“Before Village Academies, my son Dominic* went to another school. Back then, he was struggling a lot with math and basic writing skills. He had problems with behavior, as well. I could see it at home.
He wasn’t able to concentrate on lessons. Overall, I think there was a problem with communication and I couldn’t understand why the feedback was always negative. It was never, ‘Dominic did really well on his test today.’ They only talked to me when there was a problem.
At Village Academy, his teachers give feedback when things are going well and when there are problems - but before they become big problems. They communicate with me as far as what options we have for how to correct things. I like that. We make a plan to work together. I never feel like it's the teachers against my son; it’s not one-sided.
This year, things just clicked for my son. His behavior has improved tremendously. His grades are really good now! I see a vast improvement. At first, like a lot of other parents, I didn’t understand the demerit system. Why did he get a demerit for this? And why for that? But as we went along, I could see the reasoning. It prepares him for the unwritten rules in life. It has only made him a better student.
Once things fall into place and you see the big picture, that’s when you see the pay off. The state test scores, the good grades, his improved behavior—Village Academy really does work.”
*Name changed to protect student privacy
