Focus On The Future Training Center

After having my child in the school for the last three years, I feel I can confidently challenge the few negative comments. This school is neither under qualified, under staffed, nor just out for your money. Our children are very unique and the school does a great job in teaching them at their pace and level. Note the quote that has been on their window for years - "If they don't learn the way we teach them, teach them the way they learn". The school has recently moved into a larger building with a great play area and better amenities within, which the kids absolutely love. I can go on, but will conclude with just three comments; 1) I would recommend Focus to any child with special needs, 2) keep your mind open and take part in your child s development; 3) keep your expectations real and you may be amazed by your child s development.
--Submitted by a parent

We just learned about these two negative comments and wish to apologize for any dissatisfaction experienced by these parent colleagues of our summer camp session. We reached out to both parents, with hopes of resolution, immediately after they expressed their concerns after our Summer Camp had ended.Over 70% of our staff have been with us for many years. Our typical classroom includes 10 children and is staffed with a lead teacher and two teacher s aides. During the Fall of 2011, we replaced our OT and added a Physical Therapist, and some new exciting new Dog therapy. Lastly, in December of 2011, we purchased a 10,000 square building, located on a beautiful 1.6 acre campus. Our new facility will feature a new State of the Art Sensory Zone , consisting a (1) Sensory Room, (2) Computer Lab with enhanced sensory software, (3) a Student Lounge, having highly interactive virtual video programs, and (4) Speech Lab, featuring a Conversation Station and Smart Board Technology, all are designed to address the unique and creative sensory needs of our special students. We are committed to continuing to invest as necessary to provide a richer experience for our students and their families.
--Submitted by a teacher

I would not recommend Focus on the Future to any one. Since being at Focus my child's behaviors have not changed and he is doing no better academically. Their 'trained' staff, come to find out, is, for the most part, not trained at all to teach special education and give the children there the education they deserve. The director is after your money- and in no way care about your child's success. The classes are not based on a 3:1 ratio, there are 2 teachers in classes of 9-11 children. Agreeing with the previous poster, the turn-over rate for the teachers is high, the staff is not treated well and their pay is considered below poverty level. Please, do not set your child up for failure in this school. It will only be blamed on you and you as the parent are NOT at fault.
--Submitted by a parent

My experience with this school was at best ok. I thought I had done all my research, the reviews were good and Brenda Batts the Director talks a good game. My childs teacher changed 3 times in less than 3 weeks. Upon my first tour of the school I noticed the facility was out of date and the educational supplies that were in poor condition. I looked past this because my thought was that she was paying her "well educated" and experienced staff a good wage. Come to find out she only pays her teachers barely more than minimum wage. Hence the turnover! My child never brought home any kind of activities to show or prove to me that any kind of progress ws being made. There was no Physical or Occupational Therapist on staff and my child had 10 plus kids in the classroom and only 2 teachers, not the 3 to 1 ratio I was told about. Please do your research and ask the right questions before committing your time and money. We all want whats best for our children but in my opinion this facility does not live up to the hype.
--Submitted by a parent

After alot of searching and looking at every school in Dallas, Richardson, Carrolton/Farmers Branch, Plano, this is by far the best school for special needs/Autism child. My son was first diagnosed with Autism at 18 months and you would be amazed at the ignorance of the school he was prior at (Montisorri). My son (4 yrs) is finishing his last year at Focus and what a huge difference! He can read small words, write, talk well, is well behaved and very social. I highly recommend this school, hands down and no question about it!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been extremely pleased with the staff and everyone at Focus. We feel our child has progressed so much in just a short amount of time due to the direct attention they receive from everyone there. The staff is extremely friendly and sincere about working with all the children at this school. They treat all of the children who attend and their families with such respect and they genuinely care about each and every child's progress! Kudos to Focus! You get a A++ from us!!
--Submitted by a parent

I love Focus and all of the staff. My child has made good progress in a short amount of time. We have been to a few places and this is the first time I have seen real results. I highly recommend Focus to anyone with a special needs child.
--Submitted by a parent

They are the very best private school for children with autism we have experienced. They are attentive, knowledgeable, effective, and friendly. Our child has made great strides since being enrolled here. We highly recommend it!
--Submitted by a parent