Breaking The Standard

Per my last post, perhaps I should give my own personal account of how schools should ideally run.

***Please note that I say ideal and recognize the fact that this is not yet realistic in our society.

I was always a good student. Not great, but good. I paid attention, respected my fellow classmates and teachers, and always did the homework. However, I struggled in math and reading, so my parents hired a tutor throughout most of my elementary school education. When it came time to select a high school, I was fortunate enough  that my parents opted for private school, rather than throwing me into the wind and letting me land at some public school forty five minutes from my house.

That fall, I began at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences, a private middle and high school emphasizing individual learning styles, the arts, sciences, and global citizenship. It was the first place in my academic career that let me emphasize on my artistic and analytical abilities, rather than my poor math scores (although I was required to take such class of course).

Seattle Academy helped me understand that I do have intelligences outside of math and language. Furthermore, it provided me with the tools to learn in a creative manner, designed to my specific needs and wants as a student, rather than forcing me to learn to a bubble test, like the majority of children today.

Because of Seattle Academy, I was able to communicate my true intelligences to my college of choice, rather than letting my poor test scores choose a college for me. At Seattle Academy, our art programs weren’t cut because of the No Child Left Behind Act, and our student teacher ratio allowed me to form life-long friendships with well respected professionals.

And it was Seattle Academy that wouldn’t let my recluse little brother fall through the cracks. I am now proud to say that he recieved a hefty scholarship to one of the best art schools in the country, which will allow him to comfortably pursue his passion.