Well, it seems like this is a school for problem children, and it is their way of getting the kids back into school. Often times when teens get pregnant, they just drop out of school, so I guess this is one option, and perhaps the only option these kids have. If your daughter is not in this situation, and you very obviously care about her and don’t want her in this situation, why is she there? Do you have open choice schools? Is there another school in your area or close by town that she can go to? I know often times you might have to go to another city for a high school, but I would fight with the school board to get my children in, if I had to. I would not want my children to be in this kind of environment, or to look up to kids like this. I know there are problems in every school, but I would try to find a school where they expect more from the children. If putting her into another school is not an option for you, I would reinforce good values to her on a daily basis, and also try to get her involved in activities outside of school where she can meet other children (perhaps church groups, etc.) This has got to be a really hard situation to be in. I wish you the best. (and yes, you do care, or you wouldn’t have written and be so concerned… you are a good mom so don’t give up. Your daughter is worth fighting for!)

Personally, I would rather see pregnant teens in school than sitting at home on welfare. You can’t make their pregnancy go away by hiding them away from society. At least they are giving themselves a chance to make something of their lives despite some errors in judgement. The specific problem here doesn’t seem to be this particular school, but more a problem of your daughter’s moral values and how she was raised. If you were too severely strict with her, then she might be more rebellious than if you had had a more caring, open, communicative relationship. It is that rebellion that is making her act as you describe. It’s not too late, though, but you have to set boundaries, reasonable boundaries, and enforce them. Get to know your daughter as the young woman she is; what is important to her, what does she want and what does she value. She is not a little girl anymore and you need to face that reality. Speak with her and not at her and you’ll get a lot farther in relating to her. She need guidance, particularly as she is dawning as a young woman. Remember, you will not be the only influence in your daughter’s life, so you better be the best influence.