Finding Hope at The Auburn School

Auburn School Success Story, A Family’s Search for Support

For Brent and his wife, Hope, the search for the right school for their son, C., was exhausting and, at times, heartbreaking. Before Auburn, C attended a mix of public and private schools, but none were able to meet his needs.

C., now 8 and in second grade, will mark his first anniversary at The Auburn School this December.

Why The Auburn School Stood Out

“He had some wonderful teachers before coming to Auburn, but even in smaller classrooms, the expertise just wasn’t there,” Brent said. “When things got hard, the reaction was usually, ‘Stop it,’ without much of an explanation of why. That approach doesn’t work for kids like C.”

Auburn’s Holistic Approach to Learning

After another difficult school experience for C., Brent took a leave from work to care for him, unsure where to turn next. Then, an educational consultant introduced them to Auburn.

“When I first looked at the website, I didn’t fully understand what made it different,” Brent said. “But after speaking with Ana [director of admissions], I did. She asked about C.’s medical background, history, and how he communicates – she wanted to understand the full picture. It felt like a team trying to see the whole child, not just a list of challenges.”

That holistic mindset, Brent said, is woven through every part of the school. “At Auburn, there’s this cross-pollination between teachers, specialists, and staff,” he said. “They learn from each other, which makes them better at supporting each child.”

A Positive Shift for C. at The Auburn School

Notably, the difference was immediate. “After his very first day, C. came home and said he loved school,” Brent recalled. “He’d never said that before.”

Brent said he receives transparent, balanced communication from Auburn. “It’s encouraging. “We don’t just hear about problems. We hear about what’s working, and how he’s contributing to the classroom.”

Auburn School Success Story: A Brighter Future Ahead

Overall, school is no longer a source of tension. “Those dark days are behind us,” Brent said. “He’s thriving. We’re able to do normal things again, like go to soccer practice and attend parties. We’re able to say yes to more as a family. It’s a place that helps kids like C., and families like ours, believe in what’s possible.”