-I'm writing this detailed review because when we were exploring options, we longed for an honest account of how a school could truly change a child's life. -Sending our beloved son to boarding school for students with learning differences was the hardest decision we have ever made. Choosing Maplebrook School was, without question, one of the best. -Maplebrook has helped our son become the very best version of himself--academically capable, socially connected, independent, and genuinely confident. We are profoundly grateful for the dedicated staff who believe in him and support him every single day. -From the moment he arrived, we knew this was more than a school. It is a community that understands how each student learns, grows, and thrives. -Academically, the small class sizes and individualized instruction have made all the difference. Teachers meet him exactly where he is, challenge him thoughtfully, and celebrate every success along the way. For the first time, he feels proud of his accomplishments. His confidence in the classroom has soared, and he now sees himself as capable. -Independence has flourished through boarding life. The structured yet nurturing residential environment has strengthened his executive functioning and communication skills. He manages his time, stays organized, advocates for himself, and takes responsibility for his daily routines. Watching him grow into a self-assured, capable young man has been incredibly rewarding. Just as important, the residential staff are deeply integrated into the school community--they are mentors and educators, not simply supervisors. -Socially, our once-lonely son has found his people. He has built meaningful friendships with peers who understand and support one another. His relationships have deepened his empathy, strengthened his communication skills, and brought more joy into his life than we ever imagined possible. -Athletics have been another transformative part of his experience. At his previous school, team sports were not accessible to him. At Maplebrook, he has embraced the opportunity to compete and belong. Participating in team sports has improved his physical health while fostering teamwork, discipline, resilience, and leadership. Being part of a team has given him a sense of pride and belonging that carries into every area of his life. -Choosing Maplebrook was an act of faith during a difficult time. Today, we see a young man who feels capable, connected, and confident about his future--and that is a gift beyond measure. read more

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I was in Maplebrook roughly from ages 16 to 20 that would've been 2018-2022 (4 & a half years). In my high school years while Mrs.Konkolics was head of school it started off rough, I was shy and bullied without any help or friends to "fit in" with. Not to mention I was never taught; sex ed, relationship navigation, health or anything an average high schooler should learn before college in their teen years. This set me back years later after I left Although it started out rough once I got comfortable I made a lot of friends and started to speak more with great memories. However there were many times that made me very depressed and even threated by the head of school to be sent to a mental hospital. These examples are; "R.I.S.E Program" made me feel less than other students as if other students could easily achieve things because they were favored and I wasn't lack of screen time lost my friends from back home & not only increased more stress by taking away my coping mechanisms but also home sickness because there was barely any time to call my family. My mentor and I never really got on a bonding level the staff I would bond with either got fired or quit with no easy transitioning period. When I graduated and went into the "Institute" where Mrs. Scully ran the first part of my "college experience" went well. However mid way into the year "college" started feeling like a high school and a drama soap opera. What was supposed to feel like college felt more like high school, I felt more at home with DCC than I did with MBS. Not to mention the chemicals they put in the water to "help purify it" made me feel sick to my stomach MBS is very good at social faking and drawing you in for your money but once you do your research or enrol you start to realize "maybe this school is too unhealthy for my young adult" I wish I had pulled a student aside and personally asked them "what do you REALLY think of this school" before I went there I been keeping an eye out on my old school because of my fond memories and have noticed they have hidden their past because they are ashamed of it, if you look on their social media and you scroll down more it'll prove my point. Most of my school year photos they have taken down (I have put a photo below to show this point) Not to mention the locals can tell you more information, they have been traveling for internationals because the locals are smart enough not to torcher their students. I have not been back in a while, however i used to keep in contact with some of the students currently there. I have heard "I get abused", "It's more like a military school" & "It is more strict than when you used to go here, your years sound made up" I hope my Alumni review can help when making future decisions, read more

Maplebrook School - This was my house mates and I when high school was still fun - Special Education Near Me - Amenia, New York

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maplebrook taught one thing how to cry The only good thing about this school was I met my best friend there. In my time there 2016 to 2019 we had a teacher jump on the dean of students the police come multiple times and I witnessed kid having intercorse on the stairs and thats just 3 examples I have way more But hey at least I have a high school diploma Though my therapy bill is out of this world. read more

There is no time to relax in this school. They over work you with activities and they don't teach you anything useful

I like the school staff and they are very friendly. I like all of the teachers. I like my shadow

This is our son, Max's, 2nd year at Maplebrook and he's in 10th grade. Max's social, life and executive functioning skills have improved tremendously since attending Maplebrook. He is more mature, confident, responsible, independent and socially appropriate. He also seems to understand and actively practices perspective taking when it comes to conversations and relationships. Once Max understood it, the RISE (Responsibility Increases Self Esteem) behavior program truly resonated with him, and he was very motivated to earn points and move up levels. The staff helps us to carry over "RISE at Home" goals when Max is home for school breaks. Their support has been invaluable in maintaining Max's progress and preventing regression. Max loves the small classes, interesting electives, amazing recreational activities and living in a dorm with friends. He always tells us, "I'm never bored at school. There is always someone to hang out with and something to do." The dorm staff works closely with the students to learn life skills and dorm chores. They and Max's staff Mentor are truly partners in parenting for us and we speak/strategize with them regularly. The fact that most of the staff lives in apartments within the dorms helps them truly get to know and understand each student. We intend for Max to stay through Maplebrook's 18-21 program, because we have seen how it prepares students for independent living (adulting that even our neurotypical son would benefit from!) and vocational success. read more

We removed our child from Maplebrook In January 2021 due to the incompetence of the Head of School, Jennifer Scully. It is very sad as we were huge proponents of the school when our son began attending two years ago. She has absolutely no academic qualifications to direct a school that is supposed to educate kids with learning disabilities, nor does she have the social skills that would be expected of any education professional. She has complete disdain for the kids and the staff. In fact, my son was assaulted by an older student one evening, and I was told by two staff members that the incident was logged and would be addressed by school management. I placed two calls that next morning and early afternoon - no reply. When I sent her an e-mail saying that I had called the Amenia police and they were meeting me at the school that evening so I could file a report, I received an immediate call from her saying "I've been at my desk all day, are you sure you called the right number? Oh, I was unaware that there was an incident? No one told me. Do we really need to get the police involved?" Absolutely pathetic; bad enough she could or would not handle the situation, she then had to lie. To call her mean-spirited is an understatement. She frequently humiliated children and staff. After one incident where she humiliated my son in front of his classmates, I called her and demanded she apologize to him. She said she would. When my son later asked her why she hadn't apologized to him, she said "Your father was misinformed." What kind of adult would castigate a child with severe anxiety in front of his peers, and then not have the humility and decency to admit she was wrong? During her "leadership" over the past two years, many staff members resigned and I know of at least six families that removed their children over Christmas break 2019. Six kids in a small school leaving at once? Not a good sign. Many of the staff are decent people who are underpaid and overworked. However, the board of directors is not interested in them, parental complaints, or putting someone in charge who cares about the kids and helping them succeed. Very sad. read more

Disagree strongly with the 1st reviewer! My son attended this school for 5yrs and went on to complete a 4yr college degree. Without this school, I am sure he will not have achieved that. Maplebrook changed his life. There are lots of extracurricular activities including sports, he made lots of friends, the academics were structured around the student's academic level and he was challenged quite a bit and took college courses in their collegiate program. He passed the NY Regent test for High school students and his IQ is not in the narrow range as claimed by the 1st reviewer. Best investment I have ever made! read more

Disagree with previous review! I love this school ! Best thing that ever happened to our family !

My son attended the institute for college and career studies at Maplebrook. The program is a post-high school experience, combining classes and internships. In my son's case, he also had the opportunity to attend community college. My son attended both public and private schools through grade 12, but never received the personalized attention that was given him at Maplebrook. He left Maplebrook with college credits, a career certification and study and independent living skills. It was a great opportunity for him to live away from home well before he otherwise would have. In addition to gaining skills, he (and we) learned to have the confidence in those skills that are serving him well as he continues his education. Most students do not attend college, although many take on-line certificate courses. Everyone gains work experience with internships in the community tailored to their skills and interests. An example of the school's ability to help students pursue their interests: my son wanted to take a psychology course which wasn't available to him at the local college. They arranged for an on-line course from a reputable college. As well as extensive tutoring in study skills. This is a great school for kids that have learning challenges and need that extra help in academics and beyond. read more

Our daughter was accepted at the school after the required documentation which outlined in detail her profile and areas of need were submitted and she was interviewed. She was shamed and blamed for her inability to "perform to expectation". The educators at the school don't use modern educational strategies to support their students and help them to develop the learning and life skills necessary to achieve. The approach is to blame the student. The staff yell a lot at the students. Our daughter left traumatized by her experience. Ms Scully is rigid and defensive. The Board of Trustees never responded to our concerns about our experience. The measure of a good school is how they address the needs of their students who struggle. At Maplebrook they don't. read more

Not a good place. Virtually no supervision, few after school activities, work is extremely unchallenging, and the staff are overworked. The headmaster will NOT accept anyone with an IQ over 75-90 and will say no before they meet your child in person if they function outside that small range. read more

This is our daughter's 3rd year at The Institute and we're so pleased with her maturity, independence, and overall growth. We looked at many schools before choosing The Institute. This school seemed more dedicated to the end result of independence and job skills after graduation. read more

School is way too structured and will not teach kids the real meaning of the real world when it comes to being social around other people and applying for future jobs. The head of school is completely unprofessional and abusive towards students mentally. Many teachers and staff members have left and gone to other better places because of her horrific behavior towards people including parents and staff. Send your kids to another institution of education if you are worried about you loved ones being emotionally abused, and treated horribly. The head of school never takes responsibility for her actions and always resorts to taking out her problems on the staff as well as the students. Parents beware, save your money and send your loved ones to another institution where the staff will care about your loved ones and actually teach them the right values and skills in order to be successful in life! read more

Maplebrook School is the opposite of what it promises. It is not by any means a school for special needs. It is a school, "run," by a headmistress, who chastises, belittles and ridicules children and staff. The overturn for both staff and students is off the charts. Rules are made and changed on a whim. Work is not modified to accommodate needs, and if your child has anxiety, there is no worse place you could go. This school induced anxiety, and left our son with emotional scars, which will never leave. The Board does not listen to parent suggestions/complaints, executive functioning skills are taught on a computer. The dorms are not run well, with theft and discipline issues, some quite severe with several students. It is unfortunate that there are staff members who are/were outstanding, many left, and the feel for staff burnout is palpable. Please don't send your child here-it would be the worst decision you could make for your child. Forever, I will regret sending our son here. read more