Stories of Resilience: Testimonials From our Community
Within the heartfelt accounts shared here, you'll witness the remarkable growth, unwavering resilience, and inspiring achievements of our students, who face complex challenges. For many families, we represent not just a school, but a lifeline—a beacon of hope when options seem scarce and futures uncertain.
These testimonials are a profound testament to the dedication of our staff, the unwavering support of our families, and the remarkable resilience demonstrated by our students in the face of adversity. Our community understands the unique complexities of each individual, and together, we forge ahead, determined to make a difference in every life we touch.
“They have a gated and secure facility. The communication from Shrub Oak is superb! We’re just really thankful.”
“Every time I visit my children, I see improvements. . . A lot of the things they have been doing are firsts for them; first time they’ve been able to do things with others, with their peers, which is an amazing thing as a parent.”
“It’s not just a school, it’s a family. . . Everyone is highly invested in your child, and their progress, and their safety.”
“We were very fortunate to find Shrub Oak.”
“The staff has been great. . .Everyone has been loving, kind. . . They didn’t give up.”
Thank you, Shrub Oak International School, for all the guidance and instruction you gave our son during the three years he attended your day program. He benefited greatly from the professionalism, experience, kindness and concern of his teachers, aides, therapists and extended staff. He improved in behavior and independence while attending SOIS and enjoyed your beautiful campus and its many amenities.
We wish you best of luck and continued success.
March 3, 2020 (on the verge of the pandemic) our daughter (K) was enrolled in a residential program in Utah because of her repeated elopements which started when she turned 14. This was the most difficult period of our lives because we did not understand what was happening to our daughter and we were in the midst of the pandemic and could not get to her easily. November 2020, not wanting to be at her program any longer, K eloped once again. We brought her home to Queens, New York and began the search for another residential program. We knew we wanted a quality and secure program, which with certified special education teachers and therapists, that could meet her academic needs and that was a reasonable drive from our home.
We are very grateful to SOIS for accepting K during the pandemic when most NYC schools were closed and conducting virtual programs. K started SOIS in July 2021 and attended in person classes and made friendships during the most challenging period of our lives. SOIS has provided K with a well-rounded program that has allows her to progress academically; allows her to participate in art, music, live performances; and also, participate in on-campus and off campus internships (pet care on campus, Pet Smart off campus, matching her love of animals to a potential future job).
During the past 3 years, SOIS has given K an opportunity to grow and learn in a secure environment. We work very closely with SOIS staff, teachers, therapists, nutritionist, the kitchen and medical staff to ensure all K’s needs are met. While K’s journey at SOIS has had some challenges, we have appreciated the staff’s ability to work with K and our family to ensure continued improvement. We look forward to K’s journey at SOIS.
