School is optional: Ken Danford at TEDxAmherstCollege 

+khazamondo why is that though tell me that bc from what I thought this was the land of the free were those who want to pursue there passion can do matter race gender or social status, this world was built on dreams an foundation those who which to pursue there passion without looking back are the same as the 1s who made the world as we no it happen

Maris I one of those people also. But when I took online classes I love it. But it's depaned on the classes.

7 now! 💀

Read the teenagers liberation handbook! Take control of your life.

You could go to school, do just enough to satisfy your parents, and then do the rest of just pursuing your own interests. You could also talk with your school counselor about it. She might agree and be able to convince your parents. You might as well try all you can so you can say you did!

North Star has never turned anyone away for lack of resources for tuition. Please contact them.

I believe that since the pandemic there is now an online option so you can attend from anywhere. Best of luck!

Homeschoolers have the option to test to receive their diploma. It also is worth mentioning that while states do have requirements to fill that need to be documented, that the parameters are not so specific and that children are learning all the time and with everything they do. I'm part of a few Facebook groups which aims to solve the problem you described of translating their learning into terms the state wants to document. The group divides normal daily learning experiences of kids into it's base subjects, which appeases the state. For example, a kid learning to cook is learning all sorts of things like time management, scientific principles, fractions, etc. It's important to note that changing how rigidly we define learning is also essential in fully supporting a child's education and interest.

northstarteens.org !

I attended from 13 to 17, pretty much you get to do whatever. You can take classes or have tutorials, there are no compulsory subjects, no grades, no tests, and it’s not for academic credit so there’s no diploma. I largely studied math and science, I also took some art and writing classes. In addition to my time at North Star I took community college classes and used other available methods like my local library.

What is much tougher is my son coming back from school saying he has nobody to talk to who understands him or gives him the time of day, and that he is being bullied everyday by the other kids (which makes my blood boil)!!. It is relentless!!!!!

Yes, it is hard. But what's truly best for my kid is usually not the easiest option in my experience

You mean subtitles.

Leila Garcia L L L L ll l L L

what a great price for a priceless education!

Laurie Hammer Sure! If you are upper-middle class or just plain rich. Then again, the North Star education depends heavily on homeschooling, which is only possible if one of your parents doesn't have to work. In other words, this is all very feasible and wonderful for people who come from privileged backgrounds, but those are also hardly the vast majority of people who need "saving" from the weaknesses of our public school system.

Anna-Claire Simpson Speaking as someone who was the child of a single mother making it on food stamps and section 8, I can say that North Star still accepted me (with a generous scholarship). Also, during my time at North Star, my mother was never my educator. Because North Star was open for most of the same hours that school is, she didn't have to be. Self-directed learning is about the teen educating themselves with the aid of mentors and tutors. Parents can be involved if they are able to, but some aren't. I agree that there needs to be vast educational reform and alternative options for families who are limited in their resources, but please don't assume that Ken Danford only cares about rich kids, or that North Star is just a stomping ground for spoiled teens, because it isn't. Families from all sorts of economic backgrounds come to North Star for help and receive it.

+Anna-Claire Simpson I went to North Star on a scholarship. They don't turn people away due to an inability to pay.

Anyone can attend regardless of ability to pay. Those are simply the fees for those with the ability to pay.