School Buzz - The 4-1-1

The school I attend is far above unique. There is absolutely no physical violence, nor bullying, and it is mirrored around  independent learning.We are famous for our dabble in the arts program, and can even help students create robots. Yes, robots. We have a dark room for photography, teach web and graphic design, and can even help students work on a novel they might like to write.

The school is based around personal goals and interests, matching them with the right course material. The students get to choose which classes they are interested in taking, and progress on their own curriculum at their own pace.

Since this is such a special program, only about 140 students can enter the school at a given school year, and must pass a series of steps before acceptance. First step: interview. The student sits down with the principle to discuss their past and their future. If the interview goes well, you move on to step two: orientation. If the student finishes the tasks given to them in orientation with no grade below a B, they have passed the test, and are now officially a part of the school.

Using another special program, a junior may choose to go to a neighborhood College and take some courses to get College credits for the next two years! That is like two years of College courses paid off, and gained.

The other unique thing about the school is the fact it's only 4 days a week - we only attend Fridays if we're behind in work, or get "in trouble" with the teachers. We also only go 3 hours a day. Some may say this is odd, we just say this is "tight".

There are two blocks: morning and afternoon. Morning session runs from 8:20-11:00 and afternoon session runs from 11:40-2:20. Back at the house, we expect to complete 3 (or so) hours of homework daily in order to keep up with our work, or close to that.

The experience of enriching myself in my school has been one like no other, and I am so glad I found this wonderful program. If there is an option to attend an alternative route proven more effective than regular high school, I encourage you to do so.