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Safety & Success
Testimonials
Parents whose sons have attended Stone Mountain School report that their boys get along better in the home, perform better in school, and have a more positive outlook on life.
I can not tell you the impact Jeremy made on all of us during his recent visit home. He was polite, well mannered, calm, attentive, thoughtful, respectful, observant, sociable, considerate, tidy, understanding when we had to rush through things, up early and ready to go each day, pleasant, trustworthy, never argumentative, caring and helpful to others. In all honesty, we did not have any difficulties with Jeremy. I want to share with you the growth and maturity in which Jeremy showed us this weekend. I would like to take a moment to thank you for your continued support to Jeremy and our family. Each person at SMS is making a difference in not only Jeremy's life but in our family life. We have enjoyed each visit with Jeremy more and more. We are feeling like a family that is whole again and the healing that has taken place this last year has been amazing. Thank you! ~Denise
What set Stone Mountain apart from any environment we had seen beforehand was your willingness to deal with almost any issue presented by Brian firmly and compassionately...he was pushed to break self-imposed barriers in a safe and caring environment while continuing to receive a grade level education. ~SMS Parent
Before I came to Stone Mountain I was a very angry, self-absorbed and misdirected teen. I had recently been expelled from my school as a seventh grader. I had been given so many chances and I just kept taking and taking them. Through this I developed an attitude of selfishness and invulnerability. I was also under the impression that my parents would and could bail me out of anything. While at SMS, I started a new vision of what I wanted and became one of the main leaders in our group. ~Austin
The environment by its very nature demands students' focus and attention.
When I first came here, I had family problems, school problems, and social problems. Now I feel that all those are resolved. As for school, I don't feel shy to ask questions in front of the class and I actually look forward to school most of the time, where public school was like a chore. ~Reid
My old school was real big and I got distracted easily and I was too busy doing other things. If I had a question, it would normally not be answered. Here at SMS teachers have the time to sit and discuss what you don't get. ~Cameron
Another good thing is the class size. We have eight students; in other schools most classes have 35 or less and no teacher can help that many people in a day. Stone Mountain School has the right teacher for the right job. ~Baxter
Students earn academic credit in all content areas and courses are transferable to other private and public schools.
The year our son turned fifteen, our relationship seemed out of control. He was defiant and rebellious, refusing to follow family rules. Although he is bright and enjoys learning, his active, impulsive style had often made school a challenge. As a teenager, however, he'd stopped trying altogether and was frequently cutting classes and unaccounted for. During his initial months at SMS, our son was able to gradually improve his behavior as he advanced through the stages. We felt that the natural surroundings, without electronic distractions, did him a lot of good. Academically, the small classes and individualized instruction really helped rebuild his confidence and skills. He also benefited from individual counseling with a professional therapist. It seemed that the time away from each other had helped us all appreciate each other more. ~Former SMS Parents
You guys have been truly awesome and by all appearances, you have saved Jake for himself and for his family. As you know, you very much saved a father/son relationship. ~SMS Dad
My son, Jeffrey, has dyslexia. By mid 11th grade, even though he was at a great school, it was apparent that he had no interest in getting an education and his behavior was horrible. He was verbally abusive and engaging in destructive behavior. We were then directed to Stone Mountain. Long story short, Stone Mountain was our cure. Jeffrey entered at the age of 17 with the idea that he would get himself out of there as soon as he possibly could. Mind you, this didn't motivate him to fly through the stages; he had many relapses. But something happened about halfway through his year there: the incredibly dedicated counselors got through. Jeff began thinking on his own and for the first time, he began to consider consequences. At one time I doubted that Jeff would ever get out of high school. And now he's at college! It's been scary for him and he's facing self doubt, but it's all on his terms and he's made all the decisions. What I know to be the absolute truth in our lives is this: Jeffrey (and his family) wouldn't be where we are without Stone Mountain. ~Former SMS Mother
Graham was accepted to St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland!!! This is a huge accomplishment for him and he is thrilled. My most sincere thanks for all your help with Graham when he was at SMS. We are all very appreciative and thankful there are people like you to help these kids who have so much potential. Graham is very aware of all that SMS did for him and in his words "it really worked for me." ~Former SMS Parent
Dave and I just wanted to update you and all the wonderful staff at Stone Mountain School on Alex's progress since graduating from the program this summer. He was home for 3 weeks before going to his new school. We thought that he might waiver a bit after leaving your program and fall back into his old routine of having to be told many times to do his chores around the house, be respectful of his parents and brothers, etc. Never at any time did we have to remind him of what he knew he was supposed to be doing. Instead of sitting in front of the computer and playing games, he chose to read books. This is a child who always hated to read. He thoroughly enjoys "just chillin" and says he doesn't miss computer games or TV. He was without those "luxuries" so long at SMS that when he got them back he realized he really didn't miss them after all. Mind you, the TV is there and the computer is still in his room but HE has chosen to do what became habit.
The stage system at SMS is invaluable and has become a way of life around our house for his brothers as well. He has been at his new school for almost 3 weeks and the reports are glowing. His teachers have said he is very focused and an extremely hard worker. His Biology teacher has just switched him to the Honors class and has full confidence that he will do well. Alex's teachers at SMS had a huge impact on helping him develop tools to re-focus when he found himself daydreaming in class. It seems to be paying off so far. Remember, this is a child who had been on stimulant medication for ADHD for 10 years and was taken off all medication just prior to enrollment at SMS. His house parents at his new school just emailed us last night that Alex is always the first one up in the morning and ready for school. He is living in a cottage on campus with 3 boys per room. His bed is always made and his living space is immaculate. They said he takes pride in cooking breakfast for everyone on Saturday mornings. This is something that he learned from SMS and retained the tools to carry over in all walks of life no matter where he goes. They also report that his organizational skills are outstanding. Thank you for that as well. He just received his golf schedule and will have his first tournament in 2 weeks in Georgia. His coach says Alex is mentally and physically ready to take on that kind of competition. We have no doubt that he is ready. We've never seen him more confident. ~Former SMS Parent
As a prospective parent, it's so much deeper and so painful at times you just want to run away and wish it wasn't happening. But it is and you have to do something. We have spent so much money on this kid (and we are not wealthy people) it's overwhelming but when I think about the alternative I know there was no other option. What I know to be the absolute truth in our lives is this: Jeffrey (and his family) wouldn't be where we are without Stone Mountain.
I wanted to let you know about Tom's first quarter at Athens Drive High School. Athen's is on block scheduling, which means he only takes four classes per semester. Each semester is the equivalent of one year's worth of classes. Tom made four B's (two of the grades did slip from A's at interim time) on his first report card. Two of the classes are "honors"classes (recommended for college bound kids) so his GPA is currently a 3.5. Three of the teachers indicated that Tom's class room behavior is average or above average.