Orchard Friends School

405 Linden Avenue

Riverton, NJ 08077

3 Reviews

School District
Grade

1-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 25, 2024

This school is worse than the public schools when it comes to knowing what our neurodivergent children need - especially when it comes to the respect and understanding their disabilities deserve! The school is lead by a principal who, because they are so understaffed, also acts as the disciplinarian, the guidance counselor, the curriculum coordinator and the person who answers to no one. Although there is a so-called Board of Directors, I found out upon reaching out to them re serious allegations of neglect and misconduct on the part of the principal and staff that they don’t get involved and instead told me they give full power to the Principal! Also, because this is a private school which allegedly does not receive State or Federal funding, you cannot seek help from them either. Basically you are left with no recourse if your child’s needs/accomodations are not being met. Despite bringing an outside therapist to the table on multiple occasions to discuss why my child was too afraid to Come to school and completely dysregulated after school, they refused to listen or change a thing - instead we were met with complete discern and blame on my child and on me. Every single time we tried to fight for my disabled child’s success at this school, we were told he/she”s perception of feeling unsafe was misplaced and that I was enabling he/she by believing them. Anyone who is trained in trauma, as this school alleges to be, knows that our children’s perception is what matters and they need certain principles to be met in order to be successful - mainly safety, trust, connection and collorboration - this school has no clue how to offer any of that to our children who already live w brains that are highly anxious and reactive to feelings of shame, rejection and fear always at the forefront. The Principal at this school will do anything to protect herself and her school - even to the point of making false accusations about the child and their parents. Also, despite their online claims of meeting children where they are at and working hard to create a very individualized curriculum for each child based on their needs, they are the complete opposite, forcing children to stay in classes they are not successful in while denying them access to classes that would better fit their needs! No one should send their child to this school if they truly care about their child’s well-being!
Submitted by principal on May 26, 2012

This is a wonderful school! I am very proud of the faculty, staff and program! OFS utilizes multi sensory, research based programs such as Lindamood Bell, Orton-Gillingham reading, SOAR study skills integrated into our curriculum. Assisted Technology ( laptops, speech to text software, graphic organizer) are used on a daily basis. The student to teacher ratio averages 4:1, pragmatics, speech and OT and a safe, nurturing learning environment. Check out our website at www.orchardfriends.com, Like us on Facebook!
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2012

Wonderful staff, safe setting, allowed my son to grow and learn. He was surrounded by professional teachers who cared about him. If the Principal says he will do it, you can be sure he will keep his word. He accommodated my sons needs.
Submitted by teacher on May 24, 2012

I have worked in education for over twenty years and this is the most well rounded school and staff I have ever worked with. The environment is safe, happy and nurturing. What is in the best interest of the child is always at the forefront of the school