Can you make up a whole/half year of highschool in an alternative school and graduate on time?

Question

Long story. Here's a short version. My parents arranged me to live with my friend because its close to a really good school, so I lived there for approximately a month, and transferred from my old school to the new one. My parents got into a dispute with my friend's parents and told me I couldn't rent anymore. I was withdrawn during finals week because I did not have residency proof, so the SCHOOL withdrawed me. And no schools would take me in because there are no enrollment allowed during finals week. I helped my parents with their job from then on and I went to check with the district, and I had no credits whatsoever for 11th grade. And if I go to a regular highschool I would have to take it over, and someone recommended alternative school. Would it help me graduate on time? I was SET to graduate on 2008. And I don't want to be held back another year. What should I do? Is alternative school a right choice? It supposedly helps kids that are behind.

Answer 1

Yes! Be prepared to work really hard and don't get involved in any clubs or activities, and you can do it.

Answer 2

I can't say I know a whole lot about it, but I do know in some states you can "test out" of every class except P. E. If you've completed the entire year except finals this shouldn't be too difficult. Where do you live?

While I can't agree with what your parents did, I don't know if it is necessarily illegal. If the school enrolled you they had to know where you were living and they apparently had no problem with the situation until you were kicked out of the friend's house. I would think that a school would take the student's best interest into account and treat you as if you were sort of "traveling" but still residing at the friend's for the duration of finals week.

At this point, either the school should administer tests to you on the basis that they admitted you or the school where your parents reside (and they or their landlord pays taxes) should administer tests so that you can advance to grade 12. You should go directly to the administrative offices (where the superintendent of schools' office is) and politely request that they test you (at both schools). Go back every day until someone sees what a tenacious and dedicated student you are and that you are not going to take "no" for an answer.

In the meantime, assuming you are turned down at both schools, I believe your civil rights have been violated and I urge you to contact the American Civil Liberties Union for legal help at: http://www.aclu.org/affiliates/ If they will take your case you stand a good chance of graduating as planned.

Answer 3

Have the school transfer your records. They have to give you a copy of the records when you transfer schools. Your parents should demand this for your sake. And get ready to work very hard.