The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education

I read that book as the parent of a kiddo wanting to leave public school.
Said I'd support his decision IF he made a few goals/plans based on ideas from the book.

I support independent self- and parent directed schooling if the kiddo is responsible enough to actually DO something to expand her educational horizons.
Lazy kids who just don't want to go to school typically won't do anything to further their own education without structure.

I'd suggest any high school student wanting to do this create a "curriculum" for real life and a plan for fulfilling it, showing the benefit of each activity.
Then share the information and the book with a parent for feedback.

Really, learning is a life long adventure. It should be challenging and ultimately fulfilling and enjoyable.

 

Actually, I attended uni with four or five self-directed students. (until uni, of course)
Typically, they were active classroom participants, high scoring on tests, very good with projects (although group projects were a bit harder because of work styles), and competent socially.
Wound up writing a series of articles on high school and life experience and how that impacted students.
All of them are doing quite well in their fields (including me, since I won a writing award last year).

 

I think self directed schooling and a GED is a fine combo, as trade or higher Ed is possible that way.