North Shore Academy

I am not a parent, I am a student. I went to school here almost 20 years ago. I was in at a hard time in my life where I didn't want to be in school anymore. I hated everything about my previous school. They did not help me and I struggled. I came here much to my displeasure at the time, kicking and screaming so to speak. What I found though was a very caring staff, who helped me understand that there wasn't anything wrong with me I just learned differently than others. I gained self respect, a diploma, great friendships, and above all else Self confidence. It has helped me today in my life as I raise children like myself and advocate for many more. Although I am far from my old school, I support it, whole heartedly. M. Bauer

My son has attended this school for over one month. For him, this is a low stress, success driven school. His two most important reasons for liking this school are: 1. that the expectations are communicated directly to the students and are very specific. There are no gray areas, so making points is a good possibility. 2.Secondly, they teach to all the children, and if one doesn't understand, they continue to teach so all understand. This makes him feel safe and gives him the the feeling of potential for success. There are very real restrictions, but he is not the type to be upset by that.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an alternative education school. It has an elementary, middle and high school component. It Is therapeutic in nature and the elementary school has a behavior modification program with levels, privileges and consequences for various behaviors; documented and monitored by the hour . We liked the small class size, the small group instruction. We liked the teachers and the counselors. We feel the administration is committed to children and their success. However we did not like the use of quiet rooms or restraint. I feel it can be disregulating to some children, anxiety provoking and decrease self esteem, resilience and future behavior. My child did not like being in a room with 100% disabled children, all w/a myriad of issues. It made him feel very badly about himself. The program was also out of district, my child did not feel any sense of community. I believe in inclusion within district.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is designed for children with emotional and behavioral problems. The Elementary School is separated from 6th -12th grade. The class sizes are about 10 or under and the staff to student ration is about 1-2. There is a strong behavioral approach using the Circle of Courage as a model. The 'quiet room' is used when students have a 'major incident' where they are in danger of hurting themselves or others. The children are on a behavioral level system, allowing more privileges as they progress from 1 to 5. The students work at their own academic level, even though they are placed in an age appropriate grade. There is an after school recreation program and a summer program. This school serves a real need for this type of student who otherwise may be in a residential school.
--Submitted by Pam Leiter, a parent