[MelanieRay]

Hes 17 years old and a senior in high school. He applied to a magnet school for a medical program and did great for his 9th year. In 10th grade he changed his mind. I asked him why because I was worried that something was happening to him there that he didn't want to tell me about. He said that he didn't want to be in the program, he didn't like science classes 3 hours a day and all his friends went to a different school. His grades were OK but, he could have done better. We moved him to his home school for his 11th year and he did OK for half of the year but, started with the I hate school, can I stay home pleases for the rest of the year. My husbands "man up, i dont want to go to work all the time either but I go anyways" and my "Ill go to jail if you dont go to school" speeches go him to school most days last year (yes, he skipped a few (3) and had his privileges taken for awhile each time). Now 2 weeks into his last year and Ive received 2 auto calls telling me he hasn't been in school. For the first he claims he was there but late and the second.. "i was there but, i was in the auditorium taking pictures for student I.Ds, you signed the papers and so did all of my teachers, you saw it" I did see it, I did sign it. So, now he hates school again because everyone is stupid. He said he would deal with the attendance office. Id like to deal with it myself, I want to believe him but I'm afraid to
Where do I go to get help with this? Would the school counsler be enough? Or maybe a private counsler? Its gone on for to long to be a rebel without a clue phase and he's so close to done.

[joypulv]

Let him deal with the attendance office himself. If the school made a mistake, and he can correct them, good. He has to learn that everyone makes mistakes, as will he when he is an adult next year.
Half the parents across the land are in the boat you are in, and no one says it's easy. I think it sounds like you are doing a good job, and what your husband said is spot on. All you can do is keep doing what you are doing - guiding, helping, advising, but not too much, so that he takes responsibility. But you know all that. I think he will turn out OK. Dropping out sounds like fun but surely he knows that he'd lose hanging out with his friends, dating girls, sports, the whole bit. And he couldn't even pump gas or flip burgers. I don't think a little bribery hurts - a promise to pay for driver ed, or use of the car to look for jobs next summer, or half the cost of a used car - when he graduates.

[jenniepepsi]

Magnet schools are well known for being very high pressure, and very difficult.

Have you suggested to him instead of dropping out, move back to a standard public school? Or even a charter school?

I have never liked or agreed with magnet schools to begin with. So I may be biased.