What Families Say About Porter Academy
Where Are They Now: Alumni Stories
Commissioned as an Army Officer
“My son attended Porter Academy from 2010–2012. I want to let you know he graduated from the University of North Georgia today. But that is not all — on Thursday, he commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. And he is marrying his high/college sweetheart this year! I credit Porter Academy for making this possible. Without the skills and confidence he gained during his formative middle school years, his life most certainly would not have been the same.”
From Struggling Reader to 10th-Grade Reading Level
“My son had been in public school for 4 years and still did not read beyond a pre-K level. When he left The Porter School, he had progressed to the 10th grade in reading and 4th grade in math. You will try one method after the other to reach your students instead of re-teaching the same method. It is wonderful to know that children with learning challenges can and do learn with the right teaching models.”
R.’s Story — From Her Parents, and From R. Herself
R.’s parents, on her early years:
“For years we had noticed that R. had difficulty with certain skills that posed no problem for other children her age, but she was bright, and none of her teachers felt there was a problem… A chance phone call introduced us to the Porter School. With great trepidation, we brought her for her first day. At the end of the day she told us she liked it. After the first week she told us she loved it. Over time, we believe we understand what has happened: for the first time in her life, she is accepted for exactly who she is. She is making great progress in reading and math. Most importantly, she is excited about learning and feels great pride in her accomplishments.”
Years later, R. — then 17 — wrote to the school herself:
“After I left Porter School, I spent three years at Chrysalis… I graduated 8th in my class of about 500 and started going to Georgia Tech at 15. It’s pretty weird being an actual adult, with my own house, work every day, and rent to pay. I doubt I’d be here without you and the Porter School, so I wanted to say thank you. Even when I was a weird messed up little kid, you believed I could be someone.”
Finding the Right Fit: Family Journeys
M.’s Story
“We were at a loss for what to do with our amazing, bright, sensory-struggling son for first grade… The owner of our OT practice told us about a school she’d heard about that was owned by an OT — Porter Academy. At Porter, M. started the day getting some of his sensory needs met, improved his social and language skills playing games with his new friends, and enjoyed art, music, PE, and OT, all while continuing to advance academically in small, targeted groups. Through the years, it’s been simply amazing to watch M. grow and thrive there… People are usually shocked when they find out we drove M. 45 minutes to school for 5 years. I told his new principal I’d do it again. 100%. It was worth it.”
L.’s Story
“As L. approached Kindergarten, her issues were obvious and becoming more extreme… During required testing for L. to attend a small private kindergarten, an occupational therapist discovered that L. has Sensory Integration Disorder. We had never even heard of this. We found Porter, that was highly recommended.
Since attending Porter, L. has become much more confident, has more self control, fewer meltdowns, is processing much better, and is learning. We can’t thank you enough for giving her an education, coping skills, and direction.”
Her teachers’ observations between August and March of that first year: turned onto learning and retaining information; grade level in reading and math; accepting consequences more maturely; handwriting and fine motor skills improved significantly; and increasingly aware of her own sensory needs, able to ask for the right tools to help herself regulate.
R.’s Story
“At an early age, it was apparent that our son R. was having difficulties in group settings… When R. was four, he was evaluated by a psychiatrist specializing in child development; the information we learned changed R.’s life completely. We learned that, instead of being a problem child, R. is a child with problems: he suffers from motor dyspraxia and a Sensory Integration Disorder.
Today, R. is a bright and happy first grader at The Porter School. He is at the top of his class in all academic areas, and he thrives in group activities… Early intervention by knowledgeable and caring individuals at the Porter School helped R. overcome his difficulties and achieve his full potential.”
In Parents’ Own Words
“What I love about Porter Academy is that there are high academic expectations along with a loving and supportive environment.”
“The quality of the academic program is excellent and the quality of the teachers is exceptional. Porter has integrated the extras — music, art, sports — into their curriculum. Many families have moved from different states to attend this school. That is how special it is.”
“We chose Porter after a referral from a parent. All three of our daughters were attending a Catholic school that was not able to accommodate our youngest’s new diagnosis of dyslexia. We are very impressed with the personal attention and detail to each child. They test at the beginning and end of the year. They discovered that my youngest has a strong visual tendency after trying six different reading programs with her — she is working in three now, all matched to her needs.”
“When we came in August, my son could not recognize his numbers past six, nor count past six. By January of that same school year, he was reading primary books, and could add, subtract, and had a working knowledge of fractions.”
“My daughter joined the school in 1st grade as a scared, puzzled, timid, and lost child. She just finished 3rd grade, and her self-esteem has made a 180-degree change. She now searches for adventure and is willing to try new things.”
“Porter Academy has given my son his self-esteem back. Every person that works there actually cares about the children. My son wants to go to school now.”
“You really prepared my son for a great year at middle school. He made all A’s and one B, played JV soccer, and is a member of the chess club.”
“I just wanted to sincerely thank you all for the kindness, respect, and support you have shown my son during his time at Porter. It truly means so much to know he has been surrounded by educators and leaders who genuinely care.”
“You have provided an environment for our daughter to flourish. As caring educators, you have given her the attention and safety she has always needed in an academic setting. She has remained excited to attend school every day.”
“We moved to Atlanta and toured schools across the city looking for the right fit for our sensory-sensitive son. As soon as I set foot inside Porter, I was greeted with warmth and openness by intelligent, compassionate educators. Within minutes of meeting our son, they immediately saw the child we see. His anxiety gave way to curiosity and enthusiasm.”
In Our Students’ Own Words
“The kids here are nicer than at my old school, the teachers help me in classes more, and people understand me here.” — Middle School Student
“A year ago I didn’t like writing. Now I know I have wonderful ideas and I know how to write them down.”
“I felt left out in my other school. I felt like everyone was smarter than I was. My teacher helped me understand how I could become a better reader.”
“This is the one school that understands kids with learning disabilities.” — Upper School Student
“I like Porter. We do fun projects. I made lots of friends. They understand when my body moves too fast.” — Lower School Student
“I’m making new friends. Porter is more fun than my last school. I’m learning more stuff, and I love school!” — Lower School Student
“I’ve gotten better at doing my homework and getting it in on time. Porter has helped me with math and reading.” — Upper School Student
“I like Porter Academy because people like to be around me now.” — Upper School Student
“I love this school. I want to stay here.” — Prospective Lower School Student
