I was listening to this guy who has had this talk radio show on KPPC, here in L.A., forever; Larry Mantel. I knew he was originally from L.A., as he has discussed that frequently. He was discussing parts of his life the other day, and he mentioned that one of the most beneficial formative elements of his life was that he went to Hollywood High School Alternative School. Wow, that surprised me. I went there too.
 
I believe this man is a year younger than me, so that means that he would have been there around the same time as myself. But, I do not remember him. And, as it was a fairly small student body, one would think that I should.
 
Hollywood High School Alternative School was a new experimental path of education that began when I was a junior at Hollywood High. The year before, when I was a sophomore, (back then junior high was three years and high school was three years), they were setting up the program. They had this function where all of the potential students had to bring their parents and they explained the program, what we would be doing, how we would be doing it, why we would be doing what we would do, and all of that kind of stuff. Then, the parents had to approve. Mine did.
 
Like Mantel, I too was/am so thankful I attended that school. It was very much like going to a college or a university where all of the classes were set up as very small seminars. We would frequently go on field-trips to places like the L.A. Courts and watch trials and things like that during a class I took which focused on the law. We could also set up our own classes, like my friend and I did, focusing on photography. And, a couple I set up, focusing on Eastern Philosophy,  as I was already very involved with the teachings by that point in my life.
 
We always had very interesting guest lectures. It was a great experience.
 
I have often wondered what happened to that program, because it was there and then it was gone. Though everyone attending that program technically graduated from Hollywood High School, I believe that those of us who attended this program received a much better education than those going to the traditional high school.
 
Wondering… I looked it up on google and the like. But, as has been the case in the past, I found virtually no information that the program ever even existed. Finally, I popped over to ChatGPT and I was provided with what follows:
 
“In the 1970s, Hollywood High School had an alternative school program called the, “Hollywood High School Alternative School,” which offered a different approach to education and catered to students seeking a more flexible and individualized learning environment. 
 
Here’s a more detailed look: 
 
What it was:
The alternative school at Hollywood High, which was known as the, “Alternative School,” provided a more flexible and individualized learning experience for students who didn't thrive in the traditional classroom setting.
 
Focus:
The program aimed to empower students to take ownership of their learning and to explore their interests in a more hands-on and creative way.
 
Curriculum:
The curriculum was designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual students, with a focus on project-based learning, independent study, and real-world experiences.
 
Location:
The alternative school was located within the main Hollywood High School building.
(Actually, it was located in the bungalows in front of the main campus).
 
Impact:
The alternative school program at Hollywood High School was seen as a positive step towards providing a more inclusive and effective education for all students.”
 
That’s a pretty good explanation, I believe. The school truly provided me with the skillset to easily transition towards advanced education.
 
For me, that style of free-from education was always the most beneficial. As I progressed to the college and university levels, I was always most engaged when I could form my own course of study. Thus, I was always the most drawn to programs and schools that allowed this to occur.
 
In seems like in the overall, ever-spanning reality of life, finds this new breed of education has largely fallen by the wayside. The world it seems, has become much more formalized and closed minded.
 
It wasn’t always like that, however. There was a time when it felt like everything was opening up, becoming new and better and freer and greater. But, I guess that’s life. We can only live our own life as best as we can, hopefully being allowed to experience the new and the better, which may hopefully allow us to become that better more evolved individual.
 
Anyway… Just a story… Though I have no memory of the guy being there, I guess he too went there too.
 
Hollywood High School Alternative School, a new chance in a new world, that no longer exists.