Eastside Academics School

Small classroom sizes, individualized teaching, and a non-judgmental environment at Eastside Academics gave our son the ability to complete his high school education after wilderness therapy. That would not have happened in his previous high school where the party lifestyle prevailed. It was not easy to persuade him to go to a new school – it took some “tough love” strategies at home. But then he discovered the advantages at Eastside Academics. He could be a leader instead of feeling lost. He could get help when he needed it instead of feeling overwhelmed. He could work independently instead of having us constantly prodding him. He could succeed at school – even Chemistry – instead of struggling. And without having to spend all evening, every evening on homework, he was able to get a job, go to his support meetings and spend time with friends. He found balance and felt successful – two things he didn’t find at the big high school. Just one year ago, before wilderness therapy, our son hated school. He was angry all the time. Today looks quite different. Today he is choosing a college roommate, scheduling college coursework and deciding upon a meal plan. Today he has courage, confidence and even some wisdom beyond his years. Today he has a promising future. He worked hard, and Eastside Academics supported his work by giving him the tools to succeed.

My son is an 8th grader at Eastside Academic School (which is both a middle and high school). He was sick today, so I looked up the phone number to call it in. I was disturbed to stumble upon the earlier negative review, because we are so incredibly happy with this school and I felt it undeserved. So I will take the time to tell you why this school is such a gem and has been the saving grace of our son's negative public school experiences, thus far. This year, at EAS, our 14 year old's academic attitude and outlook has COMPLETELY turned 180 degrees. I don't even recognize my teen, and that's a good thing! He looks forward to school again, loves all the teachers, who he says actually care about him and respect him as a person, as well as how he is learning. Charlotte is wonderful. My son has her for art and she goes above and beyond, making a point to come out to my car, at pick up, to tell me how much she enjoys him in her classroom and to explain to me specifics about his work. When could anyone ever expect this kind of caring commitment, on the part of a teacher, at other schools? This school is truly a gift! I am grateful we took a chance, pulling our son out of a nearby public middle school, where he was failing, hated school and felt nobody cared about him. We were beyond worried, at the end of our rope. Our son was on the precipice of traveling down a dark path, starting to seek out negative outlets that DID make him feel good. EAS was exactly the intervention we needed. The future now looks hopeful and bright, with all As and Bs. It just took people who are able and willing to work with my son's individual learning needs. He is easily distracted, with ADHD. The environment at EAS is extremely nurturing. The teachers and staff are 100% committed to making sure he succeeds. If he misses, he stays later or goes in on Fridays. They took the struggle of our HW battles OUT of the equation, which has brought our family peace. He comes home every day (even if it has to be later) feeling on top of the world, because he got all his work done at school, with constant help and guidance from the teachers. If his grades even remotely reflect his falling below the B range, the staff will alert us and help our son to get the extra help he needs in a gentle and encouraging way. We never have to worry. He feels like he's a smart kid again. He feels loved and accepted where he is. I could go on and on and on. I am just one very excited and happy parent!! :) Our son now says, "Life is Good." Life is, indeed, good again!

This school is very misleading. They advertise acceptance and experience with ADHD, ASD and accomidate different learning styles but this is not the case. 3/4 of the teachers want the kids to succeed and those who don’t ruin any future a student may have in this school. The students at this school are very accepting and enjoy helping peers that struggle. The staff don’t teach executive functioning skills and expect your child to sit silent in class. There is a lack of communication between staff and principal. It’s sad and discouraging for a student who struggles with acceptance and understanding to be verbally abused and directly shut down. Be wary of Charlotte. She thinks she means well but enjoys being rude and disrespectful to students and is on a power trip. If you want your child to be verbally abused, left to fend for themselves without positive support and be shamed then this is the school for your child.