"Our daughter attended public schools from kindergarten through the fourth grade. It was not a good experience. As early as first grade she was having problems with her reading skills. Each time we had discussions with her teachers, we were told there was a concern but it was under control. She was attending resource classes but we did not see much improvement. When she was in 3rd grade, we moved her to a different campus, still within the public school system, because we felt she was not getting what she needed. Her new teacher was appalled that she was so far below grade level but that she had passed to the next grade. After discussing the severity of her learning gap, we sent her for additional tutoring. For 1 1/2 years through the 4th grade, she spent two hours a week going to an academic learning center that stressed phonics. We knew she was ADD and her assessment showed slight dyslexia. Although we could see some improvement, the thought of her entering a junior high in one more year was extremely worrisome. She could still barely read and there was no way she would be able to keep up with her grade level, much less produce reports and projects. Her attitude through all of this was outstanding. She desperately wanted to learn and tried extremely hard to please. She kept up her tutoring and her other work with a positive attitude. She wanted to prove herself at all times. Although her attitude was great, this was very stressful for her. Her confidence was very low because she knew she wasn't "getting it” and the other kids in her class made fun of her. No matter how much we told her it wasn't her fault there was still that worry on her mind that she was the problem. At the end of her 4th grade I began looking for other alternatives. I talked to several schools and finally found Southwest Academy. I am so thrilled that the school moved to Allen, I feel like it was fate because I don't think there are any other schools in the area that could meet her needs. Southwest Academy interviewed and tested her and found that she did, in fact, have more of a learning disability than the schools and the learning center had determined. The personnel at Southwest Academy are very helpful and have made her feel right at home. The school has a family atmosphere where everyone is accepted. Kindness towards others is stressed at all times. The children are taught to accept each others differences and that every person has a different gift to share. Overall, it is a loving environment that is kind and nurturing. As a result, we have seen her confidence grow tenfold. She has told me that she doesn't feel dumb anymore. I think this says a lot for the school and its teachers. Academically we are pleased as well. Her reading and math skills have greatly improved and she is working much closer to grade level, this with less than a year at the school. Southwest Academy's mufti sensory integrated phonics and writing program has helped her tremendously. The school also looks for new and different ways to learn other than the standard "read material, take a test.” That approach simply does not work for a child with dyslexia and ADD. Southwest does a very good job in addressing the special needs of children with learning disabilities and this philosophy has her blooming into a confident, well rounded young lady.”

- SWA Parent

"During his early school years, he was considered slow-to-learn. We were told he would catch up and everything would be all right. By second grade, we were told he just did not try hard enough. Little did we know that he could not read the words on his paper. He stared and stared hoping something would come to him. He sat quietly in class for the next two years. He felt if he did nothing to cause attention to himself maybe he would not have to read. He became so quiet, no one knew he was there in fact, he did not believe he was worth being there. He felt he had become worthless. When this sweet, shy and defeated little boy finally received some help (after 4 years of fighting), it was too late. He was reading at a 1st grade level and was in 5th grade. He had so much catching up to do it was impossible to stay up with his class. He was rotated around all day in the pub!ic school system. Academically he was fighting to cover four years of work in one hour sessions a day. Socially, he was out of touch. He never had the opportunity to develop friendships; he was moved from group to group too often. Emotionally we saw a bright, funny, curious child replaced over the years with a sad, depressed little boy with no self-esteem. He found a school that believed in him and has the resources and trained staff to give him back his chance in life. He does not start his school day vomiting because he is so nervous anymore. He actually starts his school day the night before. He gathers his backpack, makes sure his work is complete so he will not be late in the morning. He wakes up eager and excited about the day. He ends his school day everyday with a smile and always has a great story to tell. You see, he has found a place where he fits in. He has found a place where his ideas are valued, his questions answered, and his mind challenged. He has become a confident student who participates in all activities - sports, student council, choir, and community service. He has bloomed in this caring environment and is well on his way to making up for all the time he wasted sifting in the back of a classroom trying to become invisible!"

- SWA Parent