Inside the Spectrum Program: What They Don't Want You to Know…read more To the parents of New Roads School, I'm writing this because no one else will. Not the smiling admissions staff. Not the polished emails. Not the teachers who know something's wrong but look the other way. This isn't easy to say--but it needs to be said. Because what's happening in the Spectrum program is not care. It's not support. It's quiet, systematic harm dressed up as help. And it broke me in ways I'm still trying to undo. In middle school, I was diagnosed with autism. When I got into New Roads, I was placed in Spectrum. My family was told it was a safe space--a nurturing environment tailored for students like me. I believed them. I wanted to believe them. But not long after I started, I was re-evaluated. Turns out, I wasn't autistic after all. But that didn't matter. By then, I was already locked in--trapped under Elisa Schultz's watch. Once you're in, Spectrum doesn't let go. You don't "exit" the program--you disappear into it. It wraps itself around your life and convinces you that you need it, even when all it's doing is making you smaller. At first, I tried to play along. I was named grade-level ambassador. I met with new families. I made speeches. I wanted to believe I was helping build something good. But eventually, I did what Elisa can't stand--I told the truth. I started asking questions. I stood up for students who felt powerless. I spoke too loudly, too clearly. So they got rid of me. I was replaced quietly, like I'd become an inconvenience. But the worst moment came later--when a classmate I cared about came to me in tears. Elisa had called her a disgusting, sexist name--something that would get anyone else fired. We made the decision to speak out. And the moment we started talking, five staff members closed in on us. Not figuratively. They surrounded us. Physically. Like security guards. They told her it never happened. Over and over, until her hands were shaking and she started questioning her own memory. I stood there watching someone I admired unravel in real time. And I knew: this wasn't a "program." This was something darker. During COVID, I had a bad allergy flare-up. I stepped out of class to blow my nose in the hallway because I didn't want to disturb anyone. The Tesla classroom was right next to the bathroom. I wasn't sneaking off. I wasn't doing anything wrong. Elisa exploded. She screamed at me in front of everyone. Berated me for not blowing my nose in front of the class. As if I had broken some sacred, unspoken rule. I was embarrassed. I was sick. I was trying to handle my body and my space with some dignity--and she crushed that in one moment. No kindness. No understanding. Just public shame. What kind of "support program" does that? Spectrum charges over $13,000 a year on top of tuition. That money doesn't go toward student wellbeing. It goes toward building a system that punishes independence and feeds on fear. They don't care if you were misdiagnosed. They don't care if it's hurting you. They care about keeping your family's money. And your silence. There are others like me. I've spoken to six students--at least--who had stories like mine. Some gave me permission to speak. Most are too scared. That should tell you everything. Parents, you're being sold a lie. And it's packaged beautifully--with buzzwords, learning plans, and emotional jargon. But behind the curtain is something toxic. Something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Ask the questions they don't want you to ask. And when they try to talk around it, listen to what they're avoiding. This program nearly broke me. I'm writing this because I refuse to let it keep breaking people in silence. - A former Spectrum student who refuses to stay quiet

Our two high schoolers are thriving at New Roads. The teachers are excellent and caring, the class…read moresizes are small, and most importantly, they are learning not only academics but how to work toward a better world.

Unfortunately, this school is a mess. It's fine if you don't need anything however, if you need any…read moresupport in the school is non-responsive for extended periods of time like three months or until the summer comes then they're gone for the summer or winter break or Thanksgiving break or whatever break they can use as an excuse, even though you've been trying to reach them for 90 days prior to the break. The front desk office is rather rude and dismissive. Overall, the principles are non-responsive. The staff in numerous grades is non-responsive and their mouth department is beyond poor. Some of their leads, for instance, for sixth grade are unbelievably dismissive and uncaring. If you were a child is advanced by nature and does not need any support in any way, you might be fine, but if you need any support in any way from this school, good luck. The only time I've noticed other parents have gotten the response that they need is by actually suing the school.

This school & its principal Sharon Weir is beyond horrible. They treated my daughter and myself…read morewith the utmost disrespect. Their policies are illegal and they refused to abide by LAUSD standards. Thankfully i moved my daughter to Palisades Charter HS so she could actually learn and be treated with respect. Avoid this school so that your child can actually learn & thrive!

Saint Sebastian School is a wonderful school for all of students. First, all of teachers are nice,…read morepassionate and professional. They always give kids a warm hug when they need it. Second, the team of the school is the best. A younger and responsible principal, the helping front desk, the best teacher and other nice staff. My daughters like to study here and really enjoy the day of school. So I sincerely recommend this school for everyone. Let's join the great community.

My daughter has been attending for three years and we love the school and the staff. My daughter…read moreloves her friends. The small community is a plus.

I'm still here with my younger children and honestly the school has lost its magic. It was a domino…read moreeffect starting with the influx of more private school families moving over to Richland with their entitled behavior, then Covid, then a few families with insanely litigious approach to dealing with the staff not meeting their demands. The principal and coordinator both quit because the families became just too much to deal with. We lost a lot of truly wonderful teachers. Now we have a principal who is rude and oblivious and always defensive. She's all talk and no action and has no energy whatsoever. Our former principal, who granted had some shortcomings as well, was such a positive presence on campus. He engaged with families and students in an upbeat and excited manner every day. I wasn't his biggest fan, but the environment that he fostered was really special. We felt like we had a voice. Like he cared what the parents thought. This new principal acts like we as parents are always in the way or annoying her or doing something wrong. She doesn't remember anyone who isn't constantly kissing her behind. I've had many face to face conversations with her and she still never knows who I am or who my children are. We used to be welcome on campus, it was such a warm and loving environment. Now you have to jump through a thousand hoops to get approved to volunteer and for some reason only the select few parents get approved.

No longer a neighborhood school. Terrible communication on the transition leaving many students and…read moreparents scrambling to figure out alternatives and options.

For the love of your child, i beg you don't bring them here. I am a class of 2026 student, I…read moregraduate in 3 days. (June 10) Number 1- They're broke. They ask parents to pay for everything, like sports games, theatre shows, Had to pay 340$ for grad nite, and 130 (since i had senior package) but without it went from 150-200$ for prom. Another thing, they only care about attendance like another person said here years ago. They started to threaten us saying "no more than 7 absences or you can't walk the stage" I'm sure they're bluffing since majority of us seniors don't have 96% of atttendence. Plus they started that policy this year. Another thing, they lack school spirit. The school is dirty, the bathrooms get locked randomly throughout the day, there's no group or school life anything. It's just dreadful. Lastly, the teachers they have are horrible. Now, their teachers can be some of the most rudest. And they don't care even if you report them they don't face consequences. These teachers will listen how u had trauma and couldn't turn in an assignment in time and they'll tell you not to let it happen again. there's so much i wanna say but i can't stand this school. I just wanna say please don't let your child take ap english literature senior year, that class is bad. So is drawing because of Ms. I, and algebra 2 with Ms. M.

Great amenities try the stream on a sunny day. History of…read morehigh academics sports and educational innovation .The Collins/Katz YMCA is a big bonus

Visited Windward School for a football game and had a great time. The field and facilities are…read moretop-notch, clean, and well kept. I was up top during the game, and the view was excellent. The entire experience was smooth and well organized. Windward has a beautiful campus and a great atmosphere.

I was invited to watch Thursday basketball league game. Clean school. Nice gym…read more Security guard was present. Easy parking.

The teachers are wonderful. The administration cares for money more than your child so if you're…read morenot very wealthy don't bother coming here. They make you feel all warm and fuzzy when you apply then completely ignore you when real issues arise. Sad reality of the westside of LA but trust me when I say that your money is far more important to them than you or your child and their "love of community" is giant lie. Very disappointing.

From the owner: We provide an unparalleled educational experience rooted in Jewish values – inspiring innovative…read morethinking, empowering responsible leadership, and honoring individuality within a nurturing community.

Our experience working with the Learning Encounters team has been truly wonderful. While we are not…read morecompletely done with our school exam and application preparation, Valerie, Sam and Pam have been so supportive, flexible and motivating for our daughter. In fact, our daughter actually enjoys the process because of their kindness, patience and skill building expertise. As we continue to navigate the limitations COVID-19 has placed on the testing and application process, Valerie is always willing to help us fit tutoring into our daughter's schedule (and on her evolving needs). It's evident that Learning Encounters truly cares about its students and parents as they make a personal investment in each student's success. Thank you Valeria, Pam and Sam. -Amy S.

Hidden gem. Valerie has her heart in the game, and the proof was in the pudding for us...my…read moredaughter's ISEE scores improved 2-3 points after a 12 week group tutoring session. Highly recommend.