Harbor School Testimonials
We are continually thankful to our families for entrusting their wonderful children to our care and remain inspired by their perseverance through life’s daily challenges. Below is a sampling of the outpouring from parents/guardians, and educational professionals pertaining to their satisfaction of the programs offered at the Harbor School of Eatontown, NJ. We are honored to help and have helped countless children from across a multitude of counties in New Jersey.
The atmosphere’s one of acceptance, and respect wrapped in love – centered around learning. Also, you can tell, feel, and see, the quality of the program the instant you go through the doors. — Mary E. (Parent)
I love the techniques used to deal with aggressive behaviors. A hands-off approach is most often use and that helps my son calm down and the situation is de-escalated. It takes good training and the patience of the right people to make the system work. — Marisa (Parent)
Harbor School has changed our lives. We have seen so many schools. We have attended a variety of schools. Harbor School is the first school that truly has seen the potential in Alex. They’ve brought out and Alex what no one could. Alex‘s grandmother’s exact quote is “they gave me my grandson back”. — Andrew G. A. (Parent)
We’ve been extremely happy with the experience at Harbor — in every way! Amazing staff and administrators! — Kyle B. (Parent)
When I was searching for a private school for my son the biggest concern was who could I trust my nonverbal behavioral son with. My son has severe autism and severe delays. I needed a strong dedicated team. I visited all the ocean and Monmouth County schools every one of them. I knew once I walked in the doors I could trust the staff. In the other schools, I did not feel that. I needed a school that was certified and qualified to take care of my son’s behavioral needs. Harbor School was the only school that explained their techniques and I love that they had a certified team just for that. Not just a BCBA. They have a system that works. I have seen tremendous growth in my son and plus he wants to go to school. Harbor School will never give up on your child. They will believe in your child just like you do. They want the best for you and your child. They are on top of their a game and the kids are never bored. And most of all they understand you don’t have to say a word they already get it. I go to sleep at night thankful and blessed for Harbor School!— Denise R. (Parent)
June 22, 2018
A personal note from Diana Adam (retiring social worker here at Harbor School)
As my last day is approaching soon ?, I just want to tell you how much I have enjoyed working with you and the rest of the Harbor School family all these years. You are honestly the best OOD school I work with. You and your staff are always professional and obviously care so much about the students and families. You always go the extra mile! Even scheduling meetings is so easy with Diane and Barbara and they are always helpful and accommodating.
It has been a true pleasure and I will miss you all,
Diane Adam, LCSW
School Social Worker
Keansburg School District
Why did you choose the Harbor School?
| “Looking endlessly for a program that fits the needs of our son. We visited Harbor and fell in love. Our son used to be belted in a chair at times, here he uses motion with a purpose and loves his teachers and friends.” Harbor School Parent • K. Benedit | ||
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| The overall warmth of the staff. The children are genuinely loved here. The teachers and therapists are very knowledgeable. Sarah and I were very relaxed during our initial orientation. I have a lot of input regarding her education.” Harbor School Parent • D. Meader | ||
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| I choose Harbor because everyone seemed friendly and enthusiastic. They really cared about the kids. There were a lot of opportunities for growth. Very positive atmosphere.” Harbor School Parent • L. Choborda | ||
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| When I walked into Harbor the very first time after visiting Middletown and Children’s in Ocean, I immediately knew/felt that Harbor was the school for Molly.” Harbor School Parent • T. Addeo | ||
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| We were welcomed into the school like family, which was important when Meg was only 3. After that we felt like equal partners in finding and doing what was best for her.” Harbor School Parent • M. Riegelman | ||
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| We chose Harbor School not only for the personal education for our student but for the administration and staffs ability to recognize each child’s learning style and potential. It was, and still is , important for our child to be recognized for his own accomplishments. It was the closest setting of a “typical” school and provided as normal and learning environment as we could hope for.” Harbor School Parent • H. Ferguson | ||
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| The director and staff are always accessible and always available at any time.” Harbor School Parent • J. Kratzer | ||
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How would you describe the atmosphere?
| “Wonderful! The staff is the best, most of all the aides are the same where as in our other school they came and went. Thomas is lucky to have such amazing people around him all day. Our move to Harbor was the best ever.” Harbor School Parent • K. Benedit | ||
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| “The overall warmth of the staff. The children are genuinely loved here. The teachers and therapists are very knowledgeable. Sarah and I were very relaxed during our initial orientation. I have a lot of input regarding her education.” Harbor School Parent • D. Meader | ||
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| “Very happy and upbeat one big family.” Harbor School Parent • L. Choborda | ||
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| “Nurturing and one-of-a kind. Every teacher, teachers’ aide/assistant, head office and one-on-one is dedicated to the children like no place else I have ever seen.” Harbor School Parent • T. Addeo | ||
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| “Warm, welcoming, caring, positive and fun.” Harbor School Parent • M. Riegelman | ||
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| “The atmosphere at Harbor School is one of warmth and acceptance. Combined with loving discipline to let each student know they are valued and important.” Harbor School Parent • H. Ferguson | ||
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| “Intimate, friendly and secure, well organized and the children/students come first!” Harbor School Parent • J. Kratzer | ||
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What is the main thing you would want other parents to know about the Harbor School?
| “It was hard to think of change but we did it for Thomas. He is advancing wonderfully. The staff is top-notch and we have them to thank you for the amazing progress we see in our son day after day. Try it you’ll like (love) it.” Harbor School Parent • K. Benedit | ||
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| “Bigger and newer isn’t always better. Experience and warmth matter most. Other schools have a high turnover rate with their staff, not here at Harbor. That speaks volumes!” Harbor School Parent • D. Meader | ||
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| “Harbor is run like a regular school. The children have art, gym, music. dance. There are special clubs etc. The staff cares about and encourages all the children to do the best they can be it is a very warm, safe and friendly environment.” Harbor School Parent • L. Choborda | ||
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| “One has to truly experience Harbor to truly understand its unique qualities and abilities to meet the needs of our children. It is a remarkable place.” Harbor School Parent • T. Addeo | ||
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| “Harbor uses the IEP as a baseline, but then provides whatever program/therapy is needed for each child, whether it is written into the IEP or not.” Harbor School Parent • M. Riegelman | ||
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| “Unlike public education where there is a potential for being ostracized or bullied, the Harbor School provides an environment that fosters student acceptance. While there are obvious differences within this population, each student is encouraged to recognize and respect one another. This makes Harbor School a wonderful place for a complete education for a student with special needs.” Harbor School Parent • H. Ferguson | ||
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Describe in a few words how you felt during the first few minutes of your visit to Harbor School?
| “I was comfortable right away.” Harbor School Parent • Melissa Rafanello | ||
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| “Welcomed; included in the process; every single staff member gave us a feeling that our daughter was in the best hands! And it’s true”! Harbor School Parent • Kelly Senkeleski | ||
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| “I remember how warm and welcoming staff were and how happy the children seemed. It was a feeling like we finally found ‘the one’.” Harbor School Parent • Danielle Matarangelo | ||
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What were your impressions of the staff that you met?
| “I was impressed with how friendly everyone was and how long much of the staff had been at Harbor.” Harbor School Parent • Melissa Rafanello | ||
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| “Absolutely outstanding; the staff at Harbor School know everything about their student and put 110% to learn about every child and their needs.” Harbor School Parent • Kelly Senkeleski | ||
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| “Staff was attentive and respectful toward the children. Treated them as I wanted my child to be treated.” Harbor School Parent • Danielle Matarangelo | ||
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Why did you choose Harbor School over other schools that you visited?
| “I knew almost immediately that Harbor School was it for my daughter. It was a feeling.” Harbor School Parent • Melissa Rafanello | ||
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| “We saw 3 schools; Harbor School provided the academic rigor, guidance, staff ratio and environment best suited for my daughter” Harbor School Parent • Kelly Senkeleski | ||
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| “Other schools had children on bean bags with pillows propping bottles to feed them. There was very little interaction with staff” Harbor School Parent • Danielle Matarangello | ||
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Here are some heartfelt/personal letters from parents
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We cannot adequately express our appreciation for all the care you give and all the compassion that you have for our daughter. Your constant devotion that she should progress is astounding. It is unbelievable how much she has gained in the last few months from all your constant plans that you have implemented to guide her. She feels great about herself and really loves going to school every day. Without your supervision over her, it would not have been possible to send her to Harbor School. This was the first time she came for the entire holiday meal as she was able to act appropriately. | ||
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My name is Mary Ferguson and I am currently the secretary for Harbor School’s PTA. My husband Hugh and I are the very proud parents of Connor. Connor is 19 years old and has attended Harbor School since he was 4. Our experience here has been exceptional. Connor came to the school with minimal language skills and inappropriate behaviors. We chose Harbor school not only for the special education our son required but also for the dedicated teachers, aides and support staff’s ability to create a safe learning environment for him. Everyone at Harbor School exhibits the ability to recognize each student’s individual learning style and create an environment to help each child meet their personal potential. In 2013, Harbor School added an afterschool program entitled “Social Skills” created by Lance Halpern. The addition of this social component has been a tremendous experience for Connor. Working with local graduate students has given our son the opportunity to model appropriate social behaviors not only in the classroom but out in the community as well. This atmosphere has allowed Connor to flourish into the happy, bright and kind young man he is today. My husband and I chose Harbor School 15 years ago because it was the closest setting of a “typical” school that would allow Connor to receive an education in the most appropriate and least restrictive environment. It has been a very successful experience and we would recommend this school to any parent needing to find an outstanding special education program for their child. | ||
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My name is Esther Pruscino. My husband and I are the proud parents of 2 boys, Angelo Jr., and Luke Daniel. Angelo is 16 years old and Luke is 12. Our son Angelo has attended Harbor School since December 2014. The progress Angelo has made since he started at Harbor School is undeniably noticeable. Our experience with Harbor School has been outstanding. Angelo has progressed at a rapid rate since he started attending this school. The teachers and support staff are not only experienced and knowledgeable, but also caring and friendly. We feel this is an extended family and are happy Angelo feels comfortable coming to this school. Harbor School is preparing our son to live a meaningful life by allowing him to express himself and at the same time teaching him ways to become more independent and productive within the community. Harbor School provides our son Angelo with the least restrictive environment where he can grow and flourish intellectually, develop friendships, and learn life skills in order to prepare him for the future. In addition, Harbor School has provided an opportunity for Angelo to participate in many sports, art, musical plays, and field trips. This school goes above and beyond to provide a balance of academic learning, vocational training, and recreational / leisure time. The special education Harbor School has provided to our son gives us the confidence and assurance he is in good hands. Last but not least, I am honored to serve as a member of Harbor School PTA board and be able to assist with their efforts to provide support to students and staff in many different ways. It has been a pleasure being part of the Harbor School family.
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“I am the mother of nine children, two natural born and seven adopted. Being a mother, I want the very best of what life has to offer my beloved children: my priceless treasure…my truest gifts. As you know I have two profoundly disabled children. I don’t say this despairingly, or hopelessly. I look upon their special needs as a challenge for them to overcome difficulties in life and achieve milestones like everyone else… Continue reading the full letter here.
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