I attended Hyde in the 1990s. I was not a troubled teen, just a kid with self-esteem issues and…read morechildhood trauma. We were told it was a therapeutic program that would help build confidence. That turned out to be a bait and switch. After a summer challenge, I entered the school year expecting support. Instead, I found a brutal, one-size-fits-all system where questioning authority meant punishment. There was nothing personalized or healing about it. You either got in line or were labeled broken. The kids who conformed quickly were rewarded and are still, decades later, defending the place like it's a cult. The school's marketing included slogans about "character," "truth," and "brother's keeper," but it's all surface. The truth is that Hyde used emotional control and public shaming to keep students in line. And they called it growth. I've connected with others from my class through the recent lawsuit. We were all told we were the problem. Turns out the problem was Hyde. If you're a parent, look past the marketing. Ask why so many former students are speaking out. Notice that there are (at the time I've writing this) in addition to all the negative reviews Yelp is showing you, there are also 36 one-star reviews that are hidden because they're "not recommended," and something like 40 more one-star reviews removed because someone flagged them as being 'in violation of Yelp policy'. Long story medium, the overwhelming majority of reviewers here are warning you: do not send your kids to Hyde.

My parents sent me here over 15 years ago, and while I've gone on to build a successful career in…read morethe IT field within the government sector, I can say with complete honesty that none of that success came from this school. To me, this place felt more like a cult than an educational institution. In my experience, it was an abusive program. I still remember being harshly punished simply because I didn't report another student--someone I didn't even know--for having cigarettes. Even as a teenager, I knew it wasn't my place to police other students, but I was still placed on what they called "2-4." That meant being woken up at dawn and forced to run and work out until I threw up. At one point, they even made me use a sickle to cut grass that nobody would ever use--completely senseless. To top it off, they had us perform staged "presentations" for parents to make it look like the school was helping us. It was manipulative and deeply unsettling. If you truly care about your children, do not send them here.

My husband and I are first time parents and found ourselves desperate for help in the first few…read moreweeks home with our newborn. He wasn't sleeping much more than an hour at a time and we were really struggling. We reached out to Erin at MidCoast Village Doula and to our delight, she responded very quickly and was able to come the next day. Erin came and listened to us, our routine and concerns and gave us a general recommendations for new parents as well as a detailed email of suggestions, tips and tricks specific to our family and baby boy. She helped me with breastfeeding and so much more. Erin's warmth, kindness and support was so nice to have especially coming into our home and helping two sleep deprived and stressed parents. It truly takes a village and I cannot recommend Erin enough if you find your family needing support at any time during the beautiful and challenging process of bringing a little one into the world! Thank you, Erin!

I was signed up by my parents and got Pat Madden as my teacher for the classroom, Pat is a great…read moreguy and overall the school has definitely improved since they moved locations 10/10 would definitely recommend for driving school

Deceptive business practice. I paid $625 for my daughter to take drivers ed in May. She passed the…read moretest and we were told it could take a couple weeks for her to be scheduled with a driver. When two weeks passed we were told it could take up to four weeks for her to be "assigned" to a driver. When she was finally assigned a driver, it took another month for her to even have her first driving lesson with the instructor. The instructor has had to reschedule on us twice and her schedule only seems to be open once per week for availability (not counting the cancellations). The course and test are only good for 6 months and she will be required to retake it if the school does not give her the road hours she needs with an instructor. The school wants to place all blame on the driver but they are continuing to hold classes and take people's money knowing they do not have drivers available. They are not being upfront with parents and students about their severe lack of available instructors. NOTHING about this was in the contract. I would not recommend Roys to anyone. This has been horribly disappointing and frustrating for my teen. We have wasted the summer. She could have been practicing driving but has had to wait around hoping someone would call her for a lesson. BUYER BEWARE.

I am privileged to have known the owner of The Downeast School of Massage, Nancy Dail, for over 30…read moreyears. Maine is so lucky to have one of the great "legacy" school of massage, right there in a beautiful setting in Waldoboro, Maine. They built their school on their land, right on a lovely pond. It is an incredible place to learn with great, caring teachers, small classes with close, careful supervision, an extremely refined curriculum, and administered by one of greatest pioneers in our field, Nancy Dail! Check it out!

The Carpenter's Boat Shop offers lovely traditional wooden boats, classes, and apprenticeships in…read moreboatbuilding and woodworking - plus tea at ten every weekday morning. Most of all, it provides a quiet space out of the turbulence of life where you can breathe clear down to the center of your being. During the summer the Boat Shop offers a variety of week-long classes. The one I took guided us through the steps of building a Monhegan skiff, a small wooden rowing boat used by that island's lobstermen to get from the beach to their fishing boats. The traditional design is still preferred by many of them for its light weight and toughness. In the course of five days, our six neophyte boatbuilders (granted, one was a professional woodworker) and two instructors brought the skiff to about 90% of completion. The fully equipped shop provided us with materials, templates, and both hand and power tools; the instructors also taught us about different woods, knots, and the terminology of boats and woodcraft. Some of us boarded for the week in the Boat Shop's guest accommodations in a renovated farmhouse, enjoying private rooms and delicious family-style meals at a very reasonable cost. The day includes plenty of "down time" for reflection, and each meal ends with a reading to provide some nourishment for the mind as well as the body. For apprentices, sharing in the tasks and practices of common housekeeping builds a supportive community that alums describe with great affection. During daylight hours, visitors can tour the shops and display areas, and, of course, shop for traditional wooden rowboats, sailboats, and canoes - plus an original design of Adirondack chairs. The Boat Shop offers repair services for wooden small craft as well. I came to the Boat Shop to re-center and renew myself, to reconnect my head and hands. I found that and more, in just a week. I can only imagine the worth of a nine month apprenticeship. But if you haven't got that much time, there's always tea at 10:00 am. Or, of course, you can buy yourself a lovely boat.

Fantastic education with great quality of life. Made life long friends. If I could pick again I'd…read morepick Bates over and over.

Definitely a really good school academically. The students work diligently, the professors are…read moreimpressive. Limited amenities but access to food is A1. Didn't graduate but made some stellar friends

My experience with going back to school has been made a breeze. The staff here (especially Vicki…read moreRose-Siegel) has gone above and beyond to help me get on track. I cannot say enough positive things about the professors and support staff I have encountered at the Midcoast location.

This school is absolutely amazing! They are able to take youth that learn in different ways than…read morethe basic standardized methods. People learn in all different ways. Verbally, written or by seeing it. Maybe even a combination. They give youth the confidence they once lacked. The school system itself was lacking. Most of these youth were labeled as trouble makers or always Truent. They are not. They are some of the brightest youth! I went to Franklin before the program itself became more structured. It is an ever evolving program which is a good thing! I LOVED it! It empowered me to take control of my own education. I could leave if I wanted to,but I and I alone had to suffer the consequences. Mr. E is a name everyone knows as he was one of the people who began the program. He gave his all and was a true friend to everyone. We could call him anytime night or day. (Yes the teachers give the private numbers out so youth have a safe person to call,vent,go) it was truly an amazing place. Places like these need to be recognized more often and need more funding!!! Mr. Barrlow has taken over now. He was actually my math teacher when I went there. My daughter now goes and I know without a shadow of a doubt she is in good hands and will graduate with flying colors!