The New Interdisciplinary School

I am deeply disturbed by this school’s handling of my son’s Pre-K experience. Before enrollment, my son was already reading, writing, adding, subtracting, performing basic division, and recognizing the alphabet and numbers 1–100. I provided a detailed portfolio documenting his advanced abilities. Despite this, the school made no attempt to differentiate instruction and instead forced him to sit through repetitive, remedial exercises intended for non-readers and students with a more general PreK/4-5 year old cognitive level. The most egregious issue was the school’s refusal to call my son by his actual name. I had to resort to sending my child in a T-Shirt with his name written across it. To be clear, my son's name is of Germanic origin, English is a Germanic language. Therefore, there are zero issues with pronouncing nor spelling his name in America, where English is the only official language. I clearly stated—on enrollment paperwork and again in multiple emails before school began—the name he goes by and the nickname he does not use and strongly dislikes. Staff knowingly and repeatedly used the wrong name. This was not an oversight; it was a deliberate and discriminatory disregard for a child’s identity. My son, who is very articulate, corrected them each time, resulting in endless emails to me about his “behavior” rather than staff addressing their own actions. The emotional impact was severe enough that it has led him to never want to step foot in a classroom nor building where Mrs. Sarah or Mrs. Laurie teach. Despite this specific classroom (Mrs Sarah and Mrs Laurie) being sold to me as a great place for boys and learning, it was the complete opposite for my son. It was a true nightmare. After having successfully homeschooled him from 0-4 years old, I wholeheartedly regret enrolling him in the Pre-K system at Longwood School District. Even after months of back-and-forth regarding his name, the school misspelled his name on his diploma and the graduation ceremony program. The disrespect continued to the very end. Compounding this, the facility lacked adequate space for movement or play. During any “inclement weather,” children were confined to the same classroom all day with no alternative for physical activity—an unacceptable environment for 4-5-year-olds (Charles E. Walters Building). This school failed academically, developmentally, and ethically. Advanced capabilities were ignored, a child’s identity was repeatedly disrespected, and basic developmental needs were neglected. I strongly warn parents with advanced or highly articulate children—to look elsewhere.

I am an alumni of this school, class of 1982. My teachers were Ms. Chris and Ms. Beverly, two of the best people in the world. They know how to interact with kids, especially ones with special needs. The whole staff was amazing from that era. And hearing the staff is still amazing makes me happy. I have nothing but fond memories of this school. To this day, I still have my class photo. It sits on my computer desk at my place. 😃 😊 😀

NIS has steered our child in the right direction from the start. We are so thankful that our second child just started at NIS and our other is now in kindergarten conquering the world! Mrs. Jill deserves a huge raise for what she is handed and able to accomplish. We are so thankful both our sons have/had her!

The staff is like family to us. Great technology in the classrooms, special events, excellent teachers, friendly staff. We will miss it SO much when my daughter goes to Kindergarten! Highly recommended!

The most amazing and compassionate people work here. Every interaction i have had with NIS has been positive. My Son absolutely loves going here.