Student Stories
A game changer
NCLA's Arrowsmith Program has been a game changer for our son, who in year 8 was struggling to stay in school, let alone thrive. The transformation in terms of self-esteem, resilience, and personal development has been amazing. This time two years ago, we weren't even sure we'd be able to keep him in school until year 10, and here we are; it's been amazing. We can't recommend the Arrowsmith Program more highly.
Her attitude has changed
Our daughter has gained a lot of skill, development, and confidence since entering NCLA's Arrowsmith Program. She's still not what I would call an avid reader, but she reads daily and her reading comprehension has improved by leaps and bounds. She is able to work her way through high school math. Her attitude towards learning has changed, and she is now much more motivated to learn and persist when things get tough, which really is the most important thing, along with her confidence in herself as God made her.
A struggling reader
A teacher reported on a 3rd grader who entered NCLA as a struggling reader and was well below grade level. Reading comprehension at the beginning of the year was at a first grade level. After a year, his struggle with letter reversals and tracking while reading as well as using phonics has shown improvements in a short time. He is currently reading early chapter books at a 2nd grade level.
A high school student
Before I entered NCLA's Arrowsmith Program, reading, writing, math, following directions and lectures were very hard. I also struggled with anxiety in social situations. Now I enjoy being able to follow lectures and multiple step directions. My anxiety is a lot less now that I understand what is going on in a group situation and can follow conversations. I've reentered the regular classroom and I have learned that I can do just as well as anyone else. I still have to put in hard work, otherwise my grades suffer but I want to work hard and be successful.
I see improvements in math
I have seen improvements in math! I have gone from the girl who would sit in the back of the class and after almost every sentence ask my teacher a question because I couldn't do the work or understand it. Now, after working in the Arrowsmith Program, I can get an 82% in 9th grade math and do the work without having the teacher almost glued to the desk helping me.
90% of dyslexia is gone
I struggled in school my entire life. During my time in college, I discovered I was dyslexic. My professors taught me how to work around my reading issues and gave me tools to study for exams. The compensations helped me get through my college courses but I still struggled to read and only did so when I had to for most of my adult life. After working on Arrowsmith as a teacher, I realized a few years ago during Christmas break that I picked up a book and began reading. I completed the book in one day. I had never done that before! I began devouring books. In three years time I've read nearly 600 books and I estimate 90% of my dyslexia struggles are gone.