Once Upon a Time – Eric’s Story

A great education is more than just a fairy tale. 

Parent Eric B. told his story to CEAM.  Read how he successfully transferred his son to a better school.  Read his personal account below and then please consider making a donation to CEAM using the form that follows. Thank you!

My story is typical of many parents.  I painfully watched my child decline educationally as the years progressed.  I would be told by his teachers in Riverview Gardens that he is doing well and improving.  His grades hinted at the validity of what I was being told.  However, during the summer break, I would homeschool my child to prepare him for the upcoming school year.  This is when the truth would rear its ugly head.  He was not doing as well as declared.  In fact, he would often regress from the summer before.  I would then have to spend the next 2 to 5 weeks getting him back up to speed.  This has gone on for years.  The school says one thing, reality says another. 

Since he has transferred to the Mehlville school district, his attitude has greatly improved.  His grades are now based on reality, which gives me an accurate barometer on which to determine how much and where to help him.  I can foresee a time when he will be able to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer.  This would have never happened if he had stayed in Riverview.  Our biggest fear is leaving Mehlville if Riverview regains its accreditation, Our students should be allowed to finish their K-12 years in the districts we have chosen to transfer them to. I’m asking you to give us some peace of mind by offering permanency to my family and the families of the other 2500 plus students who left their unaccredited school districts.

What your donation dollars accomplish

Spreading the word about education reform by raising Public Awareness
Your support helps us reach more Missourians with our message of parental empowerment for education reform. We raise awareness through community events such as movie screenings, public forums, public presentations, social media and the Internet, public relationsand traditional media outlets.

Bringing people together through Grassroots Organizing
Your support enables the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri to be in communities where our experience and know-how can most benefit children and parents.

Help parents get at seat at the table through specialized training at Parent Academy
Your support enables us to reach more parents for our Parent Academy. Our training sessions take place in community gathering spots such as libraries, churches, and community centers. Parent graduates of our program then organize themselves and find ongoing support through chapters of the new Missouri Parent Union.

Parent training and financial assistance program for Special Needs Learners
No one feels the need for greater parental decision-making as much as the parents of special learners. Our staff can provide valuable training for parents of special learners when it comes to understanding their rights and navigating the IEP process. If a new educational environment is in the child’s best interest, CEAM’s financial assistance program occasionally can provide scholarships to fill the gaps in costs related to tuition and fees for special services.

Giving levels

You can join the CEAM TEAM with a donation of any amount. Here are some suggested giving levels to consider:

Champion of Change : Gifts of $5,000 or more

Scholar Superstar: Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999

Education Reformer : Gifts of $1,000 to $2,499

Choice Supporter : Gifts of $500 to $999

Excellence in Education : Gift of $100 to $499

Friend of CEAM : Gifts up to $99