The Perks of a Charter School

Hi! I'm Benni, a German exchange student living in the US. In this blog post, I want to share what my American high school exchange experience is like and how I found my new charter school better than a normal public high school.

I received my placement in the Bay Area of California. Unfortunately, I encountered a setback upon arrival as my local school district rejected my application. The specifics are inconsequential now, but it left me in a state of shock. What was I to do next? The neighboring school district also didn't accept exchange students. My only option left was a charter school. I was a little nervous, scared of what this would entail. A normal public high school boasts a student body of over 2000, a stark contrast to the intimate setting of my current school. 

I remember seeing all the exchange students who come to the US go into sports, but athletics never held much appeal for me. Academic pursuits and social interaction hold more value for me Our school, comprising around 100 students in my grade, fosters a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. It didn't take long for my identity to become known among my peers. Fortunately, I wasn't the sole transfer student this year, and I quickly found friendships among others in similar circumstances.

The warmth of the people and the familiarity shared by all made integration into this new environment surprisingly smooth. What sets my school apart is its unique concept of "Expeditions." In addition to regular coursework, we're given seven additional weeks to explore topics beyond the traditional curriculum. This flexibility allowed me to take internships and travel across the USA, enriching my learning and exchange experience.

The personalized attention from teachers, who know me well, has been invaluable. Their unwavering support became even more apparent when I received news of a family friend's passing back in Germany. The outpouring of support from both peers and educators during this difficult time underscored the strength of the community bonds here.

A lot of people in my community ask me  how I feel about this school, which has a reputation for people having various experiences. For me, it is perfect. I wouldn’t change anything about my school and exchange year. For all the people who are not happy with their placement. Keep your head up and remember, life goes on. A placement is only as good as what you put into it. If you are not open-minded, your exchange year will be rough. Enjoy your time and be happy.