Homework sessions filled with tears. Hours spent on assignments that seemed impossible. Heartbreaking comments from a child who felt he wasn’t as smart as his peers. This was life for Katrina and Eugene Paulk and their son, TJ, before finding Roberts Academy.
For families like the Paulks, the struggles of navigating traditional classrooms with a child who learns differently can feel overwhelming.
“Homework time was the worst experience,” Katrina said. “We spent hours trying to get his work done, and he was so discouraged every day. He would say, ‘The other kids in my class can read, and I’m just not smart.’”
Keep reading to learn more about the Paulk’s journey to Roberts Academy.
The Paulks knew their son needed more—something a standard classroom couldn’t provide. “I was searching for a school where teachers had specialized skills to help my child learn,” she said.
After hearing about Roberts Academy on the news, she saw hope. At the time, TJ was still undergoing testing for dyslexia, but Katrina could no longer watch him struggle. “After his first two weeks of second grade, I decided enough was enough. I applied to Roberts Academy because I knew he needed this opportunity.”The warm, supportive environment at Roberts Academy was evident from the start. Katrina vividly remembers how quickly Ms. Grove, the Academy’s student support specialist, reached out after she began the application process.
“I started the application on Sunday, and she called me the very next day,” Katrina shares. “She was so accommodating, and when TJ visited the school, he absolutely loved it. The atmosphere, the kindness of the staff, and how Mrs. Wood took time to personally talk with us—it all stood out.”
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Since joining Roberts Academy, TJ has experienced a remarkable transformation. His confidence has skyrocketed, and his attitude toward learning has completely shifted.
“He comes home with a smile and excitement,” Katrina said. “Homework is no longer a battle—it’s fun. He’s proud of what he’s learning and isn’t afraid to make mistakes. He even leads our homework sessions now, and I’m the student!”
The changes in TJ have rippled throughout the Paulk family. “Our stress levels have disappeared,” Katrina shares. “We have more family time, and I no longer feel like I’m constantly badgering him. It’s given us our family back.”
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Not only has TJ made tremendous academic progress, but he’s also thriving socially.
“He confidently reads words aloud, calls out prices in stores, and gets so excited when we pull up to school. He loves spending time with his friends and talks nonstop about his classmates.”
For families considering Roberts Academy, Katrina offered this advice: “This school gives your child the opportunity to learn and thrive in an environment where skilled teachers truly care about each student and their success. It’s a life-changing experience for the entire family,” she said.
Roberts Academy has done more than help TJ succeed in school—it’s given the Paulk family the gift of time and joy. “Now, he has time for homework, play, and his parents,” Katrina said. “Roberts Academy has given us our family back.”
If your family is searching for a place where your child can thrive academically and emotionally, schedule a tour at Roberts Academy today.
During your tour, see our mission in action, meet our caring and experienced faculty, and explore our innovative classrooms.
Located in Macon, Georgia, Roberts Academy is Georgia’s only school for children with dyslexia outside of Metro Atlanta.
The Academy uses the Orton-Gillingham Approach – an evidence-based way of teaching reading, writing, and spelling proven to work for students who face the learning challenges often associated with dyslexia.
Because all children who attend the Academy have a dyslexia diagnosis, students feel an instant sense of belonging. This sense of community, combined with academic success, quickly leads to improved confidence and self-esteem.
Students can attend the Academy until they have mastered the skills to accommodate their learning differences and are prepared to succeed in a traditional classroom setting.
Discover Roberts Academy at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia!