A Mother’s Testimony

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The Transformation of My Daughter at Educated Academy Elementary (EAE)

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This letter is a testament to the success of my 8-year-old daughter, who attends Educated Academy Elementary (EAE).

My daughter used to attend public school for kindergarten. While attending, she faced tremendous challenges academically, socially, and emotionally.

As a child identifying as a person of color, she experienced systemic racism and discrimination from her peers, teachers, and within the education system.

At the time, as a single mother, I felt forced into having my daughter over-diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Dyslexia, and Tourette Syndrome, to name a few. She was placed on medication by a pediatric psychiatrist in order to receive the necessary supports within the school. Even then, she was still unable to get what she needed.

Despite my reservations, I succumbed to the pressure because I was made to believe that my daughter’s future was bleak and that she would fall behind in her education.

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A Turning Point

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I met Maxine, EAE’s principal, through her tutoring program and eventually enrolled my daughter in the school.

Within just a couple of months of her first year at EAE:

• Her grades drastically improved

• Her social skills strengthened

• Her mental health improved significantly

Since starting at EAE in Senior Kindergarten and now attending Grade 3, she has been off her medication, and little to none of the previously diagnosed symptoms have resurfaced.

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A Safe and Supportive Community

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I am deeply grateful that I found EAE.

As a Black family, there was fear about the treatment my daughter would have continued to receive in the public school system. EAE is not only culturally safe, but it truly meets students where they are and supports each child to the best of their ability.

EAE has become a community for students who have been failed by the traditional system.

As long as I can afford it, all of my children will continue to attend EAE until they are ready for high school.

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Thank You

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Once again, thank you to Maxine and the EAE teachers for all that you do for me and my family.

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Sincerely

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Onzhane Walker.