Once parents experience Springer through their children’s eyes, they can’t help but become fans of Springer. One parent even said, “I wish all children could go to a place like Springer.”
Ben’s mom Andrea recalls educators saying “we can try this or that with Ben.” Andrea’s advice is to quit trying and go to the experts. School personnel may not know the specific instruction your child needs or the level of support that is appropriate, but Springer does know. “The right decision was in our gut,” said Andrea. “We wanted to do something that would work, not try things out and continue the struggle. Sometimes you have to take that leap of faith – it isn’t a life-long decision. For us, it was worth the chance. You have to get away from the stereotypes of leaving your present situation.”
Helen’s mom Audra said, “after many tears and much drama about our plans for Helen’s future, we decided that Springer was the solution. Springer was there to educate Helen, and finally we are able to just parent her. You have to ask yourself, where is your child going to be better off? Is your child experiencing a ‘normal’ academic life because that is what Springer felt like – the way it should be for our daughter. There was always a sense of a team approach, from the moment we first stepped foot on the campus – it extends to each parent and student.”
Nick’s mom doesn’t want parents to be scared by the tuition. “If you think next school year will be better for your child, know that it may not,” she said. “No matter how wonderful that next year’s teacher is, he won’t have all the answers that will help your child’s self esteem.” Lisa recalls, “Springer helps students become more vocal and to really be a part of a community. It just isn’t possible to get the Springer intensity at any public or parochial elementary school. Go talk to Springer. There are many ways to afford tuition – just go talk to them.”
Blogger and Admissions Director Carmen Mendoza, MEd, shares her expertise in the educational placement of students with learning disabilities.