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| - OK, I have to write a review because the other review was so mean it's hard to not say anything.
I haven't gone to Linden in a long time, but I did go there for 6 years, so I feel I have a bit of a perspective.
First of all, I don't have a "mental or learning" issue. The reasons I chose to go to Linden were vast and varied, but the main driving force to leave public school at that time was severe bullying. When I returned to mainstream public school in grade 11, I had already skipped one grade and ended up being fast-tracked another. I graduated with a 97% OAC average and went to U of T on scholarship, and this was in public school following my Linden education.
Did we have a wide variety of different kids from different backgrounds? Sure, it's an alternative school. That's what happens. Small classes attract people who are looking for more individual attention.
Of course, all schools have negatives. Linden does have a weird hiring system, I agree. I had fantastic teachers there, and I had crazy insane stupid teachers. Just the same as when I was in public school. The difference is that you're paying for the stupid teachers when you go to independent school, so it seems more important.
I have to say that the small classes also breed favouritism and the principals and teachers were never shy to show which students they liked best (usually those with parents who could provide financial or political support for the school). They have a terrible alumni program, so if you left and you weren't a "favourite", they never spoke to you again, which isn't good, because word of mouth is the most important marketing tool you can ever get.
I was glad I was there for grades 7 and 8. I got an extended childhood in an all-girls' environment. However, I wouldn't recommend it for high school, as it ill-prepares you for University.
I don't think a school should ever be criticized for helping kids with issues that mean they can't flourish in a regular school environment - that's just ignorant.
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