New Way Academy

I cannot express the difference that our lives have had because of this scvho. . At age 15 My son was diagnosed with HFA, also known as autism spectrum disorder. Another therapist wanted to diagnose him with oppositional defiant disorder.
Fortunately, I had another therapist, and counsel, that Studied my sons profile and knew that this was not accurate. They recommended New Way. Within days of my son's attendance there was immediate, noticeable changes in his demeanor. There is such a community of acceptance, love, and accountability, these kids have the most amazing school experience. Every young person could have this much support and community while deciding what they want to study and become.

Our family's experience with New Way has been nothing short of extraordinary. Currently in 11th grade, my son came to New Way in 7th grade, on the verge of helplessness and desperation. After struggling to receive the services necessary to educate him in a way he could learn, as well as feeling socially inept and inferior, my 7th grade child had lost the "light" in his eyes. He started believing that he wasn't "good enough" and, as a parent, it was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. Fast forward five years and you would think he was walking on sunshine. The administrators, teachers, staff, and students at New Way have brought so much light back into my son's eyes that our family is blinded by it. He has learned to self-advocate (diagnosed with ADHD, Asperger's) and no longer sees his learning differences as learning disabilities. He is better equipped to face his challenges and understands that although there may very well be lifelong obstacles that require rigorous work, his way of learning is worthy and worth the struggle. We admire the dedication the administrators and teachers have to continuing their education, constantly integrating new teaching methods to access learning styles on an individual level. There is no "one size fits all" approach to teaching. I have seen learning take place on both sides of the table, and the passion that oozes from our New Way family for what they "do" is palpable. Not a day goes by that we don't shout our gratitude for the GIFT OF NEW WAY from the mountaintop. Yeah, it's cliche… but my kid's future is so bright he is already wearing shades. What a transformation!

New Way is the school that has transformed my daughter from an anxious, non-adventuresome young 1st grader to a self-confident, outgoing, funny and friendly 7th grader! These past 6 years at New Way have provided nothing less than a miracle for her. She has been given the tools and continues to be given the tools for her to be a successful independent young woman. The staff at New Way is beyond anything I have ever seen at a school. They are not only her teachers, occupational and speech therapists, administrative staff, but they are EXTENDED FAMILY! New Way is a priceless blessing to my daughter and our family. There are no words to describe how thankful I am to have found New Way for our daughter!!!

Attending New Way Academy has been a life-changing blessing for our son. Currently in 8th grade, he has attended New Way for the past 3 years. With his significant learning differences, he was so far behind in the public school he previously attended, even with an IEP and 2.5 hours of special education daily. Since starting at New Way, his self-esteem has greatly improved as he learns to work around his learning differences. Because of the combination of well-qualified teachers, exceptional administrative and therapy staff, a well-rounded curriculum, the low teacher/student ratio, and the extra curricular activities including sports teams, we now have a happy, thriving son. I would wholeheartedly recommend New Way Academy to any parent who has a child with learning differences.

I could go on and on about how much my daughter has grown and matured, both socially and academically since starting as a first grader (she's in seventh now). And I could write pages about how unbelievably committed the entire staff, from the receptionist to the principal, are to our children. I could write about how my timid, self-doubting, anxiety-ridden first grader has blossomed into a confident, social, funny, and accomplished young woman.

Or, I could sum up New Way in one simple sentence. New Way doesn't just educate our children - New Way saves them.

Thank you!!!

Both my children attend New Way. I love how supportive the staff and administration are. They understand the challenges we face helping our children reach their true potentials. Since moving to the new campus some very exciting programs have been implemented. New Way continues to offer all the specialist services that our kids need, in a kind positive atmosphere. The best news is that there has been so many new programs and activities for the students. The elementary girls went to Mrs. Ross and Mr. Walker and said we want to be cheerleaders also. They reacted immediately and now the Jr. Bulldogs cheer in their awesome outfits alongside the high school cheerleaders. New Way has a wonderful gym and weight room for the athletes. This year a music program was implemented that is a favorite with the children. Learning is so difficult for most of the students that it is a nice break to have a music program, wonderful art classes, P.E. For the first time ever New Way is doing a musical. The kids are so excited and it really feels like it has energized the entire school. I asked my kids at dinner what is their favorite class of course they said music, art, recess, then my daughter said mom I love my reading class. This coming from years of her refusing the extra tutoring and reading at a pre-k level in second grade. School has become fun for her and she even asks for homework, what a complete 360 degree change. With six kids in my sons class and eight in my daughters what parent could ask for more. They are being taught the way they learn best and it shows. I am proud to call New Way my children's second home. Thank you all staff you are amazing.

Before the current principal, this school was focused on helping students achieve their best in an public education system that wouldn't and couldn't address the needs of increasing ADHD/ASD children. They were ahead of their time with 123 Magic and other behavioral therapies proven to work. For 10 years they taught my son and he excelled.

Recently though, the principal that was the heart and soul of the school was forced into retirement. The politicians had taken over the board and were pushing a different, elitist agenda. One that wasn't in line with the mission of the founders or principal. So she was replaced and a new principal, with little or no experience was placed in the position. The focus became not on academics, but how to make this school more of private elite school than a nationally recognized school for learning disabled. It is a sad end to a great school with great instructors.

The services provided by New Way Academy give hope and the fulfillment of a great educational experience to the students who attend. I have seen students who were part of the acceptable loss group in public education come into their own. No greater gift exists than that of education.

My son was officially diagnosed with dyslexia when he was 5. He was not reading, writing and he recognized that something was wrong and that he was different from the other children. He quickly compensated for his difference by becoming the class clown and turning into "Mr. Personality" even though inside his ego was damaged and his self-esteem was slowly disintegrating. He went from a happy child to an unhappy, sad child who no longer wanted to go to school. We were lucky that he was diagnosed early and as soon as we enrolled him at New Way Academy, he quickly transformed into a happy, fully-engaged, child who LOVES going to school each and every day. Fast forward and one+ years later, he continues to progress and love every day at school. He is now reading, writing and doing great in math. He loves that the school is small enough to feel comfortable, but just large enough for him to feel a part of a bigger, robust school with a traditional campus culture. The teachers and staff at New Way are remarkable and unsurpassed and we couldn't be happier. We plan for our son to continue at New Way for a very, very long time.

This school has been incredible for my special needs child. The experts have been amazing in identifying my child's needs and working to get the resources to support her.

New Way Academy provides both an academic and supportive atmosphere. I watched my kids struggle and fall behind year after year in traditional schools. They grew discouraged and withdrew from the teachers and other students. New Way's approach to teaching, small classes, and individualized education planning has made school a positive experience for my kids. I am delighted not only with their academic progress but also their personal growth. New Way is a private school but they have staff that work with parents to apply for funds that are available to parents of children with learning differences. I highly recommend New Way Academy.

Before my child started at New Way he was reading at a first grade level in the sixth grade. Despite all of the different schools, tutors, and intervention programs we could not help him make the necessary gains he needed to read. It was a miracle that we found New Way Learning Academy! After his first day at school he said that there are kids just like him. New Way has created a safe and rich learning environment that has allowed my son to unlock his potential. He is now reading at a fifth grade level in the eight grade and is still attending his intense reading classes daily. Reading will always be difficult for my extremely dyslexic,slow processing, ADHD child, but New Way has given him the tools to unlock the door to literacy.

The smiles on the kids faces each and every time I visit campus paint the picture of what a truly exceptional school New Way is! The dedication of the staff and administration is amazing - both in and out of the classroom. I am watching my daughter, who has struggled for years in school, finally blossom. It is a dream come true.

New Way has been the most amazing thing to happen for my child and his education. The staff are all very qualified and caring. They really do teach your child in a manner that is best for his/her way of learning and that makes all the difference in the world. I know my child will go on to have continued success because of the foundation built here at New Way.

Teachers and administrators at New Way demonstrate genuine care and do their very best every day to understnad the student's needs and design programs and approaches that meet those needs. It's an amazing place for students to learn and grow. I honestly don't know how my son would have graduated from high school without New Way.

If your child has a learning difference this school WILL change their life. Despite his dyslexia, my son loves school and New Way has given him self confidence and instilled a life-long love of learning. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and committed. The sports programs and after school activities really round out the student's social experience.

New Way Academy in South Scottsdale serves a community of children with learning differences in the most professional, compassionate, and inspirational way. The teachers and administrators are second to none. As far as I'm concerned, it is the best non-profit in the UNIVERSE!

My son has severe dyslexia and ADD. He got nothing out of public kindergarten where there were 30+ children in his class. He never wanted to go to school, and worse, did not want to learn to read or write. Coming to New Way changed everything for us. My son is in a class with a dozen other children that have very similar learning difficulties, with two amazing teachers that do not quit until they find the right tools to reach my child. The speach teacher, OT specialist, and reading specialist are all wonderful too. Even the the finance guy is great to work with! We moved across the country for my son to attend this school, and it was absolutely worth it.

Our daughter was not thriving emotionally at her Catholic school. We needed a change fast as her self-esteem took a nose dive. We knew she is smart, very smart, in fact! But we needed an environment and people who would understand our girl and meet her where she was at and go from there. She is so happy now AND SHE IS LEARNING SO MUCH. We always say that we are paying the pretty penny to New Way so that she develops the strongest sense of self and that is not expensive- IT IS PRICELESS! We would make the decision over a thousand times if we could go back in time. The leadership and all of the staff care as much about our daughter as we do. That may not even sound possible, but that's how they operate. Sometimes we can't even believe New Way is real because of how great it is. The second we took our tour, we were sold. We scheduled her shadow day within the week and signed on the dotted line. Easiest choice ever.

This school is a terrific alternative to the typical public school setting if your child is having difficulties learning. I have truly never seen such dedicated teachers and staff. For many children that attend here, this school saved their lives.

New Way has made a huge difference in our son's academic and social life. Instead of focusing on how to reach our son, the public school spent valuable time when he was in the primary grades sticking him in self-contained classrooms with teachers that didn't have a clue how to treach our son. By the age of 8 our son was so frustrated and was acting out so much we were in fear of him being labeled ED. He left public school distrustful of teachers and testing well below the 5th percentile in all academic areas. The transition to New Way was bumpy but our son finally learned to read. This has meant the world to him; he now loves to read and is able to access his curriculum! In addition, the sports program is top notch. Our son competes on New Way teams with other schools in the following sports: basketball, flag football, dodge ball and soccer. He has made friends and is developing important social skills. New Way hires only caring educators that know how to teach children who learn differently! Thank you New Way!

My son has struggled his entire academic life...the public middle school consistently failed him, even though he received special education services. In his first quarter at New Way, he has improved already. He is motivated to complete assignments and is actually learning the material!!! I will absolutely recommend New Way to other families!

This school has given my grandson what he could not get in public school. Instead of "accommodation," where the the standards were lowered so he could pass, this school is educating him so that he gets the knowledge he was missing in public school. In addition to the excellent, up-to-date teaching programs they have at this school, they assist with the social aspect as well. My grandson is now surrounded by friends and is learning how to interact and develop the social skills that will make him successful as an adult. The best of all, despite the rigors of the curriculum, he is happy and goes to school willingly.

My son struggles with learning difficulties and was not performing well at school. We moved him to New Way where they teach children who learn in unique ways. He is thriving and doing so well in school. He loves going to school every day - And we both love New Way!

This school has changed my son’s life. They address his needs and help him.
At the beginning of the year he could barely read and now he reading entire paragraphs to me. He also has issues with communication and I feel like he has come a long way. People can have actual conversations with him. I can’t express how much this school has helped my son.

New Way is a place where my son feels like he belongs. He never complains about going to school. He is given the opportunity to learn the way that feels right for him. He has been there for four years, and I can't imagine him being anywhere else. He has self confidence, is very self assured, and has a lot of friends. The teachers are amazing - both knowledgeable and compassionate. They are real pros. The staff overall is a dedicated group of hard workers who really care. I finally found a school that understands my child.

There are perhaps a handful of schools like New Way in the entire country, but I daresay none that have the unique ability to serve a diverse population of students so well in so many ways. The teachers are just incredible. The administration and board are selflessly dedicated. My son has many good friends here, is involved in athletics, engaged academically and loves going to school every day. He is living a dream we always had for him-made possible by New Way.

We moved my son to this school last year. We tried several different schools. Finally at New Way, our son is succeeding at school, and actually enjoys attending! He has even received many awards since his arrival! It's been a game changer for him and our family!

My son attended New Way for six years. After being bullied in public schools for years, we found New Way and moved him there in 7th grade. No more bullying, no more teachers without the time or skills to teach my son in the way he learns and no more daily battle to keep him in school. A deeply caring atmosphere coupled with uniquely qualified teachers and administrators resulted in my son graduated from High School. He now attends college with the help of New Way's post secondary program, Bridgeway. My wife and I are confident that without the help he received at New Way, the outcome would have been very different.

Before we found New Way...we felt completely helpless. Public schools were failing our daughter and she was starting to give up and frankly so were we. We were exhausted from fighting for what our daughter deserved. New Way gave us our lives back. No longer do we have to fight teachers and administrators to get our daughter the help she needs. New way just does it!! When our daughter started in 5th grade she was barely reading at all. Now she is reading and writing and striving in school and it is all because of the caring and educated staff at New Way Learning Academy. There is no better place for you to take your child than New Way!!! They are changing lives everyday!!!!!!

One year ago my son was blessed to first attend New Way Academy, at the age of 13 still struggling to read, and virtually unable to write a complete paragraph my son was not provided the necessary tools with his dyselxia disability to be successful in his education from prior public schools. Within one year time frame New Way Academy has completely taken an overwhelmed teenage boy to the next level in his education! He is learning how to cope with his social anxiety (due to bullying and name calling because of his lack of learning at the public level), and is able to accomplish his daily assignments swiftly and effectively with tools and tricks they have shown him to steer successfully even with his dsylexia. This school has been the answer to all our prayers. There are not enough words to provide in the gratitude we as a family have to New Way in the efforts and dedication they have provided through their faculty and support staff. This is a one of a kind school.

When my son was a first grade student attending a public school, I was informed that he was probably never going to learn to read. He was diagnosed with Dyslexia. He is now in high school and reads at grade level! We owe his success to the dedicated and knowledgable teachers at New Way. New Way understands learning differences and believes that all children can learn. New Way teachers not only work hard to teach all of their children, celebrate their success and support them to be the best that they can be

New Way completely changed life for me and my son. It is a great school providing greatly needed services for students who are overlooked and undereducated in the public school system. As a result of my son's New Way education, we have several options to consider for the future! We will be forever grateful for this school!

A year ago we were at a total loss as to help our son in regards to school. The frustration and anxiety he felt at school translated into intense homework battles. He never felt "good enough," "smart enough" or able to ask for/receive the help that he needed. New Way Academy has made all the difference in our lives. I now have a son who loves school and who actually looked forward to the end of Fall Break so he could get back to his friends and teachers. He finally feels like he can be himself and not be judged. New Way has made an incredible impact on my son's (and family's) life.

Great school that provides great services to kids who are often overlooked.

My daughter has undiagnosed learning disabilities and began attending New Way Academy last fall. My wife and I have been very impressed by New Way's approach to nurturing and teaching our daughter. Our daughter has attended a number of "top" schools for children with learning differences in the Dallas area, but New Way is head and shoulders above anyplace else my daughter has attended for the following reasons.

1. From the beginning, New Way's staff did a thorough job of getting to know my daughter, her abilities, her strengths and her weaknesses.
2. Based on their assessment of my daughter they placed her in classes and with teachers that best fit her needs.
3. The staff has done an excellent job of executing my daughter's individual learning plan.
4. The teachers and administrators provide excellent communication on a regular basis about her progress, big "wins" and any issues they observe.

Hello my name is Brenda Henson and I am a proud parent of a now 14year old daughter that began her NWLA journey the summer of her 4th grade year. Our story in the beginning was one of dispair, frustration and confusion after several attempts and three years of written request to have Elizabeth tested the mainstream educational/policy system failed us. However , I am grateful we did not give up and my OCD of documentation proved useful. We met privately with a child psychologist where for the first time I heard the words "your child is dyslexic" and "the window of opportunity is closing". I then hired an advocate, gathered my information and met with Lois Healey (at that time Spec. Ed. Director of SUSD) which then led me to Head of School at New Way Dawn Gutierrez, whom both theses women I believe SAVED my daughter. After being district placed at New Way I became a parent from the outside looking in - although remaing a cornerstone of a fabulous team. I began to see a light in Elizabeth's eyes and a spark of motivation that today has given her academic success and confidence to transition back into the SUSD at Saguaro High School - In our journey everyone at New Way has become our family and members of Elizabeth's MET team from SUSD have become a valued partner - Learning I believe for any student is always a lifetime goal however for the student that struggles they have higher hurdles to jump and NWLA offers each student just the right height hurdle, watches the jump, then raises the bar just a bit to keep the student reaching their goals- I will forever be indebted to New Way's educational environment, structure, dedicated teachers, admin staff and all the beautiful parents and students that have touched mine and Elizabeth's hearts.

Our son Adam joined New Way this year, and what a year it has been! Our family has a life back! We used to fight over hours of homework every night with little or no improvement in basic understanding of the subjects being taught. Not only have we seen a big improvement in Adam's grades, but he has found a new sense of responsibility. He comes home and does his homework - voluntarily! He loves New Way and wants to make his teachers proud. We also see the improvement outside of school. All of a sudden Adam is speaking about politics, news and current events. His confidence has grown tremendously, and he is speaking with adults as if he's been doing this for years. Thank you, New Way, for bringing our happy son back to us.

New Way is a school community of teachers and professionals who are passionately dedicated to students with learning differences. The teachers utilize research-based, multisensory curricula and a compassionate understanding of students who are often misunderstood in other settings. The New Way experience helps students who have endured academic struggles find success and the motivation required to persevere on their learning journeys. The athletic program as well as an array of other extracurricular activities help each student feel valued as a unique member of the school.

As a parent of two children who have attended and graduated New Way,
I have nothing but admiration for the most professional and caring teaching staff. I would highly recommend this school for any child
who has learning differences.

New Way is a unique school that offers students and parents an incredible alternative to public, as well as other private schools. Our son had struggled at school and dealt with deprecating remarks form other teachers at schools that were not equipped to deal with students with learning differences. Every day was a nightmare and our son was miserable and fallingfurther behind. Since attending New Way, he has blossomed in every way, making great strides in catching up to his grade level. He loves to go to school, takes pride in how much he is learning and no longer fights doing homework. I credit New Way with changing my son's and our family's lives. The teachers are eduacted in the ways of teaching kids with learning differences and care so mcuh about them as total human beings. They give them the gift of confidence in who they are, and that they can accomplish their dreams. I would highly recommend this school to anyone with children that need more individualized teaching. We have every confidence in them and more importantly so does our son.

My daughter has attended New Way for over 10 years. It became clear early on that the public school system had no intention or mechanism in place to do more than the absolute minimum. That left her vulnerable to exclusion from all other students and extreme frustration. The teachers literally told us that she was just not trying hard enough when in fact she just was not able to learn in the "normal ways". New Way provided an expert staff, including teachers and specialists that figured out a personalized way of teaching her. She has since graduated high school and is very proud of her accomplishments. Our road has not been easy but there is no doubt that with the help of New Way she has been given the best possible chance at a productive life.

My son is a 2nd grade student in New Way. His life has changed in regards to school. He absolutely loves school now and his self-esteem has sky rocketed. He wants to read every sign he sees on the street where before he would just mutter, "I can't read, Dad". The close attention to each student's needs makes amazing differences everyday! This school deserves your support!

New Way is a school for kids with learning differences. My daughter began attending in the 5th grade after becoming increasingly marginalized, being provided decreasing services [in progressively larger classes] and being bullied more frequently in a public school. New Way was a God-send. It saved my daughter from a life of disappointment and no self-esteem.

New Way accomplishes miracles like ours by providing individualized educational programs for each child. The class sizes are small and the teachers are beyond exceptional. We have watched our daughter achieve near grade level performance in all subjects -and she continues to improve. Equally important, she has blossomed into a confident young lady.

New Way is also unique because it is an accredited school providing services from kindergarten through 12th grade. It has also recently added a post graduation program to assist students in the transition to college or other career paths.

My daughter will proudly graduate from New Way in a few years. I will be forever grateful to New Way for saving my daughter.

Our son was hanging on to the back of a train which just kept moving faster and faster in traditional education. He was a quiet body in the classroom who stayed below the radar and pretty much zoned out in class before we made the decision to move to New Way. The greatest feeling in the world is to see him get out of the car every morning with a smile, looking forward to learning and equally important, looking forward to the interactions with his teachers and his peers.
The staff is amazing. Caring, enthusiastic and professional. We have tried so many extracurricular activities with our son, none of them successful. The staff at New Way has encouraged him and enabled him to excel in the classroom and on the athletic fields. Our son is learning, has pride in himself and is happy. All things that we will never take for granted.

My grandson has been at New Way Academy for just 6 months after spending years struggling with learning differences at public/charter schools. All of whom didn't either honor the services he needed or didn't know how to teach him, as well, as provide him with a good learning environment in which to thrive. He was struggling both emotionally, socially and academically so badly that he was becoming defiant and getting into trouble both at home and school. He was going into 6th grade and was at 2nd and 3rd grade level in all academic subjects. His self esteem was very low. New Way has given my grandson a new lease on life. They have done this through smaller class room environment, highly educated teachers who are continually educated in latest knowledge, multi-sensory teaching, social and life skill learning and the passion and commitment to helping these him unlock his potential. He now is doing his homework on his own and more independently, more organized with strategies provided and feel so much better about himself. He is excited about learning and attending school, even when he has a break! Words could not express how lifechanging this has been not only for our grandson but for our whole family. As grandparents raising our grandson, it was already challenging. New Way gave us back our lives too, as we struggled so long to try and help our grandson so many years. The staff at New Way are so committed and passionate about the success of these individuals that it just holds me in awe everyday! And the best part is they keep developing more programs/transition strategies for these children. For instance, they now have K-12 and a transition program called Bridgeway Transistions to aid graduates into transitions that occur in going to college or other endeavors. I was relieved to know that our grandson will have even more help as he progresses. So in a nutshell, New Way has been our Blessing!