If Barnstable and Fusion call themselves regular ed, then Purnell is too. They pose as “learning differences” school (remember they got desperate as they lost market share when the economy tanked and then never recovered losing applicants to better girl’s schools–at one point had way over 100 girls and in recent around 60) without the appropriate staff and without being lawfully recognized as a special ed school. Therefore they can do as they please once your kid is there. They can act like any other private school which is basically free reign to do as they please. They don’t even have to have an IEP, ISP or anything for your kid. They can tell you whatever you want to hear and then do what they want without any oversight, after they have you and then you are stuck… They are spending a lot of money on marketing instead of experienced LD staff… Material easy like Craig too.
Forman is legit and so is Eagle Hill…
BTW, I understand Fusion in Princeton hired SLP to go to the school, but when I brought up to the school at Fusion at Morristown, they were totally unaware of it and reminded me that they were regular education. I am also concerned with the faculty as some may not even have teaching qualification… I am serious considering Purnell and have read about the problems posted by @PlainTruth and @Momof7thgrader , however, as I understand the school has a major change in the last two years, I do concerned a number of teachers left, but then they also have teachers who taught at Forman before…therefore I am just not sure.
@annamom FYI, my info is extremely current and accurate as I have a 9th grader there now. I want to get her out but I can’t as it’s not my decision.
@PlainTruth thanks. I have been trying to look for current info. Do you mind sharing the exact problem with Purnell? What did they promise that they did not deliver? Did they even teach? What exactly is the problem with the learning consultant…I am only interested in reading/writing and class participation, will they be able to address it?
They don’t teach skills, was promised study skills, executive functioning skills, building self esteem. Everything is haphazard, inconsistent and creates anxiety. On that note, exclusionary behavior, mean girls stuff, racism runs rampant there and seems tolerated. There is a girl there in a higher grade w depression and anxiety and she seemed happy in the first semester and is now completely broken down. It’s sad,the girls ignore and reject her, the teachers have no patience and understanding (remember young and inexperienced) and she gets sent home a lot to recover because the staff doesn’t deal with that. Also, parental suggestions/involvement is not appreciated.
I have a colleague whose daughter had issues similar to what the OP describes; she attended Marvelwood School in Kent, CT. She had a very positive experience, did well there, and went on to be quite successful in college. She and her mother both sing Marvelwood’s praises every chance they get!