Hi-Star Center for Children

I toured this center as a requirement from my sons district. I was appalled on how they treat special needs children.Just on my visit I witnessed a child with severe mental disabilities stand in a adjusting room in the corner screaming...to get the chimes attention the force there arms up in the air or flick their cheeks and squirt water on them. The principal proudly showed me a mat where the take down children and sit on them to show defiant behaviors that they are superiority. At the end of my tour the man told.me that he will breakdown my son behavior and he will know who is boss. The school is full of smoke screens and the kids look to scared to get in trouble so they look like zombies. parents beware...if u have a severe behavioral child with disabilities there is a better and less evasive choice...Accel.
--Submitted by a parent

Histar is not for everyone, but provides an excellent program for those parents who agree with the philosophy of the school, and who have students with developmental issues that demand supportive care. The children do get recreation periods both indoors and out, and virtually all of the upper level students participate in special olympics. (So I do take issue with the comments from the post on 4/13/2005 about there being no sports). Parents are indeed invited and encouraged to have their children get involved in the numerous activities: plays, weekly outings, cookouts, camping trips, prom, harvest dance, etc. Naturally, as the children get older, the complexity of their activities is expanded. There are numerous events for parents to observe their children, or enjoy the reward of their successes, but not every parent chooses to participate or show.

Not for everyone. If you're looking for a sticker chart to keep your ADHD kid on task, go somewhere else. If you're looking for your kid to learn something while making behavioral progress (and not get calls at work from stressed out teachers), GO HERE! They are respectful of kids and families and really care. Best of all, they don't have a culture of thinking whatever issues your kid is facing is somehow your fault.
--Submitted by a parent

I have found the academic programing at Hi-Star to be of great quality for children with language and behavioral needs. The teachers and staff truly care about the students and work above and beyond the norm. The music and art program is great with yearly productions and art shows. The staff is extremely knowledgable about special needs. They have an on sight recreational therapist for sport activities. It is a wonderful program.
--Submitted by a parent

Academics is questionable at best that is till your child gets older and more focused. The availability of music and arts is good. Sports however there are none. The children have a little play area to play in. There are a few extracarricular activities. Parents are not encouraged to be involved at all. The school prefers the parents involvement be stricted to only invited individuals.
--Submitted by a parent