Makenna’s Student Success Story at High Road School of Mt. Healthy

Makenna has learned that when school feels overwhelming, she can take a break, talk with a trusted staff member, and return ready to move forward. It’s a change she is proud of, and one her guardian has seen carry over beyond the classroom.

She joined the Spark program at High Road School of Mt. Healthy during the 2025-2026 school year. Makenna came to the program looking for a smaller, more supportive school environment where she could better manage challenging moments and focus on learning.

Building Confidence Through Individualized Support

Since joining the program, Makenna has made significant progress in many areas, including behaviorally and emotionally. She credits her growth to the school’s small class sizes, extra academic help, and supportive staff members who help her take breaks when she needs them.

Makenna now works through challenges by talking with staff and tuning out distractions. She has also discovered an interest in art, something she considers one of her strengths.

“I learned how not to act out and to stay calm,” Makenna said.

A Student Success Story Beyond the Classroom

Her progress is also noticeable at home.

“High Road School has made a tremendous difference in Makenna’s life, especially in the areas of her behavior, emotional regulation, confidence and overall ability to function successfully in a school environment,” said her guardian. “Rather than immediately judging her by a difficult behavior, the staff takes the time to understand what triggered her and what she needs in that moment.”

Her guardian said that approach has helped Makenna strengthen her communication and develop strategies she can use when she becomes frustrated or overwhelmed.

“High Road feels less like a traditional school environment and more like a family,” her guardian added. “She is learning that she can recover from mistakes, accept redirection, and make better choices moving forward.”

Continuing to Grow and Make Positive Choices

Today, Makenna takes pride in completing her schoolwork and making positive decisions every day. She has become more confident in her ability to handle difficult moments and knows she has people at school she can turn to for support.

High Road School of Mt. Healthy provides a structured learning environment designed to help students build the academic, behavioral, and social skills they need to make progress in school and beyond.