Amazing campus, although it would be better if they had a flagpole out front of the school and…read moreflags in each classroom and a flag in the gym to make it feel more like a school and comfortable

In 1994, I attended The Ivy Street School when it had only three students: Mary, Melissa, and…read moremyself. My experience there was deeply troubling and traumatic. The environment was unstable, and the students were treated as if they didn't matter. The treatment I received was beyond what any young person should have to endure. Things became so unbearable that I ran away, terrified of what was happening to me at the school. After leaving, I found myself homeless. Thankfully, I met kind people who helped me get back on my feet. Through my own determination, I earned my GED and went on to attend college. Looking back, it's clear to me that the school was more interested in the funding they received than in truly helping students. In fact, they kept several thousand dollars that rightfully belonged to me. When I recently called them to request my records for a legal matter, they refused to provide them, something I find very suspicious, especially since schools are required to maintain records. It raises the question of what they might be trying to hide. I also recall that one of the staff members lived permanently at the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and was using the school's programs, and its students, for personal gain. To any parents considering this school for their children: please think twice. My experience was damaging, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. There are better, safer, and more supportive environments out there. This was not one of them.

I can not say enough good thing about the commonwealth learning center and about my child's tutor…read moreAmy. my child was struggling with reading was diagnosed with dyslexia and was becoming so discouraged with his school. since Working with Amy his reading has improved tremendously and his confidence. Amy works so well with my child always keeps me up to date with everything they are working on and my child is comfortable working with her. We are so so happy with this learning center .

My daughter and I met with Alex, the director, for an initial consult. Alex was well-prepared,…read morehaving read, highlighted, and annotated the test results I sent to her ahead of time. She also was prepared with a set of questions based on that material. Alex is caring, thoughtful, and even during the initial meeting demonstrated deep knowledge and experience. We are so happy to have found them.

MDS is a highly stressful place to work. There is a lack of communication between management and…read moreemployees. There is no consistent schedule. I feel bad for the students who go here. There is a poor workplace culture. There is a lot of gossip. You can't trust your supervisors.

Honest review from a graduating High school senior:…read more This school isn't bad, but has a LOT of issues. Staff turnover has been seriously high ever since the pandemic. I believe the school is really prioritizing the managing of student social behavior and classes around those at the cost of really hiring effective teachers in sufficient roles to focus the students on academics and transitioning into the real world. As someone who is graduating senior year in a week, I find that a major fault of the school. It wasn't until recently where I realized I have forgotten a majority of basic Algebra 2 and did not learn enough of High school topics due to the lack of academic enforcement and general management by the higher-ups and admins. The diversity ratio is also disastrously low, and there is barely any diversity in the school, and they also would rather keep problematic, distracting students in the same classroom with high-attentive neurotypical students due to the school not knowing how to manage a situation that is their job to manage, and I believe it's very unprofessional. There were positives though, the staff are super friendly to get along with, they really become your friends in the school if you don't like the students, I also feel overtime I was given a good amount of emotional support to manage my anxiety, but when I got through that hurdle, I began to severely struggle academically, even though I had good grades in my classes. Overall, this school that has a lot of potential, but has gradually been going downward in the last few years since the pandemic, and if the turnover continues with the lack of heart & soul it used to have a few years ago, I fear this school will progressively get worse.

I did not have a good experience in this program. It was like pulling teeth to try and meet with…read morethe nurse practitioner, in fact I was only seen once in the 9 months that I attended. Also my clinician called DCF and they told her that there was no reason for them to get involved and open a case. I then had a relapse - after unsuccessfully trying to get in touch with the NP which the clinician had suggested as she felt that I was depressed. After I relapsed, I just needed a break and I told them so. Well they went ahead and called DCF again. I went to this program willingly because I wanted and needed the help for my problem with alcohol and instead I felt like I just was getting kicked when I was already down. I just don't understand why they are so adamant about getting DCF involved. I have a wonderful relationship with my child and anyone who knows me know that. I have been sober since my relapse as I found better help elsewhere.

Fantastic facility Highly recommend for any friend or…read morefamily member in need of support and direction

10/10 for employees, 10/10 for the kiddos. A genuinely kind, supportive and caring school. Work…read moredoesn't feel like work, and the fact that close to half the employees there have been there for over 20 years speaks volumes. Send your kids here, and work here if you want to be in a truly warm and positive environment.

My brother went to this school from age 6 to 21 and got a world-class education. There is no better…read moreschool in the world for blind students, and if you know anyone who has gone to Perkins, you know what I mean. The staff is all amazing and completely passionate about their jobs, the grounds are GORGOUS, basically a castle with it's own city inside. If you are blind and live in a town where school is not available for special needs, your town is responsible for paying the tuition of any school that you are sent to. This includes the $100k a year tuition of Perkins, so DO IT. That is how my brother was able to go to such an exquisite school. You'd think they'd have built a program for the blind with the 1,500,000 they spent sending him to live and dorm in Watertown at Perkins, but good for us that they didn't. They taught him to swim (even with cerebral palsy), cook, read, sing and play instruments, grow plants, and make all kinds of one of a kind artwork, and just in general be the best he can be while growing his confidence. I can't thank them enough for their wonderful staff and the deep fondness and love that my brother has for his days at Perkins.