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Typical Holmstead students fall into four categories:
1) Those with a history of "school phobia".
These students have had erratic attendance in the past, causing
gaps in their academic and social progress. They are often "lost
in the shuffle" in public high schools and benefit greatly
from the focus on the individual stressed by Holmstead. This small
setting serves to minimize frustration in order to promote a positive
self-image.
2) Those with a history of learning problems. In
this low-pressure atmosphere provided by caring, insightful professionals,
the emphasis is placed on the needs of the student, rather than
on the demands of the curriculum. Individual help is available to
all students in each course. In extreme cases, the student may receive
instruction by courses taught on a tutorial basis.
3) Those with a history of behavior-management
problems. Often referred to as the "class clowns", these
distractible, often disruptive students pose problems within the
classroom, as their behavior can be unpredictable and their attention
erratic. Since the maximum class size is limited to eight students,
inappropriate outbursts are either avoided or dealt with immediately.
Small class size also minimizes disruption and threat to teacher
control.
4) Those with a history of defiance toward authority
figures. These students characteristically question rules and regulations.
They can be hard to motivate and have difficulty adjusting to traditional
academic situations. Since these students are generally older than
the rest of their schoolmates, efforts are made to redirect them
toward positive career-related goals. Any manipulative attitudes
are minimized and their social and academic progress is stimulated.
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