Category: Testimonial

  • A Parent’s Journey: Finding Partnership and Hope at The Royce School

    “Being a parent today has never been more challenging, and as a solo dad, I knew raising a child on my own would have its obstacles. But the last thing I expected was to struggle to find a school that would truly partner with me in my child’s education.

    Before Royce, we were searching.

    Over the years, we attended five different schools. I employed a full-time tutor six days a week. We participated in social-skills workshops and countless extracurricular activities – all in an effort to help my child build connections and succeed academically. Despite all of this, my child would come home emotionally overwhelmed. Bullying, teacher bias, lack of resources, oversized classes, and schools unwilling to collaborate made every day a struggle. Education had become an insurmountable barrier instead of a bridge to his future.

    Then we found The Royce School – and everything changed.

    We were moving to Savannah from Brooklyn a month into the school year, and finding the right school felt urgent and overwhelming. Most local private schools required in-person tours and interviews – logistically impossible during a long-distance move. But Laci at Royce took a different approach. She took the time to get to know my child and me through virtual meetings, staying in touch throughout our transition.

    When we arrived in Savannah, my child shadowed for a few days. For the first time in years, he came home smiling, excited, and willing to step outside his comfort zone. We enrolled on the third shadow day, and I knew we had finally found our place.

    After Royce, my child thrives.

    My son now enjoys school. He leaves each day with confidence, smiling and eager to share what he’s learned. The growth I’ve witnessed over the past three years has been nothing short of remarkable. As we enter our third year at Royce in 2025, our goal is clear: we want to stay through graduation.

    But Royce isn’t just a school; it’s a true partnership.

    What sets Royce apart is their genuine commitment to listening to parents and continuously improving. They understand that growth isn’t just for students; it’s for everyone. Over the past three years, I’ve watched Royce transform alongside its families, always striving to do better. I believe in this school so deeply that I volunteered to help launch the Royce Parent Association because I wanted to give back to a community that gave my son his future.

    My advice to searching families:

    If you’re looking for a school that truly individualizes education and partners with parents, take a closer look at The Royce School. It’s a hidden gem that many people don’t realize exists, but once you find it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

    We are all on a journey. At Royce, we found ours.”

    Jason Warner
    Parent of 8th Grader, Class of 2030

  • A Student’s Story

    Before I came to The Royce School, I felt picked on every single day at my old schools and when I came home I felt sad. When I came to Royce, I thought it would be the same cycle of being picked on, but when came to Royce, no one made of me.

    What Royce means to me is how I can express how I learn and think and that I can use those learning and thinking skills to teach myself and others.

    Daudi, 8th Grade

  • From Traditional School to The Royce School: A Smooth Transition with Royce

    “For nearly ten years, our family has benefited from the services offered through Royce Learning Center and Chatham Academy – tutoring, summer programs, and full-time enrollment. 

    This year, our son, a 9th grader on the autism spectrum, recently began high school at Chatham Academy after spending PK–8th grade in the same school. We were nervous about the change, but the school’s flexibility with accommodations, strong partnership with families, and acceptance of his strengths and needs made the transition very smooth.

    He is receiving a solid academic curriculum, but also with explicit instruction in life skills, social development, and social-emotional learning. We are grateful for this supportive environment as he continues to learn and grow.”

    Erin and Domenick Roma
    Parents of 9th Grader

  • Chatham Academy became our village – nurturing, supportive, and dedicated to every child’s growth.

    “My two sons began middle school at The Royce School (formerly Chatham Academy) after a year of on line school (due to COVID).  Both had their own individual needs, and virtual learning was not beneficial to them. The Royce School (formerly Chatham Academy) leadership and staff made the transition easy and worked according to their individual needs. 

    As a parent, I loved how the teachers made sure they understood concepts and did not skip to something new until they were ready.  They focused on building self-esteem. The classes are small, which seemed to help my kids learn better, less distractions. The teachers are very hands on as well as the Principal and Head of the school.

    Because of the strong presence from Ms. Culbreth and Ms. Pelli, any issues were addressed head on and quickly.  The environment is like a small community, nurturing and safe. 

    They say it takes a village and for four years, The Royce School (formerly Chatham Academy) was my village. I will add, I still lean on Ms. Culbreth for support.  Also, if you can, send your kids to Disney with Coach – best experience EVER!

    Christie
    Parent of student who transitioned back to a traditional school