Confidence and Care: Graysons Story

When Grayson smiles, it travels all the way up his face. His cheeks rise, his eyes crinkle, and you can feel a carefree lightness around him. This is what we hope for our children: the ability to be a kid without carrying the weight of the world.

Before he arrived at Eagle Ranch, Grayson was carrying that weight. Each morning, he walked into school and felt like he was entering a battleground. For no discernible reason, Grayson was targeted by bullies. “They told me I should kill myself. It happened every single day,” Grayson recalled.

He would then sit in large classes where chaos reigned.

“I was in a big school, and there was a lot of anger there. The teachers had a hard time because they were overwhelmed with managing behavior,” he said. “It was hard to focus or get help. I felt like I was just learning what I needed to pass a test, not really understanding.” ‍

Eagle Ranch Day School ‍

To help relieve the pressure, Grayson’s family brought him for counseling at The Wings Center. Upon learning how much his experience at school was impacting his life, his counselor recommended Eagle Ranch’s Day School Program.

Grayson noticed an immediate difference. He was in class with nine or fewer peers. If something was confusing, his teachers could stop to explain. If he had a bad day, a counselor was available to talk through it. Subjects such as language arts, science and math are taking on new meaning as he deepens his learning and understanding.

“I really like the people here at the school. It’s a safer environment,” Grayson said. “It helps with your emotions and stuff, not having so many people around you. You’re actually able to talk about things, and it’s pretty impactful.”

The Eagle Ranch Day School Program extends beyond school to include family counseling and participation in a variety of Ranch activities, including Parent Insight Nights, basketball league, parent groups, peer groups and more.

Grayson noted that when he was struggling with his peers, his parents didn’t focus as much on his grades and academic performance. Now, through family counseling, Grayson is feeling more connected to his family and appreciates his parents holding him accountable.

“I feel like they are really trying and holding me responsible for my grades,” he said. “And I can receive that because I want togo to college and get a good job.”

With the weight lifted, Grayson can now look towards more than getting through each school day. He can see the hope and future of God’s promises.

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