The Auburn School Success Story: Finding His Way

A Rocky Road Back to School After the Pandemic

For one Silver Spring family, the road back to school after the pandemic was anything but smooth. When Susan’s son was in kindergarten, classrooms closed, and the structure of school life disappeared. By the time he returned to full-time, in-person learning in second grade, the adjustment proved to be a long and bumpy road.

“At first, he liked going to school,” Susan recalled. “But by the end of second grade, he was experiencing severe anxiety. He wasn’t feeling well, didn’t want to go to school. Everything was scary.”

Additionally, Susan’s son attended a large public school with limited resources, and even with the help of a counselor, the stress took a toll. “He had been such a joyful kid, but he became so reserved,” she said. “We knew staying where he was wasn’t an option for fifth grade.”

Searching for the Right School Fit

At first, finding the right environment wasn’t easy. “He isn’t autistic or dyslexic, so a lot of private schools weren’t quite the right fit,” Susan said. Then a friend recommended The Auburn School, just a few blocks from their home. “That recommendation pulled a lot of weight,” she explained. “When we met with Andy and Ana, I felt like they truly wanted to understand my child, and they weren’t going to give up on him.”

Consequently, that commitment was exactly what her son needed. After years of continued absences at his previous school, he slowly eased into a routine at Auburn, attending for a few hours each day at the start of the school year.

A Supportive Environment That Changed Everything

“By November of his first year, he was going to school every day,” Susan said. “They were so flexible. It’s been a godsend for his mental and emotional health and for our family’s.”

Today, her son is thriving. He’s made friends, written rap songs, and created games for recess. He’s comfortable joining classmates for lunch and even sometimes riding in a friend’s car – things that once felt impossible. “He’s found his confidence again,” Susan said. “He’s creative and funny. He’s himself.”

Communication and Partnership with Parents

Susan credits Auburn’s close-knit staff and ongoing communication for his progress. “They’re fabulous communicators,” she said. “If something happens during the day, I hear about it, so there’s context when he comes home. They share real, actionable feedback and genuinely include parents as partners.”

Rediscovering Joy and Confidence in Learning

Through patience, empathy, and the right support, Susan’s son has rediscovered happiness in school and in himself. “Finding Auburn allowed him to blossom again,” she said. “He feels understood, supported, and part of a community.”