Best NOVA/DC Privates or NOVA Public for gifted
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
We are struggling with our gifted 7th grader who left APS for private. straight A's in private. DC is 99.x COGAT, MAP yaddayaddayadda on who gives shit when your kid is in emotional pain.
Not on the spectrum; also gifted musically so in a private consortium as current private does not offer it. We are in therapy. We are following the best practices provided by our counselor (empathetic, exposing them to new things, clubs/groups with similar interests/etc); however we are looking for a school that is exceptional for handling these types of children. We know we cannot social engineer our way out of this developmental challenge. No tantrums or off the charts behavior; but depression and inability to really make friends. We are at our wits end. While the private we are in definitely excels on the feedback loop compared to public; academically they do not deviate from their curriculum other than offering some on line optional exercises. APS made exceptions (as long as we provided transport) for grade "exposure" classes a few grades ahead but socially that was even worse. Our private budget is 50k; willing to move within Virginia for reasonable commute to Arlington area. We are also open to DC private schools. Appreciate any suggestions. TIA |
Anonymous
|
TJ is a possibility for high school as it will definitely challenge him academically and the music department is first rate.
Our gifted child was very happy at GDS in DC, and found their people. And they have an excellent music program. |
Anonymous
|
Sorry OP.
Those who have had the real real off the charts gifted kids know “gifted” is not what it sounds like. Stick with therapy and do your best to love and support your child. There is no magic school that will work for you. There is a lot more money and research for special needs and schools that really do work for those cases; but when you are talking a 1 out of 1000 or 10000 type child no school designs or plans for that. |
Anonymous
I agree. I’m not sure about seventh grade, but in high school, TJ is the way to go. He or she will be among peers there. |
Anonymous
| Is your child missing his friends and experiences at APS or was this a problem there too? |
Anonymous
| I think until high school, Fusion might be a good fit for your kid. Lots of kids there who aren’t on the spectrum but also don’t do well socially and in traditional school environments (even privates). |
Anonymous
| Basis Mclean. Very supportive and accepting community with amazing teachers. She will be challenged but be with some very very good kids. |
Anonymous
| Nysmith? |
Anonymous
Was also going to suggest this. |
Anonymous
Best bet is Commonwealth Academy in Alexandria. |
Anonymous
| Agree with looking into Nysmith or Commonwealth Academy. Maybe look at Merritt Academy as well? |
Anonymous
Commonwealth specializes in educating students with ADHD and learning differences. Not sure that fits the child’s profile as described by OP. |
Anonymous
|
OP, is part of the issue that your son doesn't participate in a sport? That is such a big part of socialization among Arlington boys. My DS was the same during middle school, but did much better in high school (TJ) where he did end up doing a sport (and enjoyed it).
Nysmith would be worth looking at. Not Basis or Commonwealth. Potomac and StA have good academics but are full of sporty boys. Sidwell, GDS and St Anselm's would be better choices. |
Anonymous
| What about a school like Edmund Burke? May be able to challenge enough academically while also being more socially adaptable and accommodating. The middle school program is small and feeds into the high school. |
Anonymous
Burke also has a strong musical program. A couple graduates in recent years went on to Berklee School of Music. Worth exploring, OP! |