Pine Hill School

Beware this school. My student came home with bruises on his face from being restrained and I didn't even get a phone call--I had to call them and discover he'd been thrown down on the floor and sat on after verbally threatening another child. Principal Greg Zieman explained to me that if they wrote up every time they had to use restraints on the students they would spend their whole time writing--this was his excuse. My student got worse and worse until I pulled him out of there. He is still traumatized by his experiences many months later. They will tell you they know what they're doing. Take a look at their website and see whether you can honestly believe that. Their understanding of autism in particular is very poor--many times they discipline children as behavior problems, even when the children do not understand what is expected of them. To my fellow parents: I know you're desperately looking for answers--but for your child's sake don't accept this terrible solution. The only 'good' thing about this school is that they won't call you to come get your child. They will tell you all is well even if your child is getting restrained every day, and you'll never know it.
--Submitted by a parent

Definately poor parent communication. When we enrolled our son, the Newton program claimed to have a Behavior Specialist. He left week 2. Shortly after that, my son started having restraints (which he hadn't needed in 2 years), and sent to a behavior room 3 times, even after numerous calls, emails about the trauma children on the spectrum experience after previous experiences. Withdrew after 4 months via phone calls and emails, noone even called me back or responded (except for their very efficient controller).
--Submitted by a parent

Liberal use of seclusion and restraints instead of sound behavior plans. Not a good fit for a child with behavioral problems who needs professional support. Poor parent communication.
--Submitted by a parent

Pine Hill School has The Newton Program, which is an amazing program for high functioning autistic children. They really care about the kids, and do everything they can to help these kids with special needs succeed. The Newton Program has won state and international recognition for their program.
--Submitted by a parent

The Newton Program @ Pine Hill school is one of the best in the world for children on the high-functioning autistic spectrum. They respect and nuture each child's learning style, unlike the usual special ed classes in public schools. My child has finally developed a 'love of learning', and feels socially accepted. The staff of the Newton Program are outstanding.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a God Send for Asperger's children. They do not call you to come pick up your child, they understand your child, they teach them academics not just manage their behavior, they do not abuse your child, they do not lock them up. The children WANT to go to school and they actually have friends within the classmates. The classes are small and the adult ratio is good. My child is going to be a productive adult because of what this school has provided for him. GREAT school. As a matter of fact there needs to be scools like this in every state. Thank you ED.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough about the warm welcome we recieved from Pine Hill's staff and students. It feels like coming home. For the first time in our son's school career he told me he 'had a great day' and he also told me he had 'the best PE class ever'. This from a boy who hates PE. He said he loved 'his math teacher' and shared of several experiences in Social Thinking and Social Studies. The staff not only understands these children's needs but they respect and embrace their differences. Further, the involvement of parents is stellar. They are a group of hard-working, dedicated and involved parents who want the best for their child.
--Submitted by a parent

A beacon of light at the end of dark tunnel, SJUSD couldn't figure it out nor did they want to try to since our son was an A student within the district, they caused a trip of absolute hell for my family. Pine Hill saved my son and family.
--Submitted by a parent

My son went through 5 other schools in SJUSD before we found Pine Hill. Misplaced in ED and SDC programs since 3d grade, he had suffered and not until placed at Pine Hill did one of the SDC teachers recognize him as high function asbergers- and we moved him to that program. He thrived. He learnt! The Newton after school program- which costs extra but is worth it- taught by the county Asbergers Assoc. Presdient, reincorporates all the years of lost acedemics while giving him a sense of resepct and self esteem. The school is supportive, transportation is awesome this year, and I now expect my 14 year old to go to colllege instead of failing to graduate.D. Hollis
--Submitted by a parent

My son also did well in the Newton Program, but the regular ED classes at the school were frightening and frustrating for him. I wish there were a better alternative for children who do not fit in with the 'regular' ED kids. The transportation experience was our biggest frustration with this school, as my son was repeatedly harrassed and exposed to rap music on the bus. The principal and other adminstrative staff were responsive and actively participated in my son's IEP meetings.
--Submitted by Rebekah Sprecher, a parent