Some of our kids come in with negative associations about school. McLean starts from a place of ‘what are your strengths?’ and that sets a tone that fosters confidence, trust, and success.

I think of McLean as the Navy Seals of Educators. It truly innovates a better model of how you would build a school from scratch using what is today known about what does and doesn’t work in education, human development, and real-world success.

At first I didn’t want to change schools but it didn’t take me very long to make new friends because people are so nice. The teachers don’t get frustrated if I’m confused, they want to help me. It’s way better.

Everyone at this school, or any school, has some kind of a challenge AND something they are amazing at. When I look around my classroom I know that there are some students who are in an advanced math class and some students who are great at reading. Every single one of us has a talent inside.

Teachers here don’t judge you. They take time to work with you on a personal level and help you be a better learner. I now know what I need to be a successful student when I go off to college.