My teenage years have not been pleasant, yet
I find balance and a sense of place here. I'm not in love with this school,
or any school for that matter. I'm not always grateful for what I have
here. I experience constant confusion and changes in my life, but at least
I'm treated as a person here. And I'm happy. Happier than I've been in
a long time, coupled with the relentless guilt, restlessness, and disillusionment
that comes with being seventeen. This school is different from the others
I have attended. There are no unnecessary or
oppressive expectations. There is no hidden agenda. There is no vague
arbitrary theme that everything seems to fall back on. I don't feel resentful
or suspicious of this school's presence. I encounter reality, and gradually
learn.
When I arrived at the Deck House School I
was wary, fully disillusioned with boarding schools. I had been involved
for over three years in a school that attempted to help kids with similar
behaviors and of similar intelligence. It didn't work. I was often angry
and confused. I wanted support, but didn't want to be smothered or fed
dime store psychology from other students. The first thing I noticed at
The Deck House School was how funny the teachers were. It almost seemed
to be a requirement to have a sense of humor. The school was small, relaxed.
The academics were interesting and challenging. Unlike my old school I
could maintain continuous contact with my family, and go home for vacations.
(These will be my first Thanksgiving and Christmas that I spend with my
family in four years.)
| THE DECK HOUSE SCHOOL 124 Deck House Road, Edgecomb, Maine 04556 207-882-7055, Fax 207-882-8151 admissions@deckhouseschool.org |
Dr. Melinda Browne Head of School (207)882-7055 office (207) 441-7418 cell |
Mr. Thomas Blackford Director of Marketing and Development (207) 882-6553 office (207) 441-7415 cell |
© Copyright 2011 The Deck House School
By
Spencer Kirk, Class of 2000
