High School can be challenging for many students, but most struggle through and surface somehow with help and understanding. Sadly, traditional schooling wasn't working for Kyle Boardman a year and a half ago.

He was uncommunicative and unsuccessful and fearful that things would never get better. Because he did not feel connected to anything bigger than himself he often was unable to express himself the way he wished to.

Today, Kyle's grades are all A's with only one B, he has become an invaluable mentor to children of all ages and is recognized as a brilliant musician with unlimited talent. He works with 10 students weekly, has starred in the community musical, "Little Shop of Horror's" and has volunteered over 200 hours since March of 2012.

How did this transformation take place?

As the result of a Music Therapist who recognized a brilliant talent in him, and loving and committed parents who were willing to help their son find success however non-traditional the process might be.

Many in the Northern Virginia know and applaud Tom Sweitzer's work at 'A Place to Be,' where, through compassion, understanding and acceptance, children whose gifts are not readily apparent discover and understand their own unique contribution and connection to the world.

In fact, Sweitzer and his staff are used to registering breakthroughs of amazing significance with children who, because they are different, are seldom given a chance to thrive.

But, until Tom invited Kyle Boardman to finish his high school studies at 'A Place to Be (APTB),' students who, through the complexities of growing up, were frustrated and failing in the traditional education system, were not considered for APTB programs. "It was as if Kyle was meant to be here to teach us all how much more we could do to help," Sweitzer explained.

"Our mission is to help people face, navigate and overcome life's challenges," he continued. "Sadly, we live in a world that often lacks compassion and understanding. If Kim Tapper and I had not discovered Kyle's incredible musical talent when he auditioned for a role in a high school production where we were consulting directors, we might not have known he was having serious trouble at school. We were already big fans and given the chance, we sincerely hoped we might be able to help.

"We had never invited high school students who were not thriving in a traditional education context to participate in our programs," Tom said. "They were designed for young people who struggled with everything from Cerebral Palsy to Autism.

"For 15 years we have worked with students who have all kinds of disabilities, creating art and music programs for them that lead to powerful and transformative artistic interactions that, in turn, can lead to growth and an improved outlook on life."

But it is not just power of music and art that have changed Kyle's outlook on life.

"At APTB, Kyle has an opportunity to help our students as well as to complete his high school curriculum in time to graduate. I really believe that an environment filled with high quality arts combined with an opportunity to serve others can produce passionate, confident, successful individuals.

"Kyle is a perfect example of the value of adding arts and service to a young person's life. Our goal now is to find ten other high school students who will work with Kyle and with us to refine and develop this exciting new program."

"It's true," Kyle added. "I just didn't fit in in my high school. I was not doing well and hardly spoke to anyone. When I decided to try out for a role in the Footloose production, it was the first time I had ever done anything like that.

"No one was more surprised than I when I was chosen for the lead."

Kyle was chosen for the lead because he is a brilliant musician whose eagerness and natural acting ability were inescapably obvious. It's just that until he tried out for that part, no one really understood how talented he was.

His parents, who were thrilled that his audition had gone well, were in total agreement that, if Tom could make a place for Kyle, APTB might be an amazingly helpful environment for him.

"The regular school system didn't work for me," Kyle continued. "Switching to online classes and spending my days at A Place to Be has taken my grades from C's to A's. When my schoolwork is done, I have a chance to connect with and mentor individuals who are dealing with many kinds of challenges.

"I'm so happy to help them. In fact, I'm happy with my life now. My parents love my being here and I hope to continue my musical theater and/or music therapy studies at a university that is known for its arts department."

Tom, who works closely with the Boardman family, says, "These two individuals are among the most committed, compassionate, and open minded parents I have ever worked with. They care about their son far beyond what society tells them is naturally next in a young person's life."

"A Place to Be fills my days with arts and opportunities to better myself by helping others which, personally, helps me open doors to a much brighter future."

Today, Kyle is helping Tom and the APTB directors shape an alternative learning program that incorporates the arts and service into a unique, transformative educational experience for students struggling in traditional learning systems.

"Just as I did not expect to find Kyle's deep passion for musical theater, I did not immediately realize what a strong positive connection he would have with our APTB students.

"There is a waiting line now of kids who want Kyle to be their mentor. His talent for helping others is every bit as deep as is his musical talent."

Three important elements make up APTB's new program. They include Academics or participation in the Keystone accredited high school program; Arts to build confidence and creativity; and Empathy, learning to understand your own value by helping others.

"We hope to register ten young people between the ages of 15 and 22 who would like to work with us in this new program," Tom added. "Working with Kyle and watching him develop has been incredibly powerful for me and for our directors.

"Not only has Kyle become an outstanding student academically, he has become an invaluable member of our APTB staff and a highly regarded member of our larger community.

"We simply want to help more students like Kyle," Tom concluded.

For kids who need a highly customized education experience, A Place to Be in Middleburg could be the answer. If you would like more information, please contact tom@aptbmusictherapy.org. Or visit Kyle at http://kyleaptb.wordpress.com.