I just received your book and devoured it. Like many that have come before me, I am totally overwhelmed! We live in California and I know there is Insight and CAVA in the free category, but have reservations about a public school curriculum. My daughter is adopted and African American and I want a curriculum that has sensitivity towards how they portray history etc. and embrace other cultures in reading choice. For example I went on the 3dlearn website which does look "cool" and they do not have one student of color represented by any of their avitars. Also my daughter's reading level is somewhat behind 9th grade, she will need assesments, support and may need to go at a slower pace. Before this we have been in alternative type schools, Waldorf education that has a wholistic approach. Any ideas would be great. Susan Goldthwaite

While free online high schools are certainly an option that I would not dismiss out of hand, I think that there are a number of other options available as well.

One possibility is Laurel Springs School in Ojai, California. It serves a wide variety of students including those with extra needs. There is certainly a cost involved, but it may well be worth it if it helps your daughter be successful.

Because my two daughters are Ethiopian, I well understand the need to address issues outside and inside the curriculum.

I am happy to answer other questions about schools here. Feel free to ask away!


Tom Nixon

Thank you for your suggestion. I have also been looking at Laurel Springs since it does offer assessment and extra support. I still can't get a handle on the degree of diversity and culturally sensitive materials by looking at their website. All of the students seem to be of one ethnic background and high achievers at that. I also am looking for a curriculum that inspires learning and critical thinking as opposed to just supplying endless facts. That said, your book talks about the
Eldorado Academy which is the only one that speaks to teaching the whole child but does not seem to be as tech advanced as some of the others. Only in America would we have so many choices and still struggle making the right decision for our complicated children. Thank you again for your time and expertise.

Also found the Halstrom High School, formally the Futures High School which has a 1:1 teaching/student format. It is costly but seems great for kids that could use the support. Also the Oak Meadow school sounds intresting with a social responsibility piece. At the rate that I am going the semester will be over and I still will obsessing over this decision.

Yesterday when I looked at the Laurel Springs site, they had a picture of an African-American on their home page. Likely it is one of those things where the pictures changes with each refresh.

Laurel Springs does offer the ability to customize courses both for content and for level. Worth a second look.



Tom Nixon

To be honest, I have never had anyone contact me who has gone to Futures/Halstrom. That is neither good nor bad (although unusual).

I recently blogged about it because they have that 1:1 ratio. That is certainly intriguing. Worth talking with them, I think.



Tom Nixon