Private for kid with math issues

[Anonymous]

My child is a couple of grades behind in math, grade level in language arts. We’ve had tutors, pullouts, all the rest. They have an IEP. They’re progressing, but still below grade level, and are unlikely to catch up (although hopefully will keep progressing). Socially, they need to get out of the local public. But I’m not sure there are any private high schools that can handle a kid so far behind in math. Am I wrong?

[Anonymous]

I would suggest signing up for after school tutoring from Kumon. And work at it for 10-20 minutes at home every day, all 12 months of the year, until caught up. So sorry.

[Anonymous]

Ha! We’ve done all the things for many years. She is never going to be able to do serious high school math. I recognize that means she won’t go to a competitive college, and I don’t care. (Also my husband and I are gainfully employed in jobs that use zero math. One of us was good at math, the other would have had difficulty graduating in today’s world!). But I do want her to finish high school in a supportive environment!

[Anonymous]

Have you done neuropsych testing?

[Anonymous]

Has she been tested (privately, not through the school) for dyscalculia?

[Anonymous]

Maybe Holy Child? I’ve heard they’re great with different learners. My daughter has math learning disability too but she’s only in 3rd grade. Her neuropsych recommendations include calculators, no time limits, etc.
I would also check out St Andrew’s, Bullis, St John’s etc.

[Anonymous]

Yes, but private schools vary widely. My kid is at a really small K-8 (12 to 18 in a gade) that has been willing to tailor to individual needs. Other schools can't or won't tailor, so you will have to look. Not in HS yet so I'm not familiar with all the small HS options, but possibly look at New School of Northern VA? From what I understand, students there have to be fairly self-motivated but can design their own course loads.

Also, ask about how they teach math. FWIW, my school uses one of the Singapore Math variations with a lot of whiteboard work and we've been really happy with it. It's a different style of learning than I had in school or my kid had in public.

[Anonymous]

Maybe McLean? They are the most mainstream-feeling of the schools that try to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child is a couple of grades behind in math, grade level in language arts. We’ve had tutors, pullouts, all the rest. They have an IEP. They’re progressing, but still below grade level, and are unlikely to catch up (although hopefully will keep progressing). Socially, they need to get out of the local public. But I’m not sure there are any private high schools that can handle a kid so far behind in math. Am I wrong?

Field
Lab school
Holy Child
McLean

Agree with getting her tested for learning issues. You may find something out that could really help her. It is costly but worth it.

[Anonymous]

OP here. She’s been tested. She is really low on abstract reasoning, which tracks. She has no number sense. No formal dyscalculia diagnosis, but I don’t know what the difference is between that and the fact that she can’t do math. Public school has been useless for this. She doesn’t understand what’s going on in class because it’s all beyond her, so she just checks out. She needs to be in a class that’s appropriate for her level, otherwise it’s all a waste of time. And pull outs aren’t enough.
Thanks to those who have given us some ideas, and I hope the angry poster’s day is getting better!

[Anonymous]

Very tough situation. Our child also struggles tremendously with number sense/basic math concepts and we did finally get a diagnosis of dyscalculia. Found a psychologist who was familiar with it and could do some more targeted math assessments for the neuropsych.

We too have done years of tutoring and extra help but high school has been really tough. The diagnosis came after 9th grade and our private school has been pretty understanding but only provides basic accommodations. Unfortunately, public and private schools alike have very little in the way of interventions for dyscalculia, in part because it just hasn’t been studied enough (especially compared to dyslexia).

I wish I had specific school suggestions. I think it’s possible to navigate at places like Field and Burke (though you’ll likely still need extra outside tutoring).

Good luck, OP! I’m rooting for you and your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child is a couple of grades behind in math, grade level in language arts. We’ve had tutors, pullouts, all the rest. They have an IEP. They’re progressing, but still below grade level, and are unlikely to catch up (although hopefully will keep progressing). Socially, they need to get out of the local public. But I’m not sure there are any private high schools that can handle a
kid so far behind in math. Am I wrong?

What grade is your child in now, and are you looking for fall 2024?

It sounds like they're doing well in other areas, but just really need support in math. If that's the case (that just the one subject is a challenge), I'd reach out to Sandy Spring, Field, Burke, maybe St. Andrew's, maybe SSAS (depending on where you live). I'm guessing that most of these just offer the standard accommodations, and I agree with PP that tutoring may also be needed – but I'd focus on schools that provide for a range of challenges and strengths, if that makes sense. Just call up Admissions, be super direct about what you need, and see what they say!

[Anonymous]

Field and St Andrew's will never let her in. Only McClean which socially is challenging for kids who don't have social anxiety issues etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Field and St Andrew's will never let her in. Only McClean which socially is challenging for kids who don't have social anxiety issues etc.

I disagree as far as Field. I don’t think it’s out of the question for this student.

[Anonymous]

OP here. We’re looking for high school (will apply next year). I just wonder whether any of these schools actually offer math that isn’t in a progression to calculus. She will never take calc, and I’m not sure she’ll be ready to take Algebra by 9th. I would otherwise love some of these schools for her. (Esp Burke for her artsy/quirky side!). I can call around, but if she does get to the point next year to be able to start Algebra in 9th, I’d hate to have them remember the conversation!