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Step 1
Sign on for independent study. Many public schools offer an independent study program, sometimes as part of an adjunct alternative high school program. This is often the easiest route to making high school attendance a weekly, rather than daily, occurrence. One advantage is that by participating in the program, you can still obtain a high school diploma and have the option of taking some classes (such as a foreign language or PE class) at the public school. Some programs let you work at your own pace, so you can obtain credits more quickly or spend more time on subjects you find challenging. A disadvantage is that you remain limited by the public school curriculum and overall structure.
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Step 2
Got to school virtually. There are increasingly more options for online education, whether through umbrella schools, by using an online curriculum or by designing your own curriculum. Some states even have virtual education options available through the public school system. For example, California has the California Virtual Academies (CAVA), which provides a computer and textbooks and even reimburses participating families for Internet access. The program also provides access to teachers, curriculum support and social events. Hybrid online programs might require you to take tests in person on occasion.
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Step 3
Check out alternative schools. Many districts have alternative schools, charter schools or magnet schools that might suit your needs better than the general public school. Also consider Waldorf schools, Montessori schools, democratic schools and free schools. See what is available in your area. As a bonus, if you do the research and present your parents with some viable options, they are much more likely to be open to your requests.
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Step 4
Look into typical private schools. If your family can afford it and depending on where you live, sometimes you can find a great option in private education. Examine private schools carefully, however, since many private schools are simply public schools with a fat price tag.
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Step 5
Try homeschooling. The homeschooling movement in the United States is growing rapidly and with good reason: not everyone learns the same or wants to learn the same things. The good news is that in most states, homeschooling is relatively simple to begin. In homeschooling, you and your parents have much more control over what you learn, how you learn it and when you study. There is tremendous flexibility, with different families doing everything from a “school at home” approach, which is just like school at the kitchen table, to families taking on a complete "unschooling" approach with no curriculum at all. There are many homeschooling organizations, and some families homeschool in groups, each taking charge of different subject areas or planning fun group activities.
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Step 6
Talk to your parents about "unschooling." In unschooling (also known as life-learning, natural learning, child-directed learning and child-led learning), there are no lesson plans and no set curricula. It might be hard to talk your parents into this option, but there are many great Internet resources on unschooling, as well as a few good books if you are interested in this route.
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Step 7
Read this if you want to drop out: Dropping out is always an option, and many successful individuals have done so. However, it is wise to think it through carefully and not just drop out due to a knee-jerk reaction to some social problem or an annoying teacher. Then you can take the five tests of General Education Development (GED), which are equivalent to a high school diploma. Many community colleges will allow you to start or at least take a few classes without a high school diploma, and after 2 years, you can transfer to a major university if you do well.
