PARENT and VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS

Video Testimonials

Michelle Naccarato MMM 2009	Gabriel MMM 2009

Barbara Adcock MMM 2008	Robin MMM 2008

Amy Bradley MMM 2007	Matt MMM 2007

Written Testimonials

"I'm just sitting here thinking about Andy. He's living on his own. He's in his 4th semester at HCC. He's in his 2nd week on his new job. Pretty awesome. Thank you for this gift and God bless you!"
--Donna (mother of Andy, Monarch graduate)

"The Monarch School is worth moving 3000 miles, across borders and across cultures! I noticed it when I did a search of the internet over 2 years ago, just after Jacob's diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. I never thought that I would even get to see the school, let alone have Jake attend it. The staff and students have gone out of their way to help some northern strangers and for that we are deeply grateful. My faith has been increased and I KNOW that miracles happen. (The provision of our tuition assistance is a case in point!) Bob and I have already seen the light in Jacob's eyes begin to sparkle again. He is excited about learning and more importantly about being understood for whom God created him to be. For all this and more, we are grateful to Dr. Webb and to Dr. Neal and to his teachers and the support staff."
- - Jen

"Every week we see more and more improvement in Austin. At home we see him thinking more about his feelings when upset. He is able to show more patience with his sister Haley. His teachers, Mr. Barone and Ms. Hope, have a special way with all of these children. I have told many people we think of them as saints to help steer these children in the right direction."
- - Marge and Bernie

"He's so much calmer and happier at home... the difference is so remarkable I can only call it a 'profound change'".
- - Mother of an 11 year-old student

"Monarch means hope in difficult situations. It means a second chance for students and families. Monarch does not perform miracles - it encourages and supports you to create your own."
- - Parents of a former student, now mainstreamed into high school

"[My son] has developed such a great sense of community."
- - Mother of an 8 year-old student

"Monarch has made a profound difference not just in [our daughter] but in our whole extended family. It has given our whole family a sense of peace."
- - Mother of an 14 year-old student

"I have for so long dreamed of a place for [my son] where he could grow and become the wonderful person that he is... my dream has come true."
- - Mother of an 17 year-old student

"When my son first came to Monarch, he was so defensive, he wouldn't even get out of the car. Now, he hates to miss a day of school!"
- - Mother of an 11 year-old student

"Monarch stays flexible, creative, and thinks outside the box in providing an intentional learning environment that builds real life skills by using academics. The faculty believes in the best potential of each student."
- - Apprentice Program parent

"Monarch tries to adjust the academic subjects to fit where each student is, advances them, and then stretches the student where it should occur. The faculty helps students to solve problems and to handle themselves with respect to others."
- - Parent of a Challenger student

"Monarch helps the children with relationships and taking ownership of self. At Monarch, people are valued as unique, special gifts from God. The faculty unabashedly shares this value with everyone around."
- - Mother of a Challenger campus student

"Monarch treats each student with respect--something most of them have not experienced in other school settings. Also, students are encouraged to take ownership of all aspects of their lives, which is extremely important in our situation. We also appreciate the fact that the teachers are able to offer individual academic assistance and encouragement. Monarch also does a great job of offering safter hours social opportunities for the students."
- - Challenger mother

"Monarch celebrates the unique gifts of each child. Our child is much happier and feels part of the group. She feels safe and is being challenged to take ownership of her own education. She does her own work. She is learning how to build relationships. She feels better about herself and her ability to succeed. We feel like Monarch has been a very positive environment and we are glad she is there."
- - Mother of a Challenger campus student

"Students understand what they are learning and how it relates to their everyday lives. The parent roundtables are excellent. Parents and faculty work in partnership."
- - Mother of a Challenger campus student

"Our teachers are wonderful people! (Who else would do a camping trip with our kids!)" - - "Founding parent" of Monarch

"Monarch's strength is dealing with the children individuallly, paying attention to problems that interfere with their success, and giving them opportunities to succeed. The support for student learning is superb!"
- - Monarch Dad

"Excellent contact with parents via e-mail, etc."
- - Monarch Challenger parent

"Monarch has wonderful, caring and nurturing teachers who have a very positive attitude toward the students!"
- - Monarch Mom

"Monarch creates a learning environment where our kids feel "safe" so they can learn and grow both socially and academically. It shows the kids how to fit into a community and how to care about those in the community. The school equips our children with strategies to successfully navigate interactions with the good people in this world."
- - Mother of the first student enrolled at Monarch in 1997

"Monarch tolerates the individual eccentricities each student brings with them to school and allows and respects each student as they are--not how society wishes a student to fit a certain mold."
- - mother of a middle school Challenger

"All of the students I have encountered at Monarch have had trouble with relationships. They have all been challenged to improve their individual skills. Good job, Monarch!"