<p>Dear Anderonia,
I too am looking at colleges for my AS son who is a rising Junior. It’s tough actually. I am frustrated by the public high school’s push for him to look at colleges that are low level with acceptance rates above 75% and GPAs in the 2s. Unfortunately, because the way my son has been ‘tracked’, those schools would be his safeties, as he has not been allowed to be in very many honors classes, though in French, with his gift of languages, he soars in French IV Honors. Because we are in a highly competitive high school, my son is in the bottom 30% of his class, due to his not being allowed to take honors classes, and a forced and needed study, lowering his ability to take electives. </p>
<p>He hopes to study international relations and foreign languages in college. This summer we are seeking out an experience that will help him transition to college, optimally at a place where he would like to attend after he graduates. It’s been tough. These programs are very expensive.</p>
<p>Last summer he was able to attend a French Immersion Program in Nice, France, where he did wonderfully, though no real credit was given, just a certificate. This also worked because his older brother also attended the program, prior to his heading off to college. They lived together in host housing and I was blown away that everything went so smoothly. </p>
<p>This summer I am looking for a true independent situation for him that is well supported. I just looked at the Landmark program online and it does look great. I am a little worried however that it is only for kids with learning issues, and that hasn’t been the best way for my son to excel historically. He does best when he needs “to rise to the occasion”, like being in Honors French, or now Honors Physiology. Keeping him in lower level English, History, etc. has not helped him learn how to write a paper, take good notes, nor help with his organization. Some of those things require that you step it up in upper level classes. A B or a C in an Honors class is much better than an easy A in a CP/college prep class. And with my son, he will level where he is placed. [but that’s another post all together]</p>
<p>I just found this link that might be helpful. It has programs all over the US for students with learning differences. Some of the links are not active, but the schools that have the programs are there: </p>
<p>[SUMMER</a> PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS- 2008 | HEATH Resource Center](<a href=“http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/724]SUMMER”>http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/724)</p>
<p>I also need to get back to the AS websites for further current info from other parents and professionals.
AANE in Massachusetts is great:</p>
<p>[Asperger’s</a> Association of New England - AANE](<a href=“http://www.aane.org/]Asperger’s”>http://www.aane.org/)</p>
<p>as is OASIS:</p>
<p>[Asperger</a> Syndrome](<a href=“http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/]Asperger”>Asperger Syndrome)</p>
<p>Please let me know if you have any success in your search. PM me anytime or post here.</p>
<p>Thanks,
CCL</p>