OSA - current parents of younger students, please advise
Hi - I am beginning to think more seriously about OSA as a potential option for our family. I realize there's an audition/application process, but my questions aren't about that yet since they have a year or two to develop a portfolio. (We are more on the visual arts side.) Can some current students' parents advise about the workload/responsibility expectations for the 6th-7th-8th graders, especially if you can compare to traditional middle school/junior high? While both my kids are smart, I don't think they would be entering with awesome studying and time management skills coming from 5th grade at a so-so public school. One of my kids in particular would struggle with going from being a big fish in a small pond to being one of many small fish in a big pond, in terms of artistic ability - but on the other hand, maybe it's better to do that in 6th grade instead of college! Any perspective on weathering that transition? Thank you!
Parent Replies
My ADHD nephew goes there, and he struggles with academics (as he always has) but is fully engaged with the musical side of the school. He appears in impressive on-stage shows and has lots of friends. His workload is not as punishing as some high schools, but he still needs a tutor and muddles through.
I think it's a godsend that this school exists. Many of the teachers are inspiring -- musically talented, artistically talented, you name it. It offers a place for kids who might get lost in the shuffle of a normal high school to shine.
My two cents.