MERISTEM

"Meristem expelled me because it would not accept me for my differences in opinions, and it also forced me to take down my old review. It has become too corporate nowadays, and the tuition still has not become less expensive. The school would not even allow me to visit campus to say my goodbyes to the friends and teachers I like, even though I left peacefully, and it even fired an employee simply because she cared *too much* about the students' well-being. The school does not treat its students like adults, because they may not play M-rated games. If you cease to do business with this place, it will treat you as if you were persona non grata. It is most disappointing that Meristem would treat me this way. This place treats its students no better than slaves to do its bidding, because it does not pay its employees well, so why not use the disabled students, who are looking to become independent and pursue their dreams in this otherwise dismal world, as free labor? The students' needs are never met, and changes affecting their lives on campus are made without any notice. New rules are made literally overnight. Dainna McArthur, Edmund Knighton, and Jonathon Finestone are the three biggest liars I have ever met, the third of whom wants the students to slave away at building him a chandelier for his mansion in Los Angeles. If any concerns are brought to their attention, they will merely say that they will consider them, but they most likely conveniently forget about them instead. Simply look at the cars belonging to the employees of the Business Office and Norton Hall, then look at those of the other employees. The gap between rich and poor is evident even here, in a place that claims to help the disabled find work. Several employees, some of whom must work two jobs to make ends meet, have also quit because they felt that they were not being listened to. The worst part is that the school plays favorites regarding the students. A school ought to treat its students equally, not play favorites. This has led to certain students wanting to quit. Some students who have left negative reviews in the past have been strong-armed into deleting them."

"This is an amazing program - unparalleled admin, staff, curriculum and campus. Everything is done with a specific philosophy in mind for their neurodiverse student body. The program has gone through some changes/grown since we've been there and has continued to strive for excellence with each new semester. Our young adult is thriving - making friends, learning skills, and taking on new challenges. We could not have imagined a better program. Highly recommend Meristem."

"I love it here while I was visiting Merristem. It's a great way to engage with peers and learn what not to do. I could see myself living there, I'd make a wonderful companion."

"This program has been transformative for my son. I have read a few of the bad reviews and they appear to be from angry individuals who did not get there needs met. I promise you the program really works if the student is open to growth and willing to try. It is a fairly young program so there is always fine tuning and learning to be had on both sides! We have seen not only independence and growth in our son but the program continually being willing to adapt to what the students needs are. My son went from hiding in his room playing videos game to going back to school, working a part time job, and interning with a Congresswoman! That is transformation! I credit Meristem and my son for working together to help him find his path in this crazy world."

"I have two young adult children who attend meristem and I am just so sad when I read bad reviews about this program because it is simply not fact. This program has helped my children greatly since their arrival. Immediately, we noticed a difference in their happiness and confidence levels. They have grown so much and they have become very productive during their time there. They have learned about blacksmithing, hot glass, fiber arts, survival skills, fencing, and other artisan skills... but they've also learned about building their socialization skills, event planning, and independence building things like cooking for themselves and others and doing household chores. I am proud of their progress this year and I know their growth will continue next year. No program is perfect in every way and there are many things that this new and innovative program is learning what works and doesn't and so they'll have growing pains, just like any other business establishing itself, but this is the best place for my sons at this point in their lives."