My little sister ( who is 13 ) has discovered a new school in our city that's opening up for the first time this year. It's called A3, and it's an art school. It functions as a high school, does not require tuition, and is creative-based. Their math and science courses are online. It functions mainly on independant study, through the creative imput and guidance of teachers.

They say the kids will be college-ready by the time they graduate, which is more than we can say for public schools. It's great if they follow through on their promise!

I was, at first, very jealous. I wish I had an opporitunity like that when I was entering high school. Those four years were pretty bad for me, as was middle school, but now I'm just compeltely excited for her. She has an opporitunity kids my age never had and I'm so happy for her! At the same time, our family is a bit worried. Key words: independant study. It's not for everyone, and we don't know if it's for her. But us three kids are the most artistic of our family or extended family has ever seen, so I think she'll do fine.

What do you guys think. Does anyone else have a school like this near them, and has it worked?

I found its website, guys. My sister looked at me weird when I didn't know they had a website. Haha.

A3

I read some of the questions for applying, and they were pretty good questions. I'm sure you could find them somewhere on that site.. Err. Here's the application form. I was thinking how I'd answer them if I were 13 compared to now. It's an interesting difference. Heh.

Yeah, I've heard of several like schools. Heard of, mind. I've never actually seen them up and running...or working.

I wonder if there was a way to get more of these schools erected around the country. The director of A3 mentioned that they modeled it after another school that was similar. It would be a huge project to undergo, though.

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In that case, I'd be all for it.

Agreed.

In that case, I'd be all for it.

There are classes and teachers, yes. There's a supervisor for the math and science. There was worry that they wouldn't be there to help, but evidentally my folks talked to him, and he knew his stuff about math, and it's applied math and science, not hard textbook stuff. Like Chemistry in the Community? Has anyone had that class? That was the only applied science or math class my school had.

That's just it, finn. Before they join, they are told that it's not going to be easy. Their given fair warning. They'll get you to the end, but you have to contribute half the work. It definentally isn't a school for the kids who just don't want to work and want to draw all day. If they go to orientation, hear the description and still want to join, then they're probably the good learners.

Independent study won't be an issue if the school only attracts motivated students.

Hmm...that sounds reallly cool. But I agree that there might be a problem with the independant study part. Hmm...

But if there was a school like that where I live, I think it would be cool to go to. Sadly, there isn't one near here.

I wish I could have gone to a school like that instead of the one I went to. The thing I think is that if a kid REALLY wants to be there, they'll do the independent study.

Question: would there be on-staff tutor-like people for everything, including math or science?

Ah, yes Meg. I too think that would be an issue. I don't think it's being pessimistic. I think it's actually rather realistic. That is why I think Shade said it's not for everyone.

Not to be a pessimist...but I don't know how self-motivated high school kids are to be doing independent study.

I don't know how big it's going to get. Right now it's only open to freshmen and sophmores, so I suppose we'll see in the future.

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A shrine to The Cheese, every time I post. What could be better?

Excellent.

Ah, sorry Shade for stirring away from the subject of this thread.

I have never heard of such a school in my area. It sounds great though for those of us that are interested in the arts. Your sister is lucky.

A shrine to The Cheese, every time I post. What could be better?

I love your new avatar Kate! Although the bacon one was great too.

I would love a school like that. It sounds really cool. The only problem would be if there were a lot of kids in the school who didn't do to well with the whole independant study part....