I have some questions and remarks about Idyllwild Arts Boarding school.
My child is new to IAA. They had one of the worst experiences ever. They have a LD that they have received accommodations for at all of their previous schools.
They were failing classes and not one teacher or administrator reached out. The learning center is a complete joke. They didn’t offer her any help until I called. Even though their profile indicated they have a LD.
What was most concerning is that no one cared. They were dealing with some mantel health issues and when I brought it up to administration, the school counselor reached out via email once. SO disappointed.
Additionally there is talk that big art instillations, solos, first chair and lead roles are are NOT given to financial aid students. SO far this has been true for our child.
Administration has not been transparent about anything Corvid related and have offered no support regarding isolation, mental health support or anything.
Our experience has been less then desirable.
If anyone else has any positive experiences or can relate to what we have experiences thus far please comment below.
We would love continue to send our child there, and recommend them to others but at this time we are feeling the opposite.
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I am so sorry that no one has replied to yet.
I know very little about art schools, but my heart aches for you. Clearly your have a very talented child, and it’s heartbreaking that they’re so miserable. Do what you can to reinforce that they are not alone, and that they are loved.
It has been a very trying year, especially for sensitive souls.
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Thank you so much for replying you are so so sweet.
This has been a trying year, and it doesn’t seem any of their teachers are taking this into account. They aren’t miserable per se, just overwhelmed and no guidance compassion or help from administration or teachers.
The school does have a big turn around of students, they dont tell you during the tour.
Thank you again xoxo
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I don’t know anything about the school but I do know something about being on FA and feeling like it puts you at a disadvantage. Full disclosure, we are a FP family but I am good friends with several FA families at both my kids’ schools. I have had many, many, many discussions where the FA mom is complaining about something that happened and attributing it to her child be a FA child - except that one of my kids often has had a similar experience. It is just that when you are on FA you assume that it’s the reason for things. At both my kids schools, every experience complained about to me from a FA family has also happened either to my family or another FP family in our group.
I am unclear - are you looking to switch schools or just want insight into your school?
thank you for your input. I was interested in knowing if any other families have experienced the same situation. with this particular school.
Unfortunately, this is the way this school runs, in terms of FA students. A survey was put out to alumni, recently, regarding this issue, and the response was overwhelming. They felt there were issue with students who are socioeconomic diversity. And those were alumni, not counting the students who decided to leave after 2 years because they continued to get side stepped.
There are times when the the talent is clear. When the FP students start to question why a part WASNT given to a child, you know its a problem…
I can’t offer any insight into your current school but if you are considering a move I can recommend my daughter’s school The Darrow School which is small, very warm, great integrated learning support and beautiful arts facilities. Also LGBTQ friendly.
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