What Our Villagers Are Saying

“OH MY WORD!! HE FOUND SOMEONE WITH A COMMON INTEREST for the FIRST TIME in his LIFE!!!

They talked about about the "blackest black paint" which is featured on some YouTube channel that they apparently both love. He is SO GIDDY HAPPY he's like running around smiling "I can't believe I found TWO friends in this class!!!"

Jacqui

“To bring a 2e kid of his shell after 2 years is amazing. It shows that you all are indeed building a safe emotional and academic environment for him to be able to open up.

I'm finally free to move around and carry on with my chores because I know he's safe for the duration that he's attending your classes. No tears no frustration at all. I love how you give time for them to organise themselves as well during the class. It's exactly what needs.”

Jaimee

“I have never seen teachers with more passion, energy, and support than I have at Young Scholars Academy. I don't know how they do it. They are truly the best! These are the best teachers we've ever had!

Meagan

“The classes were the highlight of my son’s week. Every week he came out of that class in a better mood than he went into it. We only wish he didn’t graduate so he could take more!”

-Maurice

“I am so heartened that you sent this note. He watched his half with a big smile on his face and squeeled a little with happiness when it ended. :). I will be able to be there tomorrow to help with codifying his thoughts, if he'd like me to. We'll do some planning beforehand so he knows what his options are.

Thank you again, I truly appreciate your caring. Made me tear up a little. :)

Katherine

“I talked to Ben this week about why he loves YSA so much. His first answer didn't surprise me--the expertise and enthusiasm of the teachers. But the second reason deserves your attention because I feel like it's overlooked when people talk about this type of learning (high-quality online classes for bright kids) . . . Ben loves YSA classes because he and the other kids in the class WANT TO BE THERE.

I know that sounds obvious, but when you think about it, that key difference is really what makes the experience magical. I didn't experience learning like that until law school--all the way through high school I was surrounded by kids who were barely tolerating the forced experience. And even in college, many of my peers were there because their parents insisted, and/or they didn't have a better plan. The energy in the room in law school was so different because everyone truly chose to, and wanted to, be there. Even at age 10 Ben already recognizes that the buy-in from the kids makes a big difference.

Kim

“I have never seen teachers with more passion, energy, and support than I have at Young Scholars Academy. I don't know how they do it. They are truly the best! These are the best teachers we've ever had!”

-Crystal

“This whole year was just made so much easier knowing that ___ would be meeting with you. He loved what he learned and he loved going through his senior year with such a great group! Here’s to college!”

-Mark

“The classes were the highlight of my son’s week. Every week he came out of that class in a better mood than he went into it. We only wish he didn’t graduate so he could take more!”

-Lauren

“After my son’s first class he said that he wishes it was every day. That is a high honor coming from him!“

-Eve

“After my son’s first class he said that he wishes it was every day. That is a high honor coming from him!“

-Mike

“Young Scholars Academy is the only platform that I’m aware of that offers hands on robotics courses. My son is leaning into his interests thanks to Young Scholars Academy.“

Rhonda

“Hi Sam, Heard about YSA through Debbie Reber’s podcast. We’re grateful for what you’re working towards. My son is an all things tech kid. (I love how you pointed out that differently wired kids tend to humanities or tech. This seems true for our two.) He has taken the intro robotics, and is now signed up for level two with Mr. Salch over the summer. We love this place!!

Raquel

“My son and I really appreciate you and the class. Just wanted to say thank you and have a great summer.

Dani

“Sam, your podcast with Debbie Reber transformed my perspective on so many things. Whenever your name is mentioned in a Tilt Club zoom call, someone always raves about you. You are a true gift to parents of Differently Wired (and specifically for me 2E) kids - thank you! :-) your podcast with Debbie Reber transformed my perspective on so many things. Whenever your name is mentioned in a Tilt Club zoom call, someone always raves about you. You are a true gift to parents of Differently Wired (and specifically for me 2E) kids - thank you! :-)

Courtney

“We appreciate YSA so very much! Martin is having lots of “aha moments”. Last week, he spent an hour formulating his Social Studies study approach after the class and continued to work the process that you all introduced him to. After this week’s session, he stayed on course and watched the videos and made notes. Thank you!!!

Brooke

“I just wanted to say thank you for helping me get a 4 on my AP GOV test. Considering I would've gotten a negative score if I had studied by myself, you really pulled off a miracle. In all seriousness, you helped introduce me to a subject I knew nothing about and somehow made everything feel natural. I'm especially grateful as I'm just beginning my college search, and having all of the knowledge from your class, and this score, feels like a huge weight off my back.

Thanks again

Ace

“I SO ENJOYED listening to him from the other room yesterday. It was really wonderful to hear him so engaged in the topics you were talking about. He gave his grandfather a pretty good lecture on pathos, ethos and logos last night!

Melissa

“I just wanted to reach out to tell you what a wonderful week my daughter had in her Dino camp with Miss Anna last week. The group was perfectly small and the kids seemed well engaged! She was pretty disappointed when Friday rolled around so that was a great sign. Thanks so much for this past week. Please pass along my thanks to Miss Anna. We will definitely be back.

Jacquelynn

Please pass along to Jade that ____ LOVES his Thursday engineering class! I only saw the first class out of the corner of my eye and was so impressed with the way she responded to each child and held their attention. After that first class, he spent another HOUR building (with dry noodles) his other ideas that he had brainstormed.

Last night, I got home right when the second class was ending and ____was so excited to show me his brainstorms for his next building

project. He had written a list (which I know took great effort for him- yet the passion was there- so, he just did it!) and he knew just what he needed to complete it. We are so thankful to be able to enroll him this time around! Enjoy your weekend,

Audra

“ Before our YSA journey began things were really rough at our house. Lots of out of control behavior and zero solutions insight. Nothing we tried was helping long term. I had the tools but my daughter just didn't want to hear them from me. Then I found YSA just by chance. My daughter was hesitant especially since she didn't have a neurodiverse diagnosis (and still doesn't) or see why this community would benefit her. I knew this is where she needed to be (trust your gut). After one class she was hooked. She felt such a sense of relief that she wasn't the only one who saw things differently. She immediately felt a sense of community and support. I see her developing a higher self esteem and patience for others. She bounces back from overwhelming feelings versus a major blow up. Recently we were at a zoo and she initiated a conversation with a zoo employee. After she said, that was brave of me and outside my comfort zone but I did it. She had so much pride in that moment. I hope our story helps you find your path.

Lin

“Thanks again for your support, kindness and inspiration for

It is so valuable for our boys to see young adults who have truly "walked the walk" and achieved success, and followed their passions. It gives the boys hope as they don't get exposed to that reality in general. Although I know there's an entire world and community of people out there who are neurodiverse, happy and thriving....my boys don't get that perspective other than what we tell them. To have them experience classes like yours and mentors such as you means so much to us, and we appreciate the work you are doing! If you ever have any ideas you could share with about paths he could take or places to investigate (schools, people,

camps) who understand the bright and twice gifted community, we would always value your input.

Take care and many thanks-

Amber

“ Kate really enjoyed the content creator summer class and showed us her work - WOW! I'm amazed! She's very quiet until she knows someone for a long while, so to get from her what you did in only a week is a feat! Thank you!!!

Ali

“Steve is doing well in the two classes we signed her up for. Thank you for providing this space for her to grow. One of my favorite quotes so far I've heard her say was to Mr. Salch, "Why are there not more classes like this? Why was I just introduced to this now? and not earlier?!" (She's only 10! haha!)

Thank you for everything! We feel really lucky to be here.”

Mark

“Jeff was so happy after class. He kept saying, "Why am I so happy after Mr. Sam's class?" This morning he said, "I think it's because he's so positive. And he cares. And the kids there want to learn."

Amy

“My life was problematic and full of chaos. Once I started YSA, it made my life calmer and helps me practice social skills in different environments and at home. I feel braver in social situations and am all around happier. And I learn a lot!

Jennifer (student)

“She suddenly swooped in and started having a detailed conversation with the store owner regarding all things D&D; it was so fun to hear the two of them! She loves the game, and I know that a big part of the reason is that she has had the opportunity to connect with others around it through your amazing class. Her birthday is this week and I promised her that we will have a D&D =)

Aimee

“He ran down after class in a happy storm! You guys must have had fun!

Bill

“Hi Mr. Sam,

I just wanted to thank you for this class. My son Ryan said after his first class that he wishes it was every day. What a high compliment coming from him. He and his sister will see you this evening!”

Raquel

“Greg had the same response after class. His words with a huge smile: "Mr. Sam is amazing!" I honestly cannot believe he was willing to take the class. He usually pushes back hard when we talk about social skills and strategies. He gets embarrassed and feels so ashamed. Your method and your kind demeanor are a secret sauce. He is also the kid in class that never ever takes notes. He can usually remember everything that is said (his superhero nickname has always been 'the memorizer'), but he actually scribbled some things down last night. He is exhibiting some very strange, very positive behavior with learning online with you.

Shweta

“Today is Canada's Thanksgiving. I am grateful that Young Scholars Academy is working with my sons to be the best version of themselves!”

Sheila

“He loved it!!! He raved to us at dinner about all the things he learned. Thanks again.

Rachel

“Improv and homeroom are really great class picks for El! He really looks forward to them each week! It’s a highlight!

Stacey

“He had the same response after class. His words with a huge smile: "YSA is amazing!" I honestly cannot believe he was willing to take the class. He usually pushes back hard when we talk about social skills and strategies. He gets embarrassed and feels so ashamed.

Your program’s methods and kind demeanor are a secret sauce. He is also the kid in class that never ever takes notes. He can usually remember everything that is said (his superhero nickname has always been 'the memorizer'), but he actually scribbled some things down last night. He is exhibiting some very strange, very positive behavior with learning online with you.

-Daphne