Emerson Academy for Arts and Sciences

Emerson Academy teaches all kinds of students. After experiencing premier special education for our son in NYC he floundered in the LA special ed scene. Academic and artistic strengths, and autism spectrum behaviors, were ignored. Sonia Roman is a maverick. He is back on track academically, loves the outside art and music classes, and is held responsible during his difficult moments. He wants to succeed for Sonia and himself. Better yet, he also appreciates his classmates and any struggles they may face. He also just began taking Latin. Sonia creates a wonderful learning environment. Emerson Rocks.
--Submitted by a parent

Oh my god! I am so glad i found Emerson Academy! Ms. Roman was so understanding and helpful. I did not think my child would be able to graduate on time, and Ms. Roman made it possible. I'm so thankful!
--Submitted by a parent

The Emerson Academy embraces the arts and learning. It's a wonderful environment for students to be an individual. My child had a chance to strengthen the learning fundamentals he was weak in (some basic math skills). There is afterschool homework gyms so our homework wars are over. Even a summer school. Subjects are not rushed through; instead real learning takes place. Many kids also take ceramics and a rock band class. Since the school is small, it's about learning, not social pressures or peer influence. Sonia Roman encourages the kids. High schoolers can take online college classes to help them get a head start on their college general ed. My son gets his socialization from his previous friends and his outside interests (acting classes, etc.). It's a safe environment for a kid to learn who they are and what they are good at. It is a small group, you must be open for a non-traditional school environment. My husband and I don't believe our son is missing anything by not being in a school of 2,000+ kids. There are outside groups that have proms or MORP (where you dress in your PJs or ? and take a limo to a community dance), so those experiences can be still had. The Emerson Academy also has a wonderful graduation each year where every kid participates and can show their talents. I really recommend the Emerson Academy.
--Submitted by a parent

Our eight-year-old son, who is a gifted student, has been attending Emerson Academy the past two years and we're very pleased with all aspects of his education. Emerson began as a school for special-needs students, but, turns out, EVERY child can use one-on-one attention. In this intimate setting, each student has an opportunity to learn at his or her own pace, and if you're a smart kid, you won't get bogged down by traditional class size or pace--the sky's the limit. The other positive aspect of the school is that, because it's so diverse in terms of its levels of learning, and that you have some children of special-needs backgrounds, there is a tolerance and acceptance of each person's individuality. Whether a little ahead or a little behind, your child will thrive in this intimate, accepting environment.
--Submitted by a parent

While my daughter served in Iraq for two years, my grandaughter came to live with me. She was used to a very small school and was really anxious about attending Birmingham H.S. I found the Emerson Academy and we fell in love with it. The students, the director, the other instructors and of course the wonderful curriculum. My grandaughter entered the l0th Grade, moved on to the llth Grade and had the most wonderful academic experience, learned Latin, and of course all the other required subjects, became a wonderful writer, experienced the UC San Bernadino Mojave Desert Studies and completed a number of online College Credit Courses. Had a great experience learning the guitar, and creating Pottery at Art Class. During this time, my grandaughter also completed her community service by being a teacher's assistant at Stagg Street Elementary School every Friday assisting the lst Grade Teachers. Because of her vast experience at the Academy and Stagg she got a great Summer JOB. Thank You for everything.

My daughter graduated from Emerson Academy. At her previous high school, she was lost in the crowd. At Emerson, she was supported to reach her full academic potential. She had the opportunity to take college courses, which were challenging but much less stressful than APs. She also had a chance to assist the teachers with some of the younger students, which developed her sense of personal responsibility. I can't say enough about what Emerson provided to our child.
--Submitted by a parent

I've been a teaching assistant at the Emerson Academy for the past year and it's a very caring and intimate environment for kids of all ages. I would definitely recommend this school to those kids who need extra attention and work better in small groups.
--Submitted by a teacher

I have been immensely impressed with the Emerson Academy. The attention it provides to helping its students excel is peerless. My child had a learning disability which made reading frustrating and difficult for him. This plagued him throughout elementary school. I decided to enroll him in the Emerson Academy to try to foster his confidence in his abilities to read and write. He immediately loved the supportive environment and was quickly assimilated into the the school. He has been enrolled for almost two years and now loves to read and excels at his studies. I fear without the unique support and encouragement he received at the Emerson Academy, he would have never realized his potential to excel in academia. I cannot recommend this school more highly.
--Submitted by a parent

The Emerson Academy is an intimate small school--it is like a one-room schoolhouse. It is great for kids who need a flexible schedule like my son, or kids who have special educational needs. My son graduated, but we still keep in touch.
--Submitted by a parent