Briefly, we noticed a lack of collaboration with parents regarding concerns and issues. Constructive criticism was not well received by the administration, and that resulted in a lack of professionalism on their part. The administration did apologize later for their behavior, but it was a disappointment.

PP -- would you be willing to share more specifics about your experience?

I agree - a visit to the school is helpful. But, a visit is just a snapshot of a school's environment. Truly, due diligence is required. Yes, some parents have had a wonderful experience with The Diener School and some have not. My child attended The Diener School a while back. I was very disappointed with the administration. My best advice is to be careful, understand and question the dynamics of the school's environment, administration, teacher qualifications, collaboration with parents/outside therapists/consultants, etc. In all likelihood, you'll hear the standard appropriate answer/response, but whether or not that actually happens is quite another. In my opinion, given the tuition $, a parent should receive the best education for their child without a hassle from the administration, a lack of collaboration, lack of professionalism, etc. One is more than aware of the stressful experiences with IEPs and public schools, but this shouldn't be the case or experience with a private school especially given the hefty cost of tuition. Good luck in your search.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP, it might have been better if you had started a new thread. I was reading through these thinking the previous posts were from March of 2013 but these are from over a year ago.

Since then, the founder of the school is moving on and the admissions director and co-founder has been named the new head.

Thank you. I tried but I didn't get much info before. thanks again

I think that most of the parents there really love the school. It is a really special place and my child felt very loved and protected there. Of course, there are some families who were/are unhappy but that happens at every school. My child was ready to move on to a more challenging environment and I credit Diener for getting him there. The best way to learn about the school is to visit.

Anonymous wrote:PP, it might have been better if you had started a new thread. I was reading through these thinking the previous posts were from March of 2013 but these are from over a year ago.

Since then, the founder of the school is moving on and the admissions director and co-founder has been named the new head.

Thank you. I tried but I didn't get much info before. thanks again

PP, it might have been better if you had started a new thread. I was reading through these thinking the previous posts were from March of 2013 but these are from over a year ago.

Since then, the founder of the school is moving on and the admissions director and co-founder has been named the new head.

woah. Just wanted to revive this thread and ask any current diner parents what they think of the school.

15:26 again. In response to the immediate pp, I just want to reiterate that anyone with a true interest in the school call the school and ask to talk to Jillian, the founder and executive director or Lois, the head of admissions. They can and will address all of your questions and concerns and can put you in touch with parents of current students.

I have a good friend who was a teacher there. From the very beginning I heard some pretty horrible stories about the ADMIN & owner. Too many ridiculous stories to go into but it seems that the school from the top is a mess.

If it's your only option vet it and turn over every stone. Check the qualifications of all involved-- Including the ADMIN who was previously a dolphin trainer.

@ 15:26 Since Diener began, not specifically last year, some very good teachers and teaching assistants have left. As I think you said (not sure who is who!), that is typical in a small business. Not always great for the students , but it happens...

15:26 here. Agree with 21:28 but just want to clarify a couple of points. I am aware of two teachers who were fired this year -- again, administration should be applauded and thanked for only wanting the best for our kids. Truthfully, I am not aware of any great teachers having left at the end of last year (my memory may be fuzzy, though). All I can say is that the teachers who are there now are awesome and I am grateful that the school continues to grow and change as necessary. Again, if anyone has any concerns, I encourage you to call the school and talk directly to the executive director, the upper or lower school heads or the admissions director.

Chiming in on postings about teachers. slander means telling something false. many teachers have been fired which should be applauded. Some very good teachers also seem to be leaving every year which shocks some parents. The poster was not saying anything slanderous. The classroom teachers are dedicated to the students. The poster wasnt disputing the dedication of the classroom teachers.

Another Diener parent here and I do have to say that a couple of teachers have left during this school year. The other Diener parent pp may not be aware of this. A small amount of turnover is inevitable with any business, especially one that is growing. Sometimes it is impossible to know whether a person will be a good fit based on interviews. I actually applaud the Diener administration for making tough calls in the best interests of the students. I agree with the other Diener parent pp that the school is an amazing place. If anyone has specific questions about this topic, I suggest that you call the school directly for an explanation.

To the poster that claims teachers and staff are leaving Diener --Not sure why the need to slander an amazing school and I use the word slander because as a current parent I can tell you that this is completely untrue. The staff is committed to the school and its mission and has a very unique curriculum focused at helping kids to help themselves so they can move on to less restrictive environments. I am sure there are other good programs out there and I think that each parent should check out a number of schools to find out the right fit but I can assure you there are no turnover issues at Diener and the staff is amazing.

Also look at Auburn.