For the last several months, our family has been working on a major decision. It started with a postcard, that was followed up by an email. That escalated to phone calls between Massachusetts and Colorado. That started a round of meetings with counselors. Next came a visitor from Massachusetts, and a meeting with parents, counselors, etc. A big test was studied for, and taken. Then came a whirlwind trip to Massachusetts, and an interview. Test results came back, and were great! Forms were filled out, essays written. Then we waited. And waited. And waited.
Today came the answer, and we can now let the world know what we’ve been doing. After the spring semester, Tony will be leaving high school, and entering Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, MA. For those of you counting, yes, he’s very young – he’ll be 16 in May. Simon’s Rock is an early-admit college that specializes in taking gifted kids starting at age 14-18 (on average), that are not getting what they need in high school. For years, we’ve struggled with providing Tony with an appropriate education. We honestly think that this school will give him what he needs to succeed.
Yes, we’ve thought about this. A LOT! While I would not be comfortable sending him off to a "regular" college, at Simon’s Rock, he’ll be with his age-mates. It’s a small school, but fully accredited (and not for-profit), so credits transfer pretty much anywhere. He will not be getting a high school diploma (unless he takes the GED), but he’ll be awarded an Associate’s Degree when he is 18. At Simon’s Rock, about half of the kids transfer to a bigger school at that point. Most of the remaining kids spend their Junior year abroad. Most big colleges, including the Ivy Leagues, are happy to accept transfers from there. They teach "seminar style", so the average class size is 11, with lots of discussion between professors and students. That will be perfect for Tony’s style of learning. He LOVES to debate! All classes are taught by professors, not grad students.
We’re on a roller coaster right now. We’re proud and nervous. We’re stunned to think of him leaving so young, but amazed at the amount of growing he’s done this year. Having college right around the corner has done amazing things for his motivation and maturity. So, we’ve made the decision, gotten his acceptance, and can move on toward helping Tony plan his future!
Plenty of coral.
Lots of fish.
Only 15 feet deep, so very comfortable underwater. Easy to get eye-to-eye with everything.
First time I’ve snorkeled since my cardiac issues a few years ago. I’m happy to report that I still can. 
