<p>jmmom
I appreciate your suggestion… and because of the dearth of “no gen ed” type schools, we are also looking at schools that allow some sort of leeway when taking science & math. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I can see the point of not wanting to be ‘forced’ to take classes you really dislike, and then have to pay extravagant amounts of $$ for the privelege.</p>
<p>I agree completely about paying all of that money for classes in subjects that your child is not interested in, will have trouble being successful in, etc. Some parents, and students, seem to feel that a GOOD education comes from a somewhat rigid external structure, but I have always been very glad that my children have chosen to take responsibility for their own learning and have been able to follow their own passions by going to schools that allow them to do just that.</p>
<p>A zillion years ago, I chose my college based heavily on the fact that there were no required courses. I was sick to death of math and science, to say nothing of being of being “told” what to do next. In my case, this was a serious mistake, and I continue to regret it to this day. I don’t usually believe much in regrets, either.</p>
<p>Certainly others have had better experiences with requirement-free curriculums. A focused student with a special talent, such as the OP’s d, will probably never look back. In my case, I feel it’s a shame that my understanding of science is based on the lackluster high school courses I took, and that I have no background in philosophy or economics. (I could tell you a lot about the history of the theater, if you cared to ask.) </p>
<p>As a consumer, I agree about being able to purchase what you want. Unfortunately, I’ve felt some buyer’s remorse about the kind of education I chose to buy as a 17 year old.</p>
<p>carolyn- Thanks for the suggestions!</p>
<p>jmmom- I agree that there is value to a ‘well rounded’ education- that is why she is choosing a liberal arts school rather than an art college; so she can choose to take other courses. </p>
<p>But there are some, IMHO, ridiculous course requirements in schools that otherwise would be perfect. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to want to take classes that one would enjoy rather than dread during the college years.</p>