A Place ofBelonging
Adam's Story
Looking back, sending Adam to Summit has been one the of best decisions we have made.
Adam started in a JCPS kindergarten in a traditional setting, and it quickly became clear he was not a “traditional” kid. He transferred to a different public school after a few weeks. We eventually got an Individual Education Plan for him. Unfortunately, we found he still got lost in the shuffle. A noisy classroom with thirty other kids was just too much sensory overload for him.
As middle school approached, he was significantly behind academically, especially in math, and he did not have many social connections with the other kids. We knew something needed to change. We looked at several different options, but when we picked him up after his shadow day, he told us “I have decided I am going to Summit.” He immediately felt comfortable and ready to learn.
We have watched Adam go from being an overwhelmed kid staring out of the window during class to an attentive participant in class. He has been able to grow academically in a smaller, more individualized environment. He even won an award for scoring above grade level in math. I never thought he would be taking algebra and geometry in high school. Adam even told me how much he enjoyed the challenge. I truly believe Summit Academy meets every student where they are and helps them realize their full potential.
In addition to the academic success, Adam has made lasting friendships with his classmates. I love seeing the students embrace their differences and how much they support each other and root for each other every day. The connections we also have made with other parents has been an unexpected benefit of choosing Summit. I met other people that understood the unique challenges of having a child with learning difference and they have become some of my closest friends.
Prior to Summit, we have gone from constant stress and fighting for resources to seeing Adam excited to go to school every day. This year, he is doing his senior internship and his teachers have been so supportive in helping him plan for his next steps after graduation. I continue to support Summit Academy because their mission means so much to me. I appreciate your support because I want other kids to have the opportunity to thrive in the supportive environment Adam has experienced. It has really meant the world to our family.
