A Parent’s Experience with Eagle Rock

By Howard “Howie” Jenkins, Proud Father of Kai, Eagle Rock Graduate ER94

Hello, I’m Howard Jenkins, though most folks call me Howie. I’m a police officer in Atlanta, Georgia, and I work with PAL, the Police Athletic League, where I get the privilege of mentoring young people through sports and community programming. I’ve always believed in the power of guidance, structure, and second chances. I’m also a father of two kids and someone who values connection, transformation, and making sure young people get the opportunity to rise into their full selves.

My son Kai graduated from Eagle Rock School this past winter, and I want to share a bit of our journey: what led us there, what we experienced, and how the impact continues long after graduation.

Finding Our Way to Eagle Rock

Kai is my second child. Unlike his older brother, who’s always been more dominant, vocal, and athletic, Kai was more reserved and introspective from the start. But quiet doesn’t mean passive; Kai had already proven his strength and leadership on a 30-day backpacking trip with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Wyoming before he even started high school. That experience challenged him physically and mentally and helped him discover a sense of confidence in his ability to lead and persevere. So when we saw him begin to withdraw during his freshman year at our local public high school – skipping classes, pulling back from engagement – we knew something wasn’t sitting right. The traditional school environment, while academically rigorous, didn’t nurture the kind of learner or leader Kai was becoming. The racial and class dynamics added another layer of complexity, and though he wasn’t failing yet, he certainly wasn’t thriving… and we didn’t want to wait until he did.

Private school wasn’t an option for us financially, and we were stuck in the all-too-familiar dilemma of knowing our child needed more, but not knowing where to turn. That’s when Kai’s mom, an educator herself, heard about Eagle Rock through her network. We did our research, talked to folks connected with the school, and though we didn’t fully grasp what we were signing up for, we took the leap. Kai started his second semester of freshman year at Eagle Rock.

The Transformation We Witnessed

Let me be clear: the path wasn’t linear. Kai got sent home twice for challenging authority, which at the time was frustrating – but looking back, I get it. Eagle Rock doesn’t dish out discipline; they teach boundaries with care, and they welcome kids back if they’re willing to do the work. They never gave up on Kai, and more importantly, they taught him not to give up on himself.

We watched our son slowly grow into a thoughtful, confident young man. He learned to trust others – and himself. He learned to be accountable. One course in particular stood out: a class where students rock climbed while filming a documentary. The project ended with a screening at a local theater in Estes Park. That experience sparked something in Kai. He discovered a love for filmmaking, and this fall, he’ll be starting at Morehouse College – a historically Black institute – where he has plans to study film, following in the footsteps of alumni like Spike Lee.

Kai gained not just academic skills, but a deeper sense of purpose and emotional grounding. Eagle Rock treats all students with academic respect, not just the gifted or privileged ones. They instill a growth mindset, mindfulness, and leadership. It’s a long-haul process, but trust me – it works.

Life After Eagle Rock

Today, Kai is working as a lifeguard near our home, saving up money before he heads to college this fall; and we continue to stay in touch with the Eagle Rock community. The school didn’t just impact Kai – it impacted our whole family. As a parent, there’s nothing more powerful than watching your child become who they’re meant to be.

I talk to prospective parents all the time. When you experience something this transformative, you can’t help but spread the word. My advice? Be open. Leave your ego at the door. This school isn’t for every kid, but for the right kid, it’s everything. It’s not instant. There’s no magic shortcut. But if you trust the process, if your child is ready to grow, the change is deep and lasting.

We owe this school our son. Eagle Rock helped transform Kai into the young man he is today, and for that, I will always be grateful.

If you’re a parent out there wondering if there’s a better fit for your child – wondering if there’s a school that truly sees them, hears them, and helps them become their best self – reach out to Eagle Rock. Ask questions. Have the conversation. You never know… it might just change your family’s life the way it changed ours.