My 13-year-old’s being unfairly targeted at his school... any advice on breaking our contract?

My son is 13 and attends Augusta Preparatory Day School. He’s there because he’s very intelligent, not because we’re rich like most of the families. Lately, though, the principal seems to be singling him out. He’s been falsely accused by other students, like one time when a group bullied him and then twisted the story. They even forced us to get him evaluated for mental health just because he said he ‘didn’t want to be there’ after being bullied to tears. Now we have a meeting scheduled with the principal and headmaster tomorrow, and I’m worried they’re pushing for suspension. I’m considering taking him out, but we’re in a year-long contract. Has anyone dealt with anything similar?

That sounds so rough! Did the school ever show any evidence to back up these claims?

Levi said:
That sounds so rough! Did the school ever show any evidence to back up these claims?

Nope, they just take the other kids’ word for it. It’s so frustrating.

Levi said:
That sounds so rough! Did the school ever show any evidence to back up these claims?

Sounds unfair. Schools should at least investigate both sides before jumping to conclusions.

The mental health eval sounds like overkill. Have you thought about escalating this issue?

Ari said:
The mental health eval sounds like overkill. Have you thought about escalating this issue?

Yes, if things don’t improve, we might go to the district or consider legal options. I just want them to listen fairly.

Ev said:
If your son isn’t happy there, maybe public school could be a better fit? You wouldn’t be stuck in a contract either.

He’s actually asked to go back to public school. I think he’d feel a lot less targeted.

Ev said:
If your son isn’t happy there, maybe public school could be a better fit? You wouldn’t be stuck in a contract either.

Makes sense. Private school isn’t always a great fit, especially if there’s a tough culture.

Being called a liar by the principal is just wrong, especially with no real proof. That must be so hard on him.

Caden said:
Being called a liar by the principal is just wrong, especially with no real proof. That must be so hard on him.

Absolutely. It’s been affecting his self-esteem and schoolwork, which is why we feel something needs to change.

Caden said:
Being called a liar by the principal is just wrong, especially with no real proof. That must be so hard on him.

Good for you for standing up for him. Kids should feel safe and respected at school.

In situations like this, you could ask the school to release you from the contract. Sometimes they’ll agree if it’s not working out.

Jaden said:
In situations like this, you could ask the school to release you from the contract. Sometimes they’ll agree if it’s not working out.

That’s a good idea. I’ll definitely bring it up if the meeting doesn’t go well. Thanks!

Jaden said:
In situations like this, you could ask the school to release you from the contract. Sometimes they’ll agree if it’s not working out.

Hope things work out for your son. No kid should feel so isolated at school.