NSSEO-Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization: Timber Ridge - Arlington Heights, Illinois

Miles S.

If you love your kid don’t send them here. If you “misbehave” staff you grab you by the arms and throw you in a padded room. And after you’re done “misbehaving” you have to write about what you did wrong and then the nurse checks your arms to make sure you’re okay. After one time I was joking with my friend and called him a dummy staff said “That’s not how we talk, apologize!” And I did then he said “I don’t know why anybody would want to be friends with you.” The same staff told me when I was choking to cover my mouth. And then I got lectured about germs. Once I was having a bad TWO days staff told me to calm down or they’ll call the ambulance to calm me down. Staff also denies everything bad. They tell us to be mature when they need to lead. Kids are also always fighting sometime verbal or physical and staff does nothing to prevent the fighting.

Pavel K.

Went here when I was in middle school. 2019 until 2021. I hope this review helps parents and students who are hesitant.

I would like to start off by saying that all of the staff and faculty are genuinely trying their best to make sure that they set their students up for success. It might not seem this way to the students, likely because they’re too young to understand, but they do end up realizing that everything that the staff did for them was for their own good. I still keep contact with some of the students I attended this school with, and the other day we all talked about how helpful the staff was.

The success of the students also really comes down to the students themselves. Because at the end of the day, the choices they make are THEIR choices. The staff can’t de facto guarantee the success of a student if a student doesn’t want to improve/work on themselves. Staff will give every effort they can to help, but it does ultimately come down to the student. After a while, depending on the home district and staff decision, a student would be able to begin the integration process (returning back to their home school) for good behavior, and for demonstrating that they have the readiness to be able to succeed in a general education environment. I began my integration in January of 2020 (6 months after I started attending Timber Ridge), but Covid unfortunately prevented me from fully integrating that year. The following school year, when I was in 8th grade, I started off integration with one class back at my home school in October of 2020, and over time I worked my way up and fully returned to my home school in May 2021.

If there are any students reading this review, y’all have got to realize that everyone on staff has been alive for longer than you and they know what flies in the real world and what doesn’t. The reason why they sometimes don’t let you do certain things or redirect you is because they don’t want you to get into more trouble, it’s all for your own good. As I already mentioned before, though it may not seem like it now, when you’re older you will realize that all of this was for your own benefit, and that the staff was on your side. And this is coming from someone who was in your shoes.

I am currently a high school senior, and I am planning to continue my education to help me obtain my dream career. A lot of this wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the staff. Timber Ridge staff, thank you!!

Samantha F.

I was hesitant to send my children to this school because of the reviews I read. I have two children who attend, and they are in their second year there. All y he staff I have interacted with have been compassionate and communicative, even at the worst times. I have seen my children grow and learn. My oldest feels safer than he ever did at his home school, and he has actually made friends.

Kathy Z.

Timber Ridge has been an amazing school for my son. He has grown so much since starting there towards the end of 2022. He has gained confidence, made friends, and has grown academically. ALL of the teachers and staff are wonderful. They are all so supportive of the students and it's a very family oriented environment. I could not have asked for a better school! They have made my son feel welcome and comfortable and he loves it at Timber Ridge. Mr. Wagrowski and Ms. Taylor and the rest of the staff are absolutely wonderful!

Matt

Absolutely terrible school. Went here in middle school and the experience was detrimental to my development. I can’t believe this place still is in operation and hasn’t been investigated. Seriously consider sending your child here.

Christopher P.

I have gone to the school. The staff swears at you they use. DCFS against you. They will throw everything that they have at you. If you don’t listen, they will grab you by your arms in throw you in a padded room. A teacher walked in a room. They have swearing at me in my other friends one time a kid got slapped by a teacher

Abshire

This school is better than what it was befor. There was a principal and a teacher whom were not the best. They have since moved on. The lady in the office Ms Cindy is awesome and so sweet. She knows me by name and face. School is awesome with working with kids whom have a range of behavioral issues.

Tammy K.

My 12 year old grandson goes has been in this school about 1 year and and hates it. From what he tells me this school should be under investigation for how staff treats the students. For some reason I don't understand, his mother says this is the only school he can attend. I guess whatever "program" he is in, this is the only school in a large district.