The Learning Clinic

Po Box 324

Brooklyn, CT 06234

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

5-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 01, 2020

My child was bullied at this school and no one told me! My child almost died!
Submitted by parent on December 30, 2018

DCF substantiated physical neglect by the educational administrator Linda Baade towards my child. She was arrested for Risk of Injury to a minor and 2nd degree child endangerment
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2018

Very sad experience that cannot be changed.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2018

This staff at this school have been able to get a crisis situation under control with my child.
Submitted by other on September 27, 2017

Deplorable. Minus 0. ETA unnecessary extra words for character count.
Submitted by teacher on September 02, 2017

Teachers are great and work hard. Management does not always see them as part of a team, resulting in feelings of overwork and discontent. Staff often go above and beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of the program and students, but are seldom recognized by the administration for their efforts. The school is run as a business; saving money can and does sometimes supersede meeting the needs of students and staff. The program is highly individualized, but recent staff reductions have resulted in program inefficiencies. During the 2016-2017 school year, there was no secondary school social studies teacher and the youngest elementary students went the whole year with an extremely dedicated instructional assistant as their teacher; no certified special education teachers were hired to replace the two that left a week prior to the start of school.
Submitted by other on July 11, 2017

This school provided a relatively safe environment in which I could learn how to get along with others, but that's pretty much all they had to offer. The textbooks are over three decades old, and the school has a nice arts building and a pool, but no library or cafeteria. I spent over 4 years there, and they made no effort to improve their academics or their policies. Moreover, they appear to be downsizing, and given the decreasing number of students and staff, I suspect (and hope) that the school is about to shut down.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2017

Both my son and daughter thrived at this wonderful school!
Submitted by other on February 04, 2017

Simply Awful. Misandry at its finest. Not as advertised. Would not recommend sending any child there. They'll come out worse.
Submitted by other on September 08, 2015

I completely endorse the notion that their are rules everywhere however at the learning clinic there are too many rules and a vast majority of them are arbitrary such as unnecessarily stringent dating policies. rumor spreading runs rampant as there are approximately 75 students staff morale is poor and the ridiculous, disgustingly inappropriate behavior exhibited by the students which directly attributes to a staff turnover rate that is the highest its been at TLC since the schools establishment in 1980
Submitted by other on September 05, 2015

Not recommended. The rules of this school are ridiculous. I know every place has rules, but do you really want your 18-21 child to still be treated like the younger students rules such as no electronics and no "mature" movies, extra supervision, etc? I have seen staff restrain students here too. One of the older girls was crying a lot because she was 21 and still being treated like she was 10. The academic program was pretty good but residentially and clinically it needed some vast improvements.
Submitted by teacher on July 21, 2015

The Learning Clinic is a very unique school for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and learning disabilities that require small class sizes and individualized clinical services. Our school is not for every student and admissions are highly selective. For those students who are determined to thrive in a highly structured environment, that need help with fundamental social skills, the program does wonders.Regarding the question of restraints and administrative data collection, including video and audio, both occur, but not for disciplinary purposes. Restraints take place during instances when a student is in the process of, or is about to self-harm. All staff are certified in Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) protocols and follow all state regulations. With respect to data collection, this is performed to track a student's progress, identify behaviors to address, and track effects of medication changes. I was unnerved to find cameras in every classroom when I started at the school, but believe in them as a tool more school systems should utilize. When trying to help with student behaviors video and audio can be reviewed to identify lead-up events and develop techniques for teachers and students to address altercations. From a staff point of view, some of the criticisms regarding communication and facilities are legitimate. It is a small school, many teachers perform roles that in public schools are often handled by dedicated staffers. With the facilities, again, a small school with limited resources. Buildings built for one purpose are repurposed for another leaving a less than desirable layout. Criticism of teachers, on the other hand, is less founded. Working with students with Autism is a tall order for any teacher. Faculty here work for less compensation and more hours than public school teachers. Some get frustrated with students (as any parent of an autistic child can attest to) but being strict with rules is part of the program. If a student does not perform well with the level of structure they will have conflicts with teachers and staff. This is a good school that specializes in individualized education plans. Some students can go on to college but many cannot. What the school does right is help students cope with their impulses so they can function more normally in society.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2014

terrible sdchool students are treated like prisoners and slaves and if they dont want to do something they will be restrained
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2014

TLC has been a miracle for our son and our family as a whole. He entered the program just after 7th grade, about a year ago. After years of traumatic and unsuccessful school experiences--at both public and private day schools--our son is FINALLY thriving. At one point he thought he would not live to the age of 12. Now he is talking about college, work, etc. Now he has a future. Is the program structured? Absolutely! but the rules (and consequences for breaking them) are not arbitrary. Through the structure and point system he is learning how to live productively and independently, learn successfully, take new risks, and grow in every way. Apart from some communication issues (our only complaint) this school has been life-changing for our son--and the rest of our family. STRONGLY recommended!!!
Submitted by other on July 02, 2014

unfortunately, over the past year this school has immensly struggled, and is going to a really bad place. i mean yes they boast a farm/equestrian program that cannot be rivaled and yes they have individulised work curriculim however, there are a lot of arbitrary rules and some of the staff seem to take advantage of the students via the point system and the" flow" chart while TLC is definately not as bad as lets say a place like chamberlain but, it is certatianly nothing spectacular
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2014

My son had a very difficult time in public school and this is his first year at TLC. He has had a wonderful experience and actually likes school for the first time. He loves his teacher and therapist and they both have been so wonderful with communicating with my husband and I. My son is extremely structure dependent, so for him the rules at TLC are just what he needs. I agree with another parent who said that in life there are many rules that we all need to adhere to. I have found that TLC has been very receptive to my son advocating for himself and at TLC he has found his voice and feels that he is no longer invisible. We continue to be thrilled with the gains our son has made during his first year at TLC.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2014

I am a parent of a current TLC student. My child has been at the school for 3 years now and is thriving in the program. There was a time that I wasn't sure if we would ever see a high school graduation and now I know that not only will my child graduate but go on to college. I have seen many reviews about there being to many rules. Such is life. There are rules and laws everywhere and these children need the structure and guidance that TLC provides. What child is going to say "oh I love all these rules" ? Of course they don't like rules. They don't like the rules at home either. I recently read a review that claimed that students do not have a voice and are restrained for not agreeing with the rules. I am actually appalled by this statement. In 3 years, I have NEVER seen a child restrained and if they do disagree with a rule or decision they are encouraged to advocate for themselves not act like a brat that didn't get their own way. TLC is preparing different types of children to become mature, responsible members of our society. I actually think the children at TLC are more polite and courteous than most public school children!!!!
Submitted by teacher on May 21, 2014

TLC Inc. has a strong program that has been successful with so many students. I have seen students go on to be productive members of society. The students look like they enjoy their classroom studies and recreational activities. Shy, less social students come out of their shells in the caring and supportive environment created by the dedicated staff who really do have the students best interest at heart. Every school has it's own issues but at The Learning Clinic, continuous improvement is what we work towards every day. I would have no problem with sending my child to this school.
Submitted by other on April 25, 2014

I would not recommend this school. Contrary to what people may believe, it is really designed for youth with behavioral or emotional problems beyond Asperger's/PDD/LD's. The students were not very social or friendly to prospective students. It is very strict there are a lot of unnecessary rules, even for the oldest or most advanced students. They don't get s voice in anything and they get physically restrained for disagreeing with the rules. I only went for a tour and visit and I could tell it was not a good place. The girl leading the tour sounded rehearsed as she had no emotion in her voice. Pretty much all they talk to me about was their endless list of rules.
Submitted by other on October 05, 2012

Simply Awful. Misandry at its finest. Not as advertised. Would not recommend sending any child there. They'll come out worse.