Robert Louis Stevenson School

This school is absolutely terrible, and exactly the opposite of "therapeutic". The administrative staff are abusive and do not know boundaries. Ric defends all of his actions by saying "this is a private school, and I follow my own rules". The administrators use threats and ultimatums to get what they want and intimidate students. Do NOT send your children to this school.

Amazing school, I'm a new student, and I absolutely love being here. It's the only school that has ever worked for me.

Stevenson saved my son. He had a great connection with the Dean when he first got there. So much so that he said, "for the first time, someone really understands how I feel". He didn't dread going to school any longer. He felt really comfortable and accepted. This school believed in my son and succeeded in helping him believe in himself. He's in college now and doing well.
—Submitted by a parent

I've worked at Stevenson for the past 9 years. I love this school! We have very little staff turnover and everyone works together well. Everyone who works here truly believes in Stevenson's mission and works here because they want to make a difference. We are supported by a Learning Specialist, Educational Coordinator, therapist, and the Clinical Director. We are encouraged to differentiate instruction for students who need it. I always feel supported when I want to try new things. I've never worked in such a strong, supportive environment. A happy staff definitely makes for a better environment for students. I would send my own children here if they were in need of additional support and a small classroom experience.
—Submitted by a teacher

I agree with the review posted on July 19, 2011. It's a therapeutic school that my child needed therapy because of attending!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very unique school. Students get in depth personal interaction with teachers and staff since the school is very small and the ratio of teachers to students is low. The staff is supportive and makes a big effort towards the growth and progress of each student, both academically and emotionally. Students come from around the city and area so there is a varied student body. Each student is valued, and their own unique talents developed and encouraged. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a progressive and one of a kind school. My son has done well and flourished there, as with many of the students, his self esteem has improved dramatically.
—Submitted by a parent

My son came to Robert Louis Stevenson School after spending his 9th and 10th years of High School doing virtually nothing. His attendance record was terrible and his academic achievement worse. He is in his second year at Stevenson and has made great strides. He has learned how to be a student again through the program at Stevenson. The amount of oversight and guidance provided by the excellent Advisory program and the small class size has been instrumental in my son's progress. We were at the end of our rope and my son was quickly running out of options. Now my son is actually thinking about his future and our whole family is benefiting from his enrollment at Stevenson.
—Submitted by a parent

For the right child, this high school definitely deserves a look. My sister s son was in a fast track Manhattan private school. Due to a combination of factors, he fell off the track grades getting worse, social problems, and his mood and conduct hit bottom. I m not sure how my sister found it, but this school turned out to be the answer for my nephew. For the first time in years he was not just willing to go to school, he was happy (and for the first time in years, I didn t have to brain-storm with my crying sister about how to handle him). His grades improved and slowly his confidence came back. He is attending college now and I don t know if that would have happened except for Robert Louis Stevenson. If you have a kid who is struggling, you might want to have a look at this school.

As of May, 2011 the new Head of School has suddenly departed. There is only one psychologist on staff, also new in 2010. Though it is labeled a 'therapeutic' school, the advisors have no professional training and a great deal of responsibility. Parents are kept at a distance. Academics are mediocre. More than half the students have had substance abuse problems. For some kids it might be the only choice, so it is good the school exists.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is a perfect fit for kids who are out-of-place elsewhere. The teachers and other staff take the time to really know each student's strengths and weaknesses, and as a result, build a daily experience that caters to those strengths while supporting the weaknesses. The kids have daily Advising groups, and weekly all-school meetings, so any concerns or issues that a student may have get a chance to be heard and addressed, rather than just having him/her 'deal with it.' They also put the right emphasis on each student's personal responsibility for their work and habits, helping to grow the students' maturity level. I'm so please I found this place!! Hardly anyone has heard of it, so if you're looking, this is DEFINITELY worth checking out!!
—Submitted by a parent

RLS is a great school that provides a wonderful enviornment that is nurturing while allowing students the ability to change and grow over time. The teachers are incredible, hailing from all different backgrounds and bringing incredible insight and life into the classroom, engaging students and really making a difference. It is a life changing institution that combines small class size (an average of eight) with well trained teachers who are prepared to help with any issue that might arise for a student. The downsides are the unavailability of sports due to the small size of the school, and the lack of a language program, which the school believes to be a burden that some students simply cannot bear. All things aside, it is a great place filled with amazing people who do more for the students than most other small private schools in the city.
—Submitted by a former student

The school itself houses a devoted and dedicated staff. Children emerge from this school ready to take on middle school and are well-prepared in advance. Over the last few years the school has lost some of its 'community' feeling but for the most part, parents are still eager to participate and children are happy and engaged.
—Submitted by a parent