Newbie here 🙂 Q's regarding relocating w/ a high schooler

My son finished high school here on STX at the now defunct Academy of the west Indiesand he blossomed. The class size was small so he had no where to hide and he made some good friends and thrived. You would most likely consider a private school of which there are several. The multi cultural experience was valuble as well. Most everyone in his class went on to college. I say go for it. Your son will become a citizen of the world.

Thank you so much for the response.
We have been looking at private vs. public schools, but honestly, I am not sure we can afford private.
I am wondering if home schooling would be an option if we put him in public and were not happy after the first year.
Was the Academy private I take it?

I think if we are realistic in our expectations we (and more importantly, he) will be fine.
Again, thanks!

In most people's experience, public school would not be a viable option for a young man just starting high school.

I'm sure this is not what you want to hear, but if you cannot afford private school, you should probably re-evaluate your moving plans. That said, most stateside kids thrive in our private schools. On STX we have several, Good Hope and Country Day are the two best known, but there are other, more economical options.

IMO home schooling a young teen, fresh from the states, would be a pretty isolating situation. If you decide to do that, you would have to put quite a bit of energy into finding other socializing options for him.

Good Hope School: http://www.ghsvi.org/about_ghs.htm

Country Day School: http://www.stxcountryday.com/

They look like good schools.

I can't recommend public school based on all I've heard (our son is in a private school) but the homeschooling option can work and there are others from the mainland who are doing it.

For socialization options there should be enough things to get your kid into ranging from church groups and scouting to peer groups who are into sailing (there's a great junior sailing program on STX), snorkeling, SCUBA diving, swim team, etc.

Where are you coming from?

My teenager loves being in (private) school here. The kids and teachers were very welcoming.
Much better learning experience and social atmosphere than in the big suburban school system we used to be in.

Thank you all for your feedback.
My son is an only child, so we have always found a way to ensure he is given opportunities to socialize with a variety of other kids.
So, if we go the home schooling route, rest assured he will not be isolated completely.
I will have to research the cost of private schools further. I have read several accounts from others who have used public schools and didn't say it was horrible. I do understand that (even in the states) if private school can be done, it's always preferable.
What is SO bad about the public schools? Crime? Sex? Poor teacher/student ratio?
You encounter much of that stateside too.

To answer Bombi...we are currently in Maryland and my son has been in public school entirely.
He is actually advanced (skipped a grade), and does very well.

Public schools on Stx. Think inner city schools in the states. There are some good points: good teachers, energetic students, but he would have to deal with possible crime, bigotry, racism, and teachers whose accents can be really hard to understand. Often conditions are poor, one school I heard about had a problem with rats, books are often not in abundance. Many of the public schools just look run down. Home schooling is definitely a reasonable possibility. Good Hope and Country Day are by far the best schools and students at these schools tend to excel. Tuition is quite high, but you get what you pay for. Some of the smaller private schools are a lot less expensive, but often are short of funds and quality is less, but still very acceptable.

The culture here is usually very different from what your son experienced in the states. My son was into skateboards, video games and really had a hard time. He really missed his friends and became quite rebellious and angry. Look carefully at the emotional makeup of your son, involve him in the decision making as best you can, and go for it!