I attended this school over a decade ago. While not everything was negative, several experiences…read moreleft a lasting psychological impact--especially around how certain students were treated.
Every part of this review reflects my own personal experiences and perspective as a former student. I share these observations in good faith and hope they offer helpful insight for others.
Some teachers were kind and supportive, and I'm grateful for them. But others showed clear favoritism, often treating neurodivergent students, students of color, and those from less affluent families with less patience, care, or respect. I saw students singled out, shamed, or ignored when they needed help. That includes a teacher in the art department, Ms. M**ks (last names) who, despite appearing nice to some, often appeared to treat students who displayed neurodivergence in a harsh and dismissive way. One classmate with ADHD, for example, was frequently criticized for traits beyond their control. I will add that it appears that there is currently a new teacher in her place, and I cannot find this particular teacher on the school website, which is honestly a relief.
I watched as she corrected, belittled, or singled out a few (even a few is too many) students who were neurodivergent or just different in how they expressed themselves. One student in particular, who had clear ADHD traits and a real passion for art, was constantly criticized for things like messiness, distraction, or "doing it wrong." It felt like she used that student's neurodivergent traits as targets, rather than offering understanding or support. The dynamic was painful to witness and left a lasting impression on me.
There was also a time I was accidentally injured during a class activity involving a particular art material. I wasn't helped or offered first aid--just told it was my fault by that same teacher. That scar stayed on my body for years.
There were also incidents involving body shaming in gym class and situations on school trips that felt physically unsafe. Students with invisible needs or without formal diagnoses were often overlooked.
While the school talked about values like inclusion and activism, they weren't always reflected in how staff treated students. I hope things have improved since I attended, because all children deserve a safe and supportive learning environment.
