Good private school for 3rd Grader?

[Anonymous]

We are looking into private school for DC, who will be in the 3rd Grade. Dyslexic but now reading at grade level thanks to OG tutoring. Scores very high on gifted tests (which was the the tip off). They are very social and have no behavioral issues. Our public school options are pretty terrible, unfortunately. I do fear that no one will want to deal with them with this diagnosis.

Any suggestions for a private school in the Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria/McLean area that might be a good fit? Adding to the complexity is that we would need some financial aid if it's especially expensive.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

What support does your child need? A smart kid reading on grade level can go pretty much anywhere.

[Anonymous]

DC is at grade level because of the three hours of OG tutoring a week, plus one math session since it's gotten more language based. A mainstream private won't provide anything like that (I assume). The tutoring cost is already like paying a half private school tuition. The public school is basically just for social reasons and specials at this point. They spend most of the reading and math time on the computer. I'm in the process of getting...something from the school (I'm in the 60 day limbo period after the 10 day waiting period...). They just seem relieved that I'm basically dealing with it on my own.

I've looking into Oakwood and Siena, but DC doesn't have ADD or ASD, and has made progress to the extent that it isn't the right fit. We feel like we're in some strange in between land.

Anyone have a dyslexic child thriving in a more mainstream private?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is at grade level because of the three hours of OG tutoring a week, plus one math session since it's gotten more language based. A mainstream private won't provide anything like that (I assume). The tutoring cost is already like paying a half private school tuition. The public school is basically just for social reasons and specials at this point. They spend most of the reading and math time on the computer. I'm in the process of getting...something from the school (I'm in the 60 day limbo period after the 10 day waiting period...). They just seem relieved that I'm basically dealing with it on my own.

I've looking into Oakwood and Siena, but DC doesn't have ADD or ASD, and has made progress to the extent that it isn't the right fit. We feel like we're in some strange in between land.

Anyone have a dyslexic child thriving in a more mainstream private?

My kid is at Norwood. She just got diagnosed and is in 1st grade, but is being set up with OG three times a week via a private tutor who is coming to the school. She is also getting phonics intervention via their reading specialist.

So we’re at the beginning of our journey, but I’ve heard generally good things about how Norwood supports kids with dyslexia. I have a friend with an older ES kid at Norwood with dyslexia and she said that kid is doing well.

I don’t know if it’s too far for you all as a commute, but it might be worth looking into.

[Anonymous]

If money is an issue, I don’t see how private will help. A mainstream private requires you to pay for all the extra support (plus tuition). I agree that don’t need a full special needs school. I’d keep on the path you’re on!

[Anonymous]

Oakwood!!!!

[Anonymous]

We would keep on the path, but we're in FCPS and with the AAP split next year, the class basically gets decimated. They would be in a class with 100% ESOL students. The school thinks AAP might be appropriate, I'm unclear if that's the case.

From what I've been reading about Oakwood, it serves a lot of ADHD students and I don't think that environment would be a perfect fit. But I will look into it further. Thank you for the replies. The forum has been a real lifeline throughout this journey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We would keep on the path, but we're in FCPS and with the AAP split next year, the class basically gets decimated. They would be in a class with 100% ESOL students. The school thinks AAP might be appropriate, I'm unclear if that's the case.

From what I've been reading about Oakwood, it serves a lot of ADHD students and I don't think that environment would be a perfect fit. But I will look into it further. Thank you for the replies. The forum has been a real lifeline throughout this journey.

Oh not esol students. Heaven forbid. 🙄

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is at grade level because of the three hours of OG tutoring a week, plus one math session since it's gotten more language based. A mainstream private won't provide anything like that (I assume). The tutoring cost is already like paying a half private school tuition. The public school is basically just for social reasons and specials at this point. They spend most of the reading and math time on the computer. I'm in the process of getting...something from the school (I'm in the 60 day limbo period after the 10 day waiting period...). They just seem relieved that I'm basically dealing with it on my own.

I've looking into Oakwood and Siena, but DC doesn't have ADD or ASD, and has made progress to the extent that it isn't the right fit. We feel like we're in some strange in between land.

Anyone have a dyslexic child thriving in a more mainstream private?

Neither of those schools accepts autistic students, so I'm not sure what your point is. And if your child needs OG tutoring to get/keep them at grade level, the dyslexia-specific schools are the ones that provide that level of OG intensity.

[Anonymous]

OP here - I'm Latina, grew up speaking both languages in the home, and wanted very much to share that language with my kid. Sadly, dyslexia has made that very difficult.

The ESOL comment is two fold - I was told by the reading specialist that the general reading needs of the classroom will be different and would be a bad fit. Also, child's class is currently 50% ESOL. The children all play together, have forged friendships, and there is a real sense of equity that I really appreciate (especially since years ago, I was the little Latina kid in a sea of blonde haired kids). But despite multiple emails, texts, and printed invitations, we have never been able to bridge those friendships to relationships outside of school. It's just how it is. Social aspects when a kid's confidence is already low are an important factor.

As for the autistic comment, I was trying to be brief in explaining what my child's disability is. Sorry if that came across wrong.

Just wanted to clear that up. Thank you for the general feedback, it looks like we're just in a weird pocket with not a lot of clear options.

[Anonymous]

OP I would tour Siena - students don’t need an ADHD diagnosis to attend

[Anonymous]

Maybe a catholic school?