Ryan was just 5 years old when he started at Westbridge Academy. He attended kindergarten in his local public school for about two months, but got suspended several times. After five months of home instruction, the child study team suggested an out–of-district placement for Ryan.
“Westbridge was one of the first schools I visited. I was so impressed with how kind everyone was and how they managed children with similar challenges. I knew we found our perfect fit,” recalled Jessica Jackson, Ryan’s mother.
Ryan was diagnosed at age 4 with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and severe behavioral issues. He struggled with behavior and social aspects of school and everyday life. He had trouble controlling his anger and impulsivity.
Jessica recalls how Westbridge stepped in right away; they assisted in managing his outbursts, creating a quiet, safe environment, and providing support services. “They helped him understand why he acted the way he did and what he could do to prevent his emotions from getting out of control again,” she said.
Throughout his time at Westbridge, Jessica was in constant contact with Ryan’s teachers and counselors. “We were all on the same page, alerting each other to changes in Ryan’s behaviors, pointing out what was working, and what we could improve upon. This gave Ryan a strong basis to ultimately reach his goal of getting his behavior under control for the most part,” she said.
After five years at Westbridge, Ryan transitioned to public school. Today, he is in 7th grade, on the honor roll with grades in the mid to high 90’s, and loves math and science. He has excelled academically and continues to create appropriate and long-lasting friendships.
“We just had his final IEP meeting and he is cleared for regular education,” added Jessica.
Ryan learned a lot at Westbridge, but Jessica believes one of the most important things he learned was how to have confidence in himself. “He learned that he wasn’t expected to be perfect, and that he had a lot of people ready to help him. He was given opportunities through play therapy in his private counseling sessions, and the small classroom settings to build up his self-esteem and learned how to ask for help when needed. Teachers in his classes now have expressed to me how impressive it is that a child is able to communicate as clearly and effectively as Ryan when he’s starting to struggle,” she said.
“His new teachers have expressed to me how impressive it is that a child is able to communicate as clearly and effectively as Ryan when he’s starting to struggle.”
Ryan is not the only one who benefited from the approach at Westbridge.
“Westbridge helped give me confidence as a mother,” said Jessica. “When Ryan had all the difficulties in public school, I was lost and felt like a failure. When we found Westbridge, I found a safe haven. I was given immense support and knowledge throughout the years. I was talked to like a friend. I was allowed to cry, vent, and ask the same questions a million times. I learned to work as a team with the staff at Westbridge. That saying: ‘It takes a village’, it’s sure true, however, Westbridge became so much more to me. They became my extended family, and because they loved Ryan and never gave up on him when he needed help the most, I will forever be thankful.”
