High School Support | Teens | Coaching & Accountability
High school is a season of growing independence, deeper academic demands, and increasing responsibility. For many teens enrolled in online, homeschool, or alternative programs, what’s often missing is not content—but structure, accountability, and connection.
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The Gathering Place High School Support pod exists to fill that gap.
This hybrid support program is designed for teens who are academically capable but benefit from in-person guidance, consistency, and a trusted adult partner to help them stay organized, motivated, and on track.
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Why Families Choose This Support
Families often seek this pod when traditional school structures no longer fit, but full independence feels overwhelming.
This program provides:
• A calm, consistent place to work and focus
• Trusted adult support without pressure
• Accountability that builds responsibility over time
• Community for teens who may feel isolated in online or alternative programs
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Program Format
• Hybrid support model
• Designed to complement existing academic programs
• Small group environment
• In-person support and community connection
Specific schedules and availability may vary.​
Who This Program Is For
This support pod is a strong fit for teens who are:
• Enrolled in online high school, homeschool, or alternative academic programs
• Academically capable but struggle with follow-through, organization, or motivation
• Needing structure and accountability without a traditional school setting
• Seeking community and connection alongside independent learning
• Preparing for college, career pathways, or post-secondary transitions
What Support Looks Like
Teens in this pod receive intentional, relationship-based support that helps them manage the demands of high school while building independence and confidence.
Support includes:
• In-person academic coaching and check-ins
• Accountability for assignments, deadlines, and goals
• Executive functioning support including planning, organization, and time management
• Study skills and work habits that support long-term success
• Mentorship and guidance from trusted adults
• A consistent learning environment and peer community
This is not a replacement for a teen’s academic program.
It is a support system that strengthens it.
Our Approach
At The Gathering Place, we believe teens thrive when they are supported without being micromanaged. We balance structure with autonomy, guidance with independence.
We focus on:
• Helping teens learn how to manage their work and responsibilities
• Building confidence and self-advocacy skills
• Supporting emotional well-being alongside academic expectations
• Creating consistency and routine during a critical developmental stage
Our goal is to help teens develop the skills they need not just to complete high school—but to succeed beyond it.
Personalized Support for Every Path
Preparing for College
Our comprehensive college preparation program includes personalized academic advising, SAT/ACT preparation, and assistance with college applications and essays. We guide students through the entire process, helping them identify and apply to colleges that align with their interests and goals. Our students have a strong track record of being accepted into prestigious universities and winning scholarships, thanks to our tailored support and guidance.
Winning Scholarships
We help students identify and apply for scholarships that match their achievements, interests, and future plans. Our advisors provide personalized support in crafting compelling scholarship applications, writing essays, and preparing for interviews. Our goal is to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of our students' educational aspirations.
Starting Your Own Business
For students with entrepreneurial ambitions, we offer specialized programs that teach the fundamentals of business, from developing a business plan to marketing and financial management. Our mentors, who are experienced entrepreneurs, provide guidance and support, helping students turn their ideas into successful ventures.
Launching a Nonprofit
If your passion lies in making a difference in your community or the world, we support you in launching your own nonprofit organization. Our program includes training in nonprofit management, fundraising, and advocacy, along with mentorship from professionals in the field. We help you build the skills and network needed to create a lasting impact.
Taking a Gap Year
For those considering a gap year, we provide guidance on planning a meaningful and enriching experience. Whether you want to travel, volunteer, intern, or pursue personal projects, we help you design a gap year that aligns with your goals and prepares you for the next steps in your journey.
Starting a Job After High School
We support students who wish to enter the workforce directly after high school by providing career counseling, resume building, and interview preparation. Our network of local businesses and organizations offers internship and apprenticeship opportunities, giving students practical experience and a head start in their chosen fields.
Starting a Beyond-Entry-Level Job
For students aiming to start a career in specialized fields, we offer advanced training programs and certifications that go beyond entry-level positions. Our partnerships with industry professionals provide students with the skills and credentials needed to secure higher-level positions straight out of high school.
Joining the Military
For those who choose to serve their country, we provide support in navigating the enlistment process and preparing for the challenges of military life. Our advisors help students understand the various branches and career opportunities within the military, ensuring they make informed decisions about their future.
Starting a Beyond-Entry-Level Job
For students aiming to start a career in specialized fields, we offer advanced training programs and certifications that go beyond entry-level positions. Our partnerships with industry professionals provide students with the skills and credentials needed to secure higher-level positions straight out of high school.
Other Options for Students Leaving High School
In addition to the above paths, we also support students interested in:
Vocational Training:
Helping students gain specific technical skills for various trades.
Community College:
Assisting with applications and transitioning to a two-year college program with the potential to transfer to a four-year institution.
Online College Programs:
Guiding students through the process of enrolling in accredited online degree programs that offer flexibility and diverse learning opportunities.
Internships and Apprenticeships
At The Gathering Place, we believe in the power of real-world experience to complement academic learning. Our internship and apprenticeship programs are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in their fields of interest, helping them develop practical skills and build professional networks.
Internship Placements
We partner with a wide range of local businesses and organizations to offer internship opportunities in various industries. Our dedicated advisors work with each student to identify their interests and career goals, matching them with internships that provide valuable experience and insights. Internships at The Gathering Place help students:
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Gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
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Develop professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
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Explore potential career paths and industries.
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​Build a professional network and gain references for future job opportunities.
Apprenticeships
For students interested in hands-on trades and technical careers, our apprenticeship programs provide in-depth training and mentorship. Starting in middle school, students can begin apprenticeships in fields such as engineering, healthcare, information technology, and more. Our apprenticeship programs:
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Offer specialized training from experienced professionals.
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Combine classroom learning with hands-on experience.
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Provide a pathway to certifications and credentials.
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Help students build a portfolio of skills and work experience.
Executive Functions and Durable Skills
​At The Gathering Place, we do extensive work to support our students in developing executive functions and durable skills, which are crucial for success in both academic and real-world settings.
Executive Functions
Executive functions are the mental skills that enable students to manage their time, focus their attention, plan and organize tasks, and regulate their emotions. We incorporate training in these skills throughout our curriculum and offer dedicated workshops and one-on-one coaching to help students:
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Improve time management and organizational skills.
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Develop effective study habits and strategies.
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Enhance their ability to set and achieve goals.
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Strengthen their self-regulation and emotional control.
Durable Skills
Durable skills, also known as soft skills or transferable skills, are essential for long-term success in any career. We focus on developing these skills through project-based learning, group activities, and real-world experiences. Our programs help students build:
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Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
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Effective communication and collaboration skills.
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Adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.
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Leadership and initiative.
Assisting with Transcripts and Portfolios
At The Gathering Place, we understand the importance of properly documenting a student's educational journey. We assist homeschool families with preparing detailed transcripts and portfolios that highlight academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal projects. These documents are crucial for college applications, ensuring that homeschooled students present a comprehensive and compelling profile to admissions officers.
Homeschool Students and College Admissions
Research and data indicate that homeschooled students perform well in college admissions. According to a study by the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), homeschoolers often score higher on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT compared to their public school counterparts. Additionally, colleges and universities are increasingly recognizing the unique strengths of homeschooled students, such as their self-motivation, independent learning skills, and diverse educational experiences.
College Acceptance Rates:
Homeschoolers have been shown to have higher acceptance rates into top colleges and universities.
Scholarships:
Homeschooled students often receive substantial scholarship offers due to their strong academic performance and well-rounded portfolios.
At The Gathering Place, we are committed to providing an innovative and nurturing educational environment where every child can flourish. Join us and discover the difference personalized, student-centered education can make in your child's life. Contact us today to learn more about our homeschooling program for high schoolers and how we can help you reach your goals.