Raskob Learning Institute and Day School

Our niece (who we raise) was struggling mightily at a wonderful, small private school where my wife teaches. Even in a small and nurturing environment like her previous school, our niece was drowning. We enrolled her in Raskob for 6th grade and the change has been remarkable. In just one year her confidence, self-esteem and attitude towards school have improved immensely, and we can't wait to see what two more years will bring!
—Submitted by a parent

The most important thing to know about Raskob Day School is that it is a very specialized school for children of normal or high intelligence with significant learning differences. Most children who attend have issues such as ADHD, dyslexia, or processing disorders. Most of them were failing miserably in traditional schools, and have come to Raskob as the school of last resort. For some children, this is the school that saves their self esteem and academic future. For others, the problems they have are not remedied, but it is not a perfect school for all (no school is). Opportunity is there to advance quickly or to go at one's own speed, depending on the child. My son has been in the middle school for 2 and one half years. He has regained his confidence and learned to function in the academic arena. He has taken on a leadership roll among the students this year, something far from his capability when he entered. He has learned to work around his learning glitches and will enter a "normal" high school next year. I did not give 5 stars because there are things that could be better. There is always a little disorganization at the school. There could also be more emphasis on the arts.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Raskob since 3rd grade and has just graduated 5th grade. Recently, when I asked him what 3 from 11 was, after using his fingers and about 20 seconds had passed, he came up with 2 as the answer. He has always read well and gets bored in his classes in which other kids are struggling far more than he in reading. Yet he has not been given more challenging work. My son processes slowly, has very limited working memory, limited empathy and is completely disorganized. The social learning class he takes at school (additional cost, of course,) has been the most beneficial thing he has done at the school. My son has felt "safe" at the school and has friends, which counts for a lot, but he hasn't yet "learned how to learn" the stuff that comes harder and takes some effort. I don't fully understand why not.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Raskob for the last 2 years and my husband and I feel it is a terrific school. I feel the teachers there are very dedicated and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is nurturing and positive. I'm wondering if the previous negative reviews are from parents with personal axes to grind? Or are resentful of paying the tuition?
—Submitted by a parent

if you want to consider your child a success based on minimal academic expectations, than this is the place for you. Ofcourse your child we be successful in this environment as they are not challenged or required to learn. We have been there two years and have seen minimal to no special techniques to teach learning disabilities. Unorganized, run by the seat of their pants, teachers and staff sometimes uncooperative and think they know everything.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Raskob for four years and is now a successful student starting his sophmore year in high school. Not only did their program prepare him academically, but the administration and teaching staff supported him and helped him to become an advocate for himself. His learning challenges will be lifelong, but Raskob gave him the tools he needed to become more confident in himself and in his schoolwork. My son started in Raskob in elementary school and grew to be a motivated student throughout his middle school years. I highly reccommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! I am shocked at the last parents review. This school has gone through a lot of changes, but it's been for good reason. The new director is outstanding--she has a group of administrators that are also dedicated, professional, and open to feedback. The teachers are a nice mix of experienced and new. The only "high turn over" that I know of is because of teachers leaving on maternity leave. I would check this place out if you are looking for a school that has small classes for LD kids, dedicated teachers, and a supportive parent community.
—Submitted by a parent

An awful and I do mean awful school! It may have been a good school a couple a years ago, but it has gone down hill since then. In the last year there has been a high turn over in staff. The administration is not supportive and the curriculum is questionable. As a parent or caregiver, you are better off saving your money and taking your child to a public school.
—Submitted by a parent

Truly dreadful. New administration is combative rather than helpful. Small class size is great but wasted as a teaching tool. All students are taught similarly although the students have a very wide variety of needs. Public schools are better than this.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently attend this school and I couldn't think of a better palce for me to undertake my education!
—Submitted by Ian Belgarde, a student

Private School for kids with Learning Disabilities. Currently grades4-8 but will be expanding 2005 to high school. Small school with special ed teachers, who understand a variety of learning issues. Teachers qualified and very caring. Active parent community.
—Submitted by a parent