Schools for difficult teens - anyone know of any ?

[Duritzfan]

Hi ..my teen boy (14) is heading towards being asked to leave his current school..
He has been involved in a gang and is a bright but easily led boy who is on the autistic spectrum - but is high functioning and so his disorder if you like, manifests itself in a huge issue with authority in particular.
His current school are wonderful - but we have been for a meeting with them today and I am well aware that they are begiining to feel that his behaviour may be affecting the other children in the school - which is going to be a problem.. so I am looking for our next option, if what I'm dreading happens and they do ask us to remove him..

He wants to go into the army, and would love to go to a military school - and I think the discipline would be very good for him - but the only ones I have found so far are in the states..! Boarding school is maybe a good idea as it would give him a chance to stand on his own two feet ..

Does anyone know of any decent schools who might be willing to take him on ?
He is already in a private school due to his having been completely lost in the state system - we had hoped that the private system and the small environment that that coudl offer may be able to help him turn things around ..but ..so far its not working and I am getting really worried for him..

Anyone help ?

sometimes just changing school can be enough - my ds2 was doing really badly at his excellent independent school (his 3 brothers are still there) constantly in trouble, had stopped working etc, they suggested to us we removed him before they had need to ask us to (if you get my drift) it was the best thing for him we could have done. He's at a much smaller school, where no-one knew of his previous, bar the head, or of his brothers and he has really thrived is working hard, doing really well, and is much more settled and calm at home (all things being relative)

Duritzfan, would a school near your parents be an option? I presume you can't move back for work reasons, but if he's close to your parents and they were willing to help out, could you consider a school there?

A boarding school like Vista High School is a good choice. The school is a strong provider of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). This is an Air Force supported program in which cadets study aerospace science, leadership instruction and gain practical experience leading the Air Force JROTC Squadron.

JROTC goals are to instill in the cadets a sense of patriotism, orderliness and discipline, to better appreciate service to their country, to take pride in their accomplishments and to build their self-esteem.

If he is on the autistic spectrum have you looked at More House School in Farnham Surrey? They have boarding and it has been fantastic for our DS (high functioning ASD).

Hi has your problem resolved itself? I think I might be embarking on the same journey and wondered how you got on?

Hi Duritzfan. I know it was a long time ago. I am in your position then now. How did it all pan out for you and your son? Many thanks

Hi Duritzfan. I have a very similar situation. I know its 8 years on but was wondering how your boy was doing now? THANKs x

Hi Duritzfan, hi Chezcallis
I’m in same position right now, would love to know how things progressed? Also if anyone knows of any good independent schools that can turn things round for my son please help! He’s 15, currently in his gcse year at an independent state school in London and is constantly in trouble for delinquent behaviour and not working. Im thinking boarding school could be the solution even though he hates the idea.

I have the same problem with my son , literally no idea what to do next . Great school , dad and I have him equally , I have a fear he will be excluded soon