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Originally Posted by GenuineRisk
And how do they accept these lower income students? Do they just take in anyone, as public schools are required to do, or do they get to pick and choose who they feel will be a good fit for their school?
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You have a point there as there are admission tests taken during the spring of 8th grade. There is also an interview process with the parents or in my case parent of perspective students.
First week of freshman year we were herded into the auditorium, all 500 or so of us with seating for only 400-450. We were then told at the beginning of Sophomore year there would be seats for everyone and to look around at the students standing and decide whether you're here or not will depend on how much work you're willing to do. Effort was judged more than results and the first 2 years seemed more like you were in the military rather than HS. However once you began Jr. year you were treated more as an adult than a student responsible for underclassmen's actions and any assistance they may need. You really developed a feeling of being a family and it truly was one of the best experiences of my life.
Funny but when I run into a fellow LA alum to this day no matter how many years apart you still get the feeling you're meeting a distant family member. Teachers, parents and fellow students truly cared about each other and for a kid coming from a home whose father didn't give 2 shiats about you it was enlightening for sure.
Can you tell I appreciate my Mom's decision to send me there regardless of what I wanted. (I wanted to go to GBS)