My mom and I have mutually agreed that it is in the best interest of our relationship and my sanity to withdraw from Hyde. I know for a fact they will try to guilt-trip us into thinking that by leaving we are "running away from our problems" but I think this place is proving to a major problem, regardless. A lot of kids here are emotionally unstable, and I don't think having a know it all teacher and some "character education" is really going to fix their problems. "Character education" is really an idea of long ago that doesn't apply to teenagers of today.
I think the staff is highly hypocritical, and the fact some of them are "lifers" at Hyde with their own fair share of problems is not a good idea, or mix with some highly troubled students.
I'm sorry but I don't believe anything they tell me, but am just playing along until I can leave.
Now my question for former parents/students:
How hard was it for you to withdraw from Hyde? What challenges did you face, and what would you expect from them-- if someone has only been there a short time is already leaving?
This place is truly a cult, and "leadership" my ass.
My suggestion would be a two-pronged approach: solidify the plan as to where you're going to next, and damage control as to where you currently are. Your mother will be the primary facilitator as to the next step, i.e., making arrangements and so forth as to where you'll hopefully be soon.
As to damage control, you should know that, and be reassured that, the degree of invasiveness that Hyde can get away with is limited by your own self-respect and belief system. Which is to say, you have every right to limit it should you feel the necessity for and, effectively, see fit to do so.
Yes, they are gonna give you grief, pass judgment, and pronounce dire physical and psychological consequences. Nevertheless, ultimately,
unless you second guess yourself (easier said than done), this will hopefully not amount to squat in the long run.
I say "hopefully," 'cause historically there
have been severe incidences of abuse with ramifications that were long-lasting if not permanent. You need to keep your head, respect and heed your gut instincts and perspective, and get elsewhere as soon as you can.
It has been reported that Hyde has
delayed release of transcripts beyond all practical utilization. Whether this is a punitive maneuver or simply the result of incompetence is anyone's guess. I'd wager that it depends on the particular situation, and that all causal factors can be assumed to weigh in in varying percentage.
Optimally, you will be able to put some other school (a "real" school) between your time at Hyde and whatever institution of higher learning would ordinarily be your next step. Unfortunately, what you are going through
now may well prove to be a very painful learning experience for you, as Hyde School is NOT what they claim to be. They are, most assuredly (IMO), a behavior modification program masquerading as a prep school. I don't care how much they may twist families' minds re. the so-called idealistic dogma, sports participation, dinner dress codes and whatnot, they ARE, unequivocally, a particularly
insidious thought reform institution bar none.
I wish you the very best of luck.