school for good.
Exactly. Accepting responsibility is the first step to moving forward and making better choices.
LisaMoore said:
@Lenox
Acknowledging their actions is a start. It’s part of owning up and getting out of alternative school for good.
OP doesn’t need to give the whole internet an explanation. It’s fine if they keep things private.
@Lenox
For most cases, alternative school isn’t just for breaking school rules. If it was just a fight, they wouldn’t end up there unless weapons were involved.
LisaMoore said:
@Lenox
For most cases, alternative school isn’t just for breaking school rules. If it was just a fight, they wouldn’t end up there unless weapons were involved.
Well, repeated minor issues can land students in alternative school, too, depending on the district. Why focus on the past instead of giving helpful advice?
@Lenox
It’s actually relevant. Whether it’s a strict school or a detention center can affect what OP can expect. Either way, following rules and staying focused is key to getting out.
holmesben said:
@Lenox
It’s actually relevant. Whether it’s a strict school or a detention center can affect what OP can expect. Either way, following rules and staying focused is key to getting out.
OP asked about what it’s like, not how to get out. Some people here are just making assumptions. Alternative school doesn’t mean a student is automatically a criminal; sometimes, they’re just kids who made mistakes.
@Lenox
Exactly! People assume they know more about OP’s situation than OP does.
I’m a teacher, and yes, kids can get sent to alternative school for a set time and come back, at least in my district.
My advice for alternative school: follow the rules, be respectful, say “please” and “thank you,” and just show up every day. Simple, but it works.
The advice here is really all over the place…
ThomasMoore said:
The advice here is really all over the place…
That’s because there are different types of alternative schools. Some are for kids who need extra academic help, and others are for kids who got in trouble. I think we can guess which type OP is heading to.
Lenox said:
@thomashearns
Are we just assuming we know?
OP said they’re going because of something they did. Usually, that means the latter type of school. Makes sense they’d be there for discipline reasons.