I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Racquel Ward and her team for nearly 10 years, both as a a parent and as a colleague. I first met her when my daughter was moving into first grade and was having a very difficult time with some of the foundations. As soon as my daughter met Racquel, she started to transform! Within just a few sessions, we could see that Racquel’s teaching strategies, along with her incredibly warm and encouraging personality, was helping her so much! My daughter is now a 5th grader and in the highest reading level of her class and we owe it all to Racquel. Racquel also supported my son, who is highly gifted, by coming up with incredibly interesting projects that helped him manage the transition into at home learning. Last but not least, I have collaborated with Racquel with several clients (I am a child psychologist) and have seen their self-confidence bloom under Racquel’s guidance. I can’t recommend her highly enough!!! She is now a part of our family.

Dr. Wendy Denham, Psy. D Child Psychologist 

I have been fortunate to work in collaboration with Racquel and she truly stands apart. Her observational capacity, skill, and deep investment in the children and families she works with is incredibly valuable. She is clearly passionate about her work and has a strong ability to connect with even more “challenging” kids. She goes above and beyond, and is an exceptional part of any child’s team.

Dr. Jennie E. Green, Psy. D. Clinical Psychologist

When I refer a patient to Racquel, I always know that child will make great progress in their academics as she is so highly skilled in the use of different strategies to address children's learning differences. But, even more importantly, Racquel knows just how to connect with students so they feel comfortable and love working with her!  

Audrey Griesbach, MD Developmental Pediatrics

Racquel has an incredible ability to identify a child's exact point of error and then identify how to address the error. She has a long Special Education background, which means that she effectively breaks down information for children--no matter how complex the material, Racquel finds a way for students to access it. Finally, Racquel builds strong and caring relationships with her students. When I worked with her, kids would often ask for "Ms. Ward" both for extra help but also to spend time with an adult they trusted and loved.

Caroline Roth, Principal, Achievement First Endeavor

I coached and supervised Racquel for many years when she taught at Achievement First Endeavor Charter School. She was an incredibly thoughtful and intelligent special educator. She motivated and formed strong relationships with her students. Racquel brings a sense of joy and humor to the classroom- and we miss her as a teacher at our school!

Anna R. Special Education Dean

There was more than a little bit of panic when our son was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADD.  We needed help and our renowned doctor gave us one recommendation – Racquel Ward.  Our apprehension rapidly dissipated as our son’s learning needs were quickly identified and he began to flourish under Racquel’s singularly innate expertise.   From struggling, behind, and frustrated, our son made grade hopping leaps and is now an engaged, energetic, and confident learner.  We are so proud of him, and cannot thank Racquel enough.  An extraordinary teacher, Racquel is unequivocally recommended.

Jace C., parent

Racquel Ward of The Learning Specialist was THE ANSWER to our daughter's reading/dyslexia challenges. Racquel is a highly gifted expert in her field. Her approach to diagnosing and prescribing a plan of action to help her students is concise and comprehensive.  Racquel's work with our daughter resulted in immediate gains. Her approach can be compared to that of a physician, assessing and evaluating and quickly developing a plan of highly specific and productive interventions. We'd recommend Racquel to anyone in need of learning interventions for their child. We feel so thankful and lucky that she's in our community!

Amy G. parent

My son has learned how to read, write and spell under her tutelage. She is dedicated to ensuring my son's academic success and is completely responsible for taking my son from a 1st grade reading, writing and spelling level to a 4th grade level - something the public school system could not do. She is responsible and professional, bringing with her years of teaching experience and knowledge. I highly recommend Racquel and know that anyone who hires her will not be disappointed.

Gabrielle S., parent

My family and I were lucky enough to have partnered with Racquel Ward 2 years ago when we began our journey with a daughter with learning “differences”.

When we met, we were completely deflated and my daughters struggles had completely robbed her of her enthusiasm to learn.

From the very beginning, Racquel used her expertise to create a personalized program for my daughter.  Racquel introduced us to limitless environments and as my daughter's biggest advocate, she believed in her and in turn created an environment that nurtured learning and taking risks.  She was able to establish an undeniable trust with my daughter and all the while making significant strides academically. She instilled a new sense of confidence and independence in my daughter that we will be forever grateful for.  

Racquel was able to foster a new love for learning— holding space for my daughter's curiosities and fascinations....And I can proudly say— we’ve moved mountains!  We will be forever grateful for being under Racquel’s wings these last few years.  She not only helps your child navigate everything academically, she also opens the doors to endless opportunities and accomplishments!

Anonymous parent,

Daughter started at 8 years old

We first worked with Racquel for both our son and daughter (6 and 8 at the time). Racquel was the perfect combination of intellectual rigor, playfulness and empathy, and sturdy boundaries to help them not just meet their academic requirements, but exceed them. Racquel helped to instill in them a self-confidence both in their academics, and in finding their own intellectual and creative, and humanistic voices. Our family benefited so much from her guidance and care, and we've continued to make use of her many resources over several years.

David H., parent

Racquel is a very unique and skilled learning specialist and I highly recommend her.  Our daughter has ADHD and other differences and at the end of her second grade year, she was in real academic trouble.  We were introduced to Racquel and she started working with our daughter twice a week. By the end of the summer she was back up to speed and her third grade teacher was very happy with her progress based on what she was expecting.  Our daughter can be difficult to motivate and to work with but Racquel knows how to stay ahead of her and get the most out of her.  The two are now friends and I consider Racquel a part of our family.  When my son had some writing trouble when schools went virtual, she was able to turn it around in just a few months.  She has been a confidant and reliable source for me personally in navigating my daughter and in putting together a learning pod.  Racquel truly cares about our children and she truly cares about the families she works with.  She is dedicated, enthusiastic and a delight to work with.  We are very lucky to have Racquel in our lives!

Gaelyn B., parent