An Alternative School Renowned for Its Success with Teenagers

Hyde Schools is a network of boarding and public charter schools recognized as the forerunner in character and leadership development. Since its inception in 1966, the Hyde boarding schools have served as an alternative school for college-bound teenagers who require more additional support and guidance than what they might receive in a traditional high school or prep school. The term “alternative,” as it relates to Hyde, derives from its mission, which extends beyond traditional college preparation to preparation for life through experiential learning and character development. Through a fully integrated character curriculum, which includes its Attitude Over Aptitude philosophy, Hyde schools have gained national recognition for their approach to placing teenagers of many learning levels on the path toward their best potential.

Alternative School Defined
Wikipedia defines an institution that offers an alternative education as an “educational establishment with a curriculum and methods that are nontraditional. The schools have a special curriculum offering a more flexible program of study than a traditional school.”

Hyde schools’ approach to learning extends beyond the traditional approach to preparing students for college in their emphasis on best attitude, best effort, and best character as opposed to best aptitude, best achievement, and best talent, standard expectations in mainstream education. It is in this context, the term “alternative school” appended to Hyde Schools rings most true.

The Alternative School Curriculum
In 1966, when long-time educator Joseph Gauld recognized that our country’s educational system was not serving students in a way that would equip them with the tools necessary to thrive in a challenging world, he sought an alternative and founded the first Hyde School in Bath, Maine. Gauld recognized that measuring students solely on their level of achievement tethered them to a mindset void of principles, where an ‘A’ in math took precedent over the effort, integrity or curiosity invested toward earning the ‘A.’ At Hyde schools, students receive grades for their level of effort, yet another example of the schools’ alternative approach.

Gauld offers, “I remember when I was a teacher giving one of my brightest students, who had little curiosity and work ethic my highest grade in the class. At the same time, my hardest working student with the most curiosity, who had difficulties grasping the course material, received the lowest grade in the class. I knew at that time that I was doing a disservice to both students and that a fundamental change was needed in American education.”

At Hyde Schools, we focus on providing teens with the necessary tools that will take them well beyond high school and college. Each student is urged into leadership roles where they learn from both their successes and failures, and discover how their attitude directly relates to the outcome of any given situation.

For teens who want to take the first step toward leadership, Hyde schools’ alternative school curriculum is the first step in that direction.

If you answer “yes” to the question: Would you like to test your leadership skills this summer? …Hyde schools have a variety of great options where teens can test their potential. Check out the Hyde Schools SUMMER PROGRAMMING.