Heroic Potential Achieved Daily

Learning at the leading alternative school in Akron, each S.U.P.E.R. Learning Center student demonstrates heroic abilities. Each student has made great strides in his or her academic and social skill sets. Our role is to individually assist each student in reaching his or her heroic potential every day. And every day, we celebrate our students' heroic achievements. While our heroes probably won't save someone from a burning building or rescue a kitten stuck in a tree anytime soon, you never know, they just might. And we feel that no other alternative school in Akron understands and celebrates potential quite the same. The case studies below demonstrate the type of heroic transformations S.U.P.E.R. Learning Center works with our students every day to initiate.

In order to protect their identities, the names of our heroes below have been changed.

Jimmy
One 16-year-old S.U.P.E.R. Learning Center student hadn't spoken to anyone for several years. Jimmy internalized traumas that happened earlier in his life and was unable to express his thoughts and feelings verbally. Other schools came to the conclusion that he'd never speak again. At S.U.P.E.R., Jimmy was respected and valued by his teachers and accepted by his peers. He could be himself. He wasn't bullied or picked on. His differences were celebrated. One magical day in the lunchroom, Jimmy looked down at his shirt and uttered a simple word that now has special meaning to everyone at S.U.P.E.R. Learning Center, "Puh-puh-purple." The fact that Jimmy spoke literally stopped the entire cafeteria in its tracks. You would have thought, with all the cheering, that one of the Cleveland Indians hit a home run to win the seventh game of the World Series. Jimmy has since spoken every day. Jimmy's heroic achievement serves as an inspiration to S.U.P.E.R. students. If Jimmy can do it, so can they.

Michael and Robert
These brothers had a habit of constantly arguing, and we're talking more than the typical daily sibling spat here. Michael, the elder brother and a student at Faith Christian Academy, often got frustrated with Robert, an autistic student at S.U.P.E.R. Learning Center. Michael wasn't really sure of how to handle and react to certain behaviors and actions of Robert. While studying at Faith Christian Academy, Michael watched how S.U.P.E.R. Learning Center teachers and counselors handled other students with autism, and at times how they responded to Robert. Michael learned valuable methods for improving the day-to-day relationship with his brother. Today, of course, there is still an occasional sibling-rivalry episode every now and again. But Michael's heroics have helped him see eye to eye with his brother and better settle their differences.

Brendan
On a wintry Friday morning, Brendan's favorite teacher was ill. Upon arriving at school, Brendan was most upset to find that he wouldn't be able to see her that day. He began growling and demonstrating his anger and frustration for everyone to see. When the substitute teacher approached him to discuss the day's assignments Brendan slapped the substitute across the face. Other S.U.P.E.R. staffers quickly grabbed Brendan's favorite puppet, Garfield the Cat. They began to communicate with Brendan through the puppet, got to the root of his anger and frustration, and Brendan was able to channel his anger to a more positive response. Brendan heroically apologized to the substitute, got back to his studies, and even answered several questions in class that day, setting a good example for other students.

Stephanie
A non-traditional S.U.P.E.R. Learning Center student, Stephanie suffered from cerebral palsy. She couldn't attend classes at the center due to her physical limitations. So, S.U.P.E.R. went to Stephanie and practiced our unique, individualized teaching regimen right in Stephanie's parents' garage. After years of lacking self-esteem about her physical and cognitive learning disabilities, S.U.P.E.R. helped Stephanie bring out her best enabling her to achieve her potential and become a functioning, valuable member of society. Stephanie is a standout employee at a local library, and she heroically takes time out of her personal schedule to volunteer with others who have physical disabilities and special learning needs.

William
One day when the Barney DVD he wanted to watch was not still at S.U.P.E.R. Learning Center, William got extremely upset. His teacher had returned the DVD to the library the day before, and William began throwing other DVDs at his teacher in protest because he couldn't get what he wanted. William's teacher patiently calmed him down, listened carefully to his concerns, and respectfully explained to him that another Barney DVD would be coming the next day. In a heroic moment, William hugged his teacher, quietly got back to his studies, and learned a valuable lesson about patience and respect that day.

Justin
Justin came to S.U.P.E.R Learning Center with pure hatred for the world and everything in it. Claiming to be an atheist, this teenager vocally expressed his hatred toward God, his fellow students, and his teachers and counselors. One day, Justin asked for a private moment with his teacher. He said, "I came here with so much anger and hatred. I didn't believe there was a God. Now, I believe there is definitely a God, because I see Miracles happen here every day. I see kids who can't eat, learn to feed themselves. I see kids who won't say anything, open up and talk. I see kids who cannot learn, improve their learning skills. For the first time in years, I feel like a person again." The everyday activities at S.U.P.E.R. Learning Center helped Justin adjust and feel like part of a group again. Heroically, Justin is now the student who's the first to help others in need and has transformed into a real role model.

Contact S.U.P.E.R Learning Center today for a private consultation on how the leading alternative school in Akron can help your child reach his or her highest potential.