Chrysalis School
Kristi: Our family loves Chrysalis! We have 7 kids, two of them are students at Chrysalis, one for the past 4 years. We've done public, private and homeschooling so are experienced with many different types of educational systems. I wish I could afford to send all my children to this school, mainly because an education at Chrysalis means my child will get to grow into the child he or she was meant to be. At Chrysalis, there are no predetermined expectations about what your child needs to do by when. Our son's program is designed around his interests and goals. Both sons happen to be college bound and we've been very happy in their progress academically toward that goal as well as socially. Chrysalis is a small school where everyone knows everyone else, where students, administrators and teachers are all like family and people treat each other with respect. There is no bullying, no rampant drug problem because those types of behaviors have no place in the positive environment there. My kids love to go to school - I've never heard one complaint about going. In fact, they both can't imagine going anywhere else. The program IS different and that takes some getting used to but in a good way. They don't have to go to school all day every day but from what I see, they learn much, much more that is relevant to them and that they will remember and use than they would going through a traditional school where they learn and regurgitate information for tests. Last year my seventh grader built a computer from components - did all the research and gained so much practical knowledge I was really astounded. The program has really developed both my son's abilities to learn on their own and has given one son a complete turnaround from previous poor school placements that eroded his self esteem. Thank you Chrysalis!!
Submitted
by a Parent
on Apr 16, 2012
Chrysalis School
Amy J.: This will be our daughters third year at Chrysalis and we couldn't be happier with her personal growth, academic success, and the warm and wonderful school staff & teachers. She has come so far emotionally and academically. It was a big step for us to leave our public school system and take the monetery plunge into a private school but are so glad we did! The flexible class schedule allows us to persue family interests and her personal interests outside of school. She is flourishing! Not only is her self-esteem building, but she feels "smart" again (her words) and supported. She LOVES her teachers! We love the diverse community of students at Chrysalis. A safe, happy, encouraging school community.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Apr 12, 2012
Chrysalis School
Melody McGinnis: This is my boys' first year at Chrysalis School, and my husband and I are truly amazed at the transformation we've seen in both our sons. Not only are they excelling academically, but their moods have changed for the better as well. For the first time ever, they are excited to attend school each day. Our sons love all their teachers, and they love the curriculum that is designed around their personal interests and academic needs. Finally, I love the fact that I no longer have to nag my boys to get ready for school each morning. Nor do I have to nag them to do their homework each evening. They actually just do it on their own. Wow! Thank you so very much, Chrysalis School! :-)
Submitted
by a Parent
on Mar 23, 2012
Chrysalis School
Gretchen: My son has been going to Chrysalis since middle of his fall semester of 7th grade. He is now about to finish his sophomore year. His learning needs can most easily be described as encompassing both the "top and bottom of the bell curve", with not much of the 68% in between. Sadly, early in 7th grade, he was asked to leave another private school, because they felt like he wasn't a "good fit." I'll refrain from bashing them completely, because I have another child who attends that school, and who has gotten a fantastic education. Different schools suit different needs, personality types, and learning styles.
The leadership and faculty at Chrysalis subscribes to the belief that "They would if they could. If they can't, there's a reason." These people gave my son the structure and comfort he needed as he grieved the loss of the other school. He felt like such a failure, and the staff at Chrysalis eased him back into being a student, with dignity and incredible patience. Equally as important, they never gave up on me. Like the reviewer before me, I, too, cried when one of the teachers stopped me and told me how amazing my son was. After years of hearing about what my son wasn't doing quite right, I was suddenly hearing what he WAS doing well. They love my son. They.love.my.son.
Chrysalis looks different than a lot of other schools, in terms of homework quantity and just their overall philosophy. I've had to take more than one deep breath, and relax--realizing that there is more than one right way to get to graduation and post high school goals. My son continues to face challenges here and there, but we are both met with a gracious attitude of: "Let's try this. If it doesn't work, we can change. We have lots of instructors which teach X, and I'm sure we can find a fit for your son". He is thriving, and getting great grades.
Oops, I guess I wasn't brief. Oh, well. Yes, Chrysalis is expensive for us. But 1:1 and few:1 education cannot be beat in my eyes. My son feels smart again, and his confidence is growing. That growth is more than worth our financial sacrifice.
The only comment I consistently get about Chrysalis from my son is, "I wish you had found Chrysalis right after I was born. It's too bad I had to wait until 7th grade."
Submitted
by a Parent
on Mar 22, 2012
Chrysalis School
Lodie Grubb: Chrysalis has been the perfect fit for my son. I moved my son from public school to Montessori school in the 4th grade because he was not getting what he needed in the public school system. He sat in the middle with the system: no learning disability and no exceptional gifted abilities. An average boy. Popular with his friends, athletic and not interested in sitting in class for hours on end.
Much of his day was spent with his teacher shaming him for being “off task” and not focusing. He lost his confidence and disliked going to school.
Montessori worked for a few years, but then became very rigorous academically in the 7th grade. The same thing began to happen again. I could see his confidence being affected. This beautiful child is an average student, but an exceptional human being. He deserved more. He deserved to be in an atmosphere that rewards him for who he is and encourages his interests.
For 8th grade, I found Chrysalis! It has been a game changer!
Chrysalis customizes education to each student.
My son hated homework…he gets it all done at school before he leaves. My son hated the repetition of Math problems. He works one-on-one with a Math teacher to learn individually. Time is not wasted on things he already knows. They can concentrate on his personal learning needs.
My son is happy and confident. There are about twenty 8th graders and he has many friends. He looks forward to going to school each day and is learning like never before. He looks forward to staying at Chrysalis through High School and is already talking about what colleges he would like to go to.
Lastly, I must share and experience: His English teacher stopped me one day when I ran into school to drop something off. In the past, this would have incited dread in me. She said, ”I just want to tell you how wonderful your son is.” I cried. I have never been told that by a teacher. He is a wonderful boy. Thank you, Chrysalis!
Submitted
by a Parent
on Mar 21, 2012
