Testimonials

“This school is my family. The school pushed me and never let me be anything other than successful. I’d like to give a special thank you to every staff person who watched me struggle but never hesitated to get me back where I needed to be. The REAL School changed my life.”

Madeline Wilson, Class of 2015

“At the Real School, every day is a new day. The Real School provides hope to districts that their students will make progress after everything else has been tried, unsuccessfully.  They provide hope to parents that their children will earn a high school diploma. Most importantly, they provide hope to students as they arrive every day with a clean slate after having made mistakes. The van drivers, teachers, social workers and administrators at the Real School all teach students to acknowledge their behaviors and to learn about the harm their behaviors cause to themselves and others. Then they teach students how to change their behaviors. This is hope in action.  The Real School is simply the best at what they do. The Real School does what ever it takes to keep students involved with their sending district and works diligently to support students to transition back to their community schools.                                                                 

Jodi McGuire, Student Support Director, Yarmouth School Department

The REAL School has had an incredibly positive impact on many students that I have worked with over the years; students transitioning to a high school program, students transitioning from schools that were closed, and students that needed a supportive, alternative learning environment. REAL School provides a safe, therapeutic environment that supports students with their academics while teaching them how to work through difficult life situations “in the moment.” The REAL School has helped transform students with low self-esteem and an uncertainty of who they are to proud, self-aware, independent young adults. This program has continued to impress me time and time again. 

Nicole Poole, Assistant SPED director, MSAD 57

You have no idea how refreshing it is to hear about his progress…you have all done something that all others have failed to do…Thanks for your efforts.  I have always believed that anyone can educate a “normally adjusted” kid…It takes someone special to reach the tough ones…                             

Parent of a Middle School Student in a text to a teacher

The REAL School saved my child from losing hope. Every single person at REAL understands kids. They have helped me and my family see a future for my child.   I seriously don’t think my kid would be in school today if it wasn’t for the dedicated work of the all the folks there.   My son smiles and always has stories about school….this is way different than his previous school where tears and anger followed everyday. 

Parent of an 11th Grader and a 2014 Graduate