Our youngest child was having a very difficult time with his math times tables in the 4th-5th grade. Just couldn’t wrap his mind around the process. We had him tested & learned that he has some learning challenges that the school he was in didn’t have the capacity to handle. We found Summit & nothing has been the same since. He will be a college senior this coming Fall. He has maintained better than a 3.5 gpa for 3 years & was a student assistant to one of his professors last semester. Math went from his most disliked subject to his favorite. He builds his own computers. This kid went from being tossed on the academic refuse pile & believing he wasn’t smart enough to learn to loving school & devouring anything related to math. Dr. McCarthy has somehow figured out a way to help struggling students discover their abilities to learn, excel & thrive academically, socially & personally. Mrs. Consugar, the math teacher, is a savant with getting youngsters to enjoy learning math. The staff is not only extremely capable, but compassionate, empathetic & caring about each student. Positive support is available at every turn. No child is left on their own to struggle. I call us part of the Summit Family because even though our son has just about finished his first college degree, we still have a warm spot in our hearts for Summit School.
Submitted by student on September 17, 2021
Great school, very god teaching strategy and leadership
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2018
I have waited several months to write this review. At first I believed Summit could make a real difference for my child. I was however disheartened once we reached the middle school years. While they keep class sizes small and attempt to individualize instruction the school falls short of the mark. The elementary years are very good in teaching children with learning differences the basics, but beyond that when a child needs to be challenged and their horizons broadened Summit is not up to the task. They do not know how to challenge kids who are very bright with learning differences. They aren't able to keep up with the student - there is a lesson plan that everyone must follow. And if your child is placed in one group and progresses past his peers there is no changing groups or moving on. These kids need to be challenged in their areas of strength and there is none of that at Summit. Furthermore for a school this size one would think communication with parents would be constant and forthcoming. Teachers and administrators are slow to respond and not quick to inform parents when their student is falling behind or needs help in a certain area. Their answer to struggles is most often "sign up for our summer camps!" My child should not need summer instruction to catch up in a school this size. That should be accomplished during the school year. The number of teacher hours per student so allow for this. I understand the need for some summer instruction for kids with learning differences to prevent loss of progress but they should not be using that time as the "catch up." Their heart is in the right place but they fall short of moving kids with challenges forward beyond early elementary. I am sorry to say that my child's progress in middle school was slow to non-existent and math skills are woefully behind where they should be. I have seen more progress since starting public school this year than in the last two at Summit.
Submitted by other on November 20, 2013
This National Blue Ribbon School, has an overall 4:1 student teacher ratio with 99.5% graduating from high school, and 85% graduating from college. It is a school for bright children with learning differences. The needs of the whole child are met in every hour of their day. Well -rounded programs from STEM infused programs in science and technology to performing arts and sports are offered . Students from other states and countries have attended. The Executive Director , Dr Mele-McCarthy, is on boards of national professional organizations and is a frequent presenter of papers and workshops. This ensures Summit's access to research in the area of reading, executive functioning, oral language and education policy. This cutting edge approach, combined with numerous national professional awards, makes Summit's 25 years of excellence most admirable.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2013
How do you define excellence in education? The Summit School. From the head of the school to the teachers and staff, we found a family. The Summit School is a school committed to finding the potential in every child. If your son or daughter is struggling in school, or refuses to even go to school, give Summit a call. We did. They forever made a difference in our child's life.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2013
Summit School has changed our daughter's life for the better. She was struggling in school and feeling poorly about herself until Summit turned it all around for her. With their specialized teaching methods, they have been able to help her unlock her potential. The teachers are incredibly dedicated and the atmosphere of the school is very supportive of all the students. It is a first-rate experience.