RLA is an incredible school for the right child.
Our son attended RLA for 2.5 years and graduated this year with an "A" average and received a scholarship to his chosen university. Prior to arriving in RLA, he felt completely detached from school. He was content with going through the motions of completing his work but was indifferent to the final product and marks received. He was a very good kid. He neither had a learning disability nor behavioural issues but he was unmotivated, bored, disengaged and distracted by social media and gaming. Something had to change so, midway through grade 10, we decided to send him to RLA.
Fast forward to today and he is a completely different person. He was a boy that returned as a young man. Every time we would see him over breaks, I would always say, "You've grown!" but it wasn't necessarily in height. It was because his experiences in RLA provided him the confidence to stand taller with his shoulders back and head up high. He was earning his promotions in rank, his marks continued to improve, he was achieving his personal objectives and was being recognized for the fine athlete that he was. In addition, he felt like he belonged to a brotherhood.
If you are thinking of sending your son to RLA, full disclosure: IT WON'T BE EASY! Your son will feel like he's been ripped from his comfort zone and thrust into another galaxy. First of all, it's a "device free" campus. The only time boys are on a computer is to do schoolwork. That alone is huge! Secondly, their entire day is programmed so they study hard, eat well, play sports, exercise, interact with each other and get plenty of sleep. Rinse and repeat. Accommodations are modest. They will have a job, if not several (mine enjoyed laundry and working in the kitchen). Every minute of their every day will be supervised. Teachers are strict and will not tolerate disrespectful behaviour. Poor conduct will be reprimanded and if any boy puts themselves or anyone else in harms way, they will be expelled. Boys will behave as gentlemen.
We spent well over $100K educating our son in RLA and we would do it again in a heartbeat. It was worth every single penny and my son will tell you that it was the best thing that has happened to him. As parents, we look at it as font-loading our investment in our child's future. "Surviving RLA" is a badge of honour for the students who make it through and our son is confident that because of his experience in RLA, he is now equipped with the tools and skills he needs to tackle university and beyond. The world, as they say, is his oyster. read more