The Cottage School

Staff very friendly, however tuition is unjustifiably expensive @ ($24,000/yr)....and lunch is extra! My biggest concern academically... that graduates from TCS can perform well at college level in their freshman year at a good 4 year institution. Most graduates go on to Reinhardt Univ., community college and the like, not too many upper tier state institutions. My feeling is that for severely challenged students this school could be a solution, albeit an expensive one!
—Submitted by a parent

I was sent here from public school in the 9th grade. My experiences here were nothing but a joke. Sometimes I look back and feel I learned little in my high school career. Half of the kids are 'special needs' and are spoon fed the A's, and the other half are behavioral problems and arent in an environment where they can succeed. The whole levels thing is a joke as well. Preparing a child for the real world does NOT mean teaching them that they can get whatever thay wan't with minimal effort because theyre 'special needs'.

The Cottage School provided just what our daughter needed to get through the difficult middle and high school years. The teachers and staff were always willing to go above and beyond the basic requirements to get her the help she needed. Probably the most important thing they gave her was the ability to see herself as "normal" and the self-respect that went with that. Their structured approach seems to work very well with students needing special education. Even after graduation they have been a continuing help to her in finding a path to independence. Their sports program was an important part of the experience and it was very well-managed.
—Submitted by a parent

The Cottage School represents a unique niche in education that heretofore was left sadly empty. Their dedication to each and every individual student is unmatched, and their staff is always willing to go above and beyond at every opportunity. If a student finds themselves struggling in their coursework, every teacher makes sure they find the time to help that student achieve success. The faculty often forsake their off-lunches and morning planning times to make sure students are accommodated. They give liberally of their own free time and ask nothing in return. There is no charge for any extra help. Each step in the TCS process builds on the last. No student is issued a diploma without a concrete post-secondary plan in place, monitored and approved by the administration and discussed extensively with the student and his/her parents. What each student chooses to do once they have left TCS with their diploma and post-secondary plan is out of the hands of the school at that point, but the Cottage School does everything it can within its doors to ensure that no student ever walks away without having had every possible opportunity to find their own flavor of success!
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter was sent to this school by other family members. As her mother, I needed help with behavioral issues. I was promised I would be kept in the loop from the school, but that didn't happen. I was also disappointed to discover teachers were charging very large sums for tutoring of subjects that were to be taught at school. Oh - I am a teacher. Bottom-line, my daughter is now 18. All the "planning for the future" was worthless. She is not doing what we all thought would happen. I would NOT recommend parents spend such outrageous sums of money for a school that doesn't deliver what they claim. It took 3 years and the aftermath to realize how much the school failed all of us, but especially my daughter. The "sound" good, but don't deliver. One positive.... they have a fabulous sports program for all the students.
—Submitted by a parent

The Cottage has provided an environment from which our child could gain social ground and experience academia without the distinction of a label. The founders and staff alike are dedicated and driven professionals who unite for one purpose, the growth and development of our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Because it prepares the students to enter life, not just make time and grades.
—Submitted by a parent

Cottage has top quality staff, which is a key element responsible for their success.
—Submitted by a parent

The best place in the world for children with learning disa!bilities. It has made my daughter what she is today
—Submitted by a parent

Young students who otherwise would have been forgotten along with their amazing talents, are redeemed and given their deserving place in society

It gives children a chance when no other school can! What a wonderful school to support!!

The Cottage School is Outstanding! My son now loves school...
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school thathelps special children

The amazing and gifted faculty and staff are the almost "magical" force behind the numerous success stories to come from The Cottage School - our son is one among many. This incredibly dedicated and talented group educates, guides, mentors, counsels and coaches our underperforming and discouraged youngsters and leads them into confident and productive adulthood. My family will always be grateful for what The Cottage School does.
—Submitted by a parent

It's been great for my 9th grader who has been in public school until now. He is now getting the attention he needs and I am seeing a huge difference in his attitude, self esteem, grades, etc. He also played a school sport for the first time. I didn't imagine it would be this great--money well spent.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the care and concern the staff shows for the students. I love the small classrooms and the positive interaction. I love the owners and their obvious love of children. I love that The Cottage School has saved so many lives of children who do not learn in a traditional school setting. I am so grateful my grandson has been able to thrive at The Cottage School.

It is a structured school with small classes

Our daughter loves this school & it has helped her in so many ways. Socially, academically, self esteem & through athletics being part of a team.
—Submitted by a parent

The Cottage School is simply Outstanding! Jacque and Joe Digieso are doing a wonderful job educating and inspiring young people with disabilities in their school. Their staff are highly educated, motivated, compassionate and tough! The entire faculty not only motivated their students, but hold them accountable for doing their part in getting an excellent education. The Cottage School have the state-of-the art computers, books and curriculum. Students can enjoy horse back riding to basketball on their breath taking campus. My nephew received and outstanding education and has been given a chance to succeed in life! Our family truly admire and love The Cottage School!
—Submitted by a parent

The Cottage School is a very special place for students who learn differently. The focus is on teaching the students not only academics but also interpersonal skills in a safe environment. The young people develop self-confidence under the guidance of the wonderful teachers and staff. My son is in his fourth year at The Cottage School. I have seen tremendous growth in him and attribute this to the exceptional values, standards and techniques which are exemplified by the school.
—Submitted by a parent