>Since school is compulsary until age 16, and it's a public school (as far as I can tell), I'm with the parents. It doesn't hurt him or anyone else to have long hair. I can understand a policy of requiring hair below the collar to be pulled back or braided, but cutting is ridiculous. Our schools have dress codes, but many young men have long hair. I say, As long as the boy wishes it, Fight, fight, fight! :o) I guess that while he is missing out on the socialization aspect of school life, he is gaining by one-on-one instruction. I'd question whether or not that teacher is qualified to teach all subjects (a problem with many high school in-school suspensions) but at that age, probably so.
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>OK, joking aside....there's a bit of a deeper issue here. Whether we're talking about the 70's', 80's, or today - teachers (elementary, middle school, high school) often say that one of the bigger distractions in school is kids going out of their way to be "different" in non-intellectual terms.
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>I honestly think parents should take a harder line stance on their kids distinguishing themselves by how they think and perform in school, rather than by aspects of their appearance. When my daughter is 12, she'll be setting herself apart from others by cleverly quoting Aristotle - not because of her hair or clothes. If I had a son, I'd only let him have long hair if he also showed some depth.

Kevin, I hope we still know each other when Katy is 12, and on into her teen years. Your illusions about shaping her to the degree you have in mind are going to crash down all around you. It simply is not realistic. Children gradually move away from their parents. It doesn't happen because parents capitulate or don't do their job. It is completely predictable, normal, and healthy. Friends and peers become at least as important to them as their parents. It doesn't mean they and their parents have to be at each other's throats, although that can happen if the parents try to maintain too much control too long. Seriously, when this happens (when, not if), still be there with guidance, but ease back on the reins. If you think about it, the bittersweet reality of being a parent is that your purpose is to help them get to the point that they don't need you any more. It doesn't happen overnight when they turn 18. It's a long, gradual process.