We are starting our 3rd year at Frostig. The academic growth that my daughter has shown has been amazing. Her teacher, Mary Frances was able to find the perfect balance of giving her space while strongly encouraging her when the time was right. As a result, she loves school and has become so much more confident. She even likes PE now which has always been difficult for her. She has participated in music recitals and school plays and she is very proud of being a part of these performances. In the past it has been difficult for her navigate through having more than one friend. She has made so many friends at Frostig and has the support she needs when she doesn't know what to do. The social skills program gives her a space to ask questions and gain understanding. People with autism often do want to understand things they just aren't able to on their own. Frostig understands this and gives her the extra help she needs to be successful socially as well. read more

This is a school that caters to special needs students. I've seen how the teachers interact with each student, they are caring and give all of their time and attention to each! I appreciate all of the programs and how they work to fulfill each students individual needs for success! Parking can be tricky around pickup, arrive early to grab a spot! read more

We enrolled our daughter based on the wonderful experience our good friends had with their sons learning differences. What transpired there with my daughter has essentially ruined her life. My daughter has learning differences , not on the spectrum. We had complained about a boy who my daughter said was obsessed with her. We requested for her to not be in the same classroom as this boy, request denied. Then one day her mood shifted and she cried every morning not wanting to go to school. She couldn't tell us what happened. It was too traumatic for her to voice it. She was in 4th grade. Her behavior was very anxious and not able to stay in the classroom. They tried to accommodate her by spending time in the principles office. She was still not able to stop panicking. We had to take her out. 5 years of therapy later it was revealed she was sexually assaulted in the bathroom by the boy. She is still traumatized by it and probably always will be. We have been through hell. Suicide attempts , inability to focus, an eating disorder etc etc etc. she is now in 10th grade having to be held back a year because of lost class time due to the trauma. And disgustingly this was not an isolated instance. The one family we became close to who also left discover the same boy sexually assaulted their son. I'm not saying the school itself is awful in sure there are amazing experiences and caring teachers. And for many we met there this is the only option so you naturally choose to accept or maybe turn a blind eye to red flags. I don't know if the head of school has changed but she was awful. Good luck! read more

the teacher miss mary Frances is a bully yelled and grabbed my kid and accidentally left him locked in a car. when we complained to the principal she did absolutely nothing. we sued just for the car incident and they barely payed us anything they are lazy cheapskates read more

Our grandson has attended Frostig School for a year now. He is in 7th grade. This school has given him another opportunity to succeed, which he was NOT doing in the previous 6 years at his former school. Staff, faculty, parents and students form a supportive learning community embracing and empowering all learners. We appreciate Frostig! read more

The perfect school for kids with learning difficulties Zero bullying policy Best teachers and staff Best management read more

Frostig literally saved my son's life. This is not hyperbole. We came to check out Frostig when my extremely high-functioning autistic son was finishing 7th grade at our local public school, and he had been diagnosed with severe depression. Our doctor warned me I had to extricate him from the school he attended before he became so depressed he harmed himself. Our school had egregiously failed to implement my son's IEP. They set him up to fail again and again, and allowed him to bullied by students and even some teachers. It was a phenomenal failure on every level. His aide would sit in the back of the classroom, reading the newspaper, and didn't assist with any of the executive functioning skills he was there to coach. So we checked out Frostig and took a tour. At the end of the tour, my son, who had been skeptical to say the least, announced he wanted to attend the following year. Luckily for me, after we applied, they accepted my son. We did unilateral placement, and sorted things out (that's a euphemism!) with our school district later. My son's health and survival were at stake. The first year at Frostig was tough, because my son had PTSD from the public school, and thought all the kids were trying to hurt him. Instead of overreacting or punishing my son, the universally-educated staff at Frostig supported him and helped him work through the misery until he was truly functional in a school setting once more. (And by universally-educated staff, I mean that EVERY staff member, from the front office to facility maintenance to janitorial has a CLUE about how to interact with kids with LD, HFA, or Asperger's. It's fantastic!) After 5 years at Frostig, my son blossomed into a friendly, funny young man. He was able to participate in the softball team and the year he played, they won the championship! He passed the California High School Entrance Exam (CAHSEE) on his FIRST try, and with only about a week's notice. That is an indicator, to me, of general preparedness, not desperate "teaching-to-the-test". He later took the ACT exam and got a composite score of 26 (which is 84th percentile, nationally). He graduated in June 2011. He now attends Citrus College and plans to transfer to the McNally Smith School of Music in Minneapolis. Frostig MORE than prepared my son for life, Frostig taught him to trust again, to invest in a school community, and perhaps most importantly, to be a strong self-advocate in his life, so people can understand his differences and embrace them without confusion. I will also call out, as did another reviewer, Rita Zobayan (and Dee!), who patiently and tirelessly help all the seniors with transition to college (or trade school, or whatever the student chooses). Their dedication is powerful and transformative for these kids. I also want to mention two teachers who profoundly changed me son's life: Grant and Jason. There are no words to express my gratitude for their contribution to my son's successes and growth, both emotionally and academically. read more

Before I review the Frostig Center, let me start of by saying I have not sent or do not know anyone who has had children go here. This review is simply from a consumer and fund raising attendee perspective. Every year this school has a huge electronic sale. When I saw HUGE, I mean pretty frickin' HUGE. The doors open at 8am and by the time we got there it wrapped the block. All I wanted was my 42 inch plasma. When they passed me the inventory sheet and I saw that there were only 29, I began to have a slight panic attack. As I stood in line for the next 1.5 hours, I watched each Samsung 42 inch TV leave, trying to convince myself that there will be enough. Long story short, I took one of the last 9 of the 42 inch plasma TV for $800. THAT is a deal if I've ever heard of one. The BEST part...100% of the proceeds go straight to the school, which from what I've heard is excellent and from attending this event, has a nice solid family like school community. read more

This is our second year at Frostig. I like to think of Frostig as "the land of opportunity" for my two sons, both diagnosed with Autism. At first, I had doubts and was apprehensive about moving my boys from a full inclusion public school to Frostig, but within the first two weeks I knew that we had made the right decision. At Frostig, the teacher to student ratio is very low which allows for more individualized attention and instruction. Each class is staffed with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher. The curriculum is research based and is taught at the right level for each student. Back at the public school, my boys would often complain and stress out about falling behind and not understand what was being taught. They are both intelligent boys, but were not able to flourish in their previous school. I recall one of my boys using the following analogy to describe the experience, "Mom, it's like everyone is on the freeway and I'm left behind on a little road." Obviously, this created a lot of stress which manifested itself in difficult behaviors and emotional anxiety. Frostig is a treasure. Because of the specialized instruction, my boys now love going to school, are responsible and diligent about doing their homework and take pride in their work. The success attributes are taught throughout the curriculum: Self Awareness, Proactivity, Perseverence, Goal Setting, Support Systems, and Emotional Coping Strategies. In additon to the core subjects, Frostig also offers drama, music, computers and art. The teachers in these specialized subjects offer kids the opportunity to experience and succeed in the performing arts and to tap into their creativity. Earlier this year, one of my sons played a character in the school play. Before coming to Frostig, I never would have imagined that this would be possible. The production was wonderful. Frostig is a haven for students and parents alike. At Frostig, my kids blend in, not stick out as they did in their previous school. Acceptance, tolerance and community are very important. My boys now have a sense of belonging and for the first time have a group of real friends. Frostig has afforded me the opportunity to meet other parents that truly understand the difficulties of raising a child with special needs. We seek each other out and plan activities together as parents and as families. The staff and administration at Frostig are special individuals with big hearts who are dedicated to helping children. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! read more

We are finishing our 2nd year at Frostig. While this past year of COVID has been less than ideal for everyone on the planet, our son has managed fairly well with the support of his wonderful teacher Catherine. He had made great strides prior to distance learning - moving past all the work refusals from stress from his old learning environment and was coming into his own. We are so grateful for Frostig, the way the school supports kids while yet nudging them forward when they are ready to do so. We are eager for in person schooling to begin again...as is my son, which pretty much says everything. read more

I haven't really reviewed educational services in the past and yet after attending their college fair I was compelled to do so. The services this center provide give students the foundation they desperately need to launch them into a successful career. I want to personally recommend working with Rita Zobayan who was ultra-helpful & engaging. A day spent around her and her students is sufficient to make you a believer in this center. We got a personal tour of the facility given my their principle who just radiated with pride and enthusiasm for the work they do. read more

After years of struggling along, my daughter came to Frostig for high school and it was the best move we ever made. She is markedly happier and more confident now and has many friends. Before this school she was always 2 steps behind and confused about what was happening in class and feeling rotten about it. Good LD trained teachers make all the difference! So now she is understanding, executing and feeling confident in her abilities The school offers many extras like a terrific arts program and the chance to play sports. Lovely teachers and nice families. Its a long commute for us but worth every mile. read more

Frostig has been a life changing school for our son. At his previous school he spent years struggling academically and socially. He was the target of bullying. Because of his diagnosis of autism, previous teachers never assumed competence. He was falling further and further behind and son was became a shell of himself. With our district's support he switched to Frostig. Our disengaged and depressed child soon felt safe. He began to engage with other kids and opened himself up to learning. When he was assessed upon his acceptance he tested many grade levels below his age. With the interventions put in place at school (Ed therapy, speech therapy, OT and counseling) he quickly began to gain speed. He gained 5 grade levels in 3 years. At his previous school they never believed he would graduate but this year he will and with a diploma. He has friends, he is appropriately challenged academically and he can feel safe from bullying. We couldn't be happier that we took the change to move him. We wish we had done it sooner! read more

This place is simply AMAZING. They single handedly brought my son back from the soul crushing anxiety and depression he suffered at the hands of the other schools. His elementary school teacher, Mary Frances, healed my poor kid and gave him his smile back. Not only that, but I'd been told that because of his learning disability, remembering long strings of information may be difficult, if not impossible, for him. Somehow Mary Frances got around that and my son now knows his multiplication tables!! While some may have reservations about the age range house on campus (grades 1-12), they have no reason to worry. The older kids remember what is was like to get picked on, so they're protective of the younger kids. It's like having a school full of big brothers and sisters. This is one of the kindest places I've ever been to. We feel so lucky that our son is here!! read more

My daughter has been at Frostig for 2.5 years now, and she loves it. Here are the things we as parents love about it: --Teachers credentialed in special ed --Nurturing, caring teachers and staff --Wonderful arts program (drama, music, art classes weekly) --Robust PE program (4x/week) --Extra services offered on site (ed therapy, counseling, OT, etc.) --After-school programs (tutoring, swim club, arts classes, etc.) --Strong parents association --Attractive campus with warm, inviting classrooms and a nice playground. No school is right for everybody, but it's been great for us. She loves going to school, she has friends, and her self-esteem is still in tact. I'm so glad we found a good fit for her. read more

Need to be totally revamped The place is barely hanging on in terms of technology they give the students they need a stronger foundation it is strong but not strong enough anymore it was great when I went there now something is missing read more

Due to his learning disability, our son was falling further and further behind in the public school system. It was so difficult for him that it was a struggle to go everyday. We gave him a two day trial at Frostig and he immediately became more comfortable. The teachers are unique. They are patient and know how to encourage children who have Learning Difficulties. Academically, the teachers will adjust the curriculum and work with your child until he/she knows the material. Class sizes are small (8-12) with a teacher and a teacher's aide. Forstig has a fantastic computer, art, drama, P.E. and music program. No one has to be "good." They just have to try! Frostig can provide your child a safe environment all the way through High School. Their "transition program" is designed to ready every Student for the next stages in his or her life and gets going early enough to be effective and is as vital as your Diploma or Graduation Certificate. The big thing is that our Son actually looks forward to School now, and is happy at Frostig. January 2013 read more

Your Data Coodinator,Susie Hartley seems like she does not like her job.When I call her she has a real attitude problem, it was regarding a conference with my sons teacher. I know there are plenty of parents who have run into the same issue with Ms. Hartley.Do Frostig a favor and let this staff member go. Ms. Hartley is no good to your school. read more

My son has been a student at the Frostig School for the past 3 1/2 years, beginning in middle school. Prior to that, he had attended the same well-respected public school, in a regular classroom, since pre-kindergarten. By the beginning of 5th grade, however, a class of 40 students and a one-size fits all teaching style left my very hard-working son behind, academically and socially. One visit to Frostig and my son told me he wanted to make this his new school. He hadn't had a new school since he was 3 years old. With a class size of no more than 12, and highly trained teachers who tailor each child's education to his or her unique needs, my son has been able to really learn, not just memorize information to move ahead. The amazing staff at Frostig are always available to talk to and work with parents. On a daily basis, they come up with effective and creative ways to help my child succeed. Frostig also has a diverse electives program and because the school is small my son has felt comfortable trying just about everything. I cannot say enough about Frostig's Social Skills and Transitions programs. The school understands the importance of social intelligence for future success and provides its students with regular instruction in this area. Now in 9th grade, my son has Transitions classes that help him prepare for post-high school life. The students explore career interests, options for college or trade school, and how their own strengths and weaknesses will play a role in the decisions they will soon have to make. I wish I would have had a class like this in high school! My son truly enjoys going to Frostig every day, learning from caring teachers at a pace that is effective for him. Thanks to Frostig, he is a curious, hard-working, self-aware student who is willing to take on new challenges. read more

Our son has been attending Frostig since third grade. He is now in the ninth grade and we are so happy we made the decision to place him at Frostig. He were doing the public school, aditional therapies, IEP thing. . We thought we had done our homework. When we received his state testing scores the summer before he started third grade, we knew we were in trouble, he had not even scored on the test graphs. We started third grade at our public school and he started not wanting to go to school. He and the other children by this age knew he was different. When I received a note from his teacher saying she thought he was using the nurse as an excuse to get out of class, we knew we had to do something to keep our son from totally shutting down. We visited Frostig and really liked the school, the staff, the feeling of everyone was the same. They are all the same, they suffer from learning disabilities, no big deal, so no one feels left out or isolated. Matt started Frostig just shortly after the school year started. We did not encounter the hiding under the furniture and not getting dressed in the mornings any longer. He was ready to go and make up for lost time! A different child began to emerge. We did not encounter fighting about homework, he became involved in extra activities at school, everyone from elementry to high school knew Matt and he knew them! The great thing about Frostig is the kids watch out for each other and have empathy for each other. Social skills is an ever present challenge to these kids and Frostig works on that with kids, individually and in groups. They teach the kids to advocate for themselves. They teach the kids not everyone learns the same way and they find the optimal way for each individual child. The school has small classes, so they do not get lost/left behind. It is so easy to have contact with the teachers, staff and therapists on staff. Matt has now been able to play on thesports teams and this has made all the difference in the world for him. They have regular games, pep rally's, play offs, etc. He is thriving in a way we could have never expected. Our hearts are full when we look at this boy who was once a little kid from Romania, with so much baggage and a bleak out look. It took a school like Frostig who gave him a chance and that was all he needed! That is all most kids need! Frostig made our family whole again! read more

My son, who is in the high end of the autism spectrum, attended Frostig from 1st through 9th grade. Every teacher, teacher assistant, and service provider was fabulous. It was a life saver for him. He just graduated with a BA in Communications and clearly Frostig was a big step in this journey. I am so grateful to Frostig that I have served on its Board of Trustees for many years. Thank you Frostig. read more