McLean School

[Anonymous]

I have a 2nd grade DS. He has ADHD inattentive, some anxiety, and EF weaknesses. He's being evaluated for language-based differences because of his difficulties with writing but not with reading (at least not yet). His verbal scores on WISC are superior, but his processing is low average. Currently enrolled in a mainstream K-8 that is supportive via a learning center, but I have some concerns about long-term fit.

Wondering about McLean for 3d grade onward, but have heard mixed reviews about the school's commitment to supporting different learners. Have heard rumors that every so often the school has an identity crisis, worrying that it's getting a reputation as a SN school and pulls back. Website indicates school is currently leaning into its reputation as a supportive but mainstream/hybrid-type model. Is this real or just marketing? Should I expect that there might be another identity shift over the next several years? Moving DS is a big deal to me because he has friendships and enjoys school, but I want to ensure he's reaching his potential too.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

[Anonymous]

We were accepted last year but chose Oakwood (we're in VA, it was closer and more dyslexia specialized). About 60% of the population has some sort of LD. Many of the other kids have anxiety, some ADHD and just benefit from a smaller school or class size. All schools make "course corrections", and in our case at least it was leaps and bounds better than public.

[Anonymous]

Our neuropsych mentioned something like this when were discussing schools. Periodically the Board’s composition changes just enough and then there’s a shift in direction, or something like that. Don’t know if it’s true.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s perfect for a child who needs small classes or who might fall through the cracks. However, as your child is coming from a private, I am not sure it would provide enough additional support to make it worth it. They expect that you will pay for additional tutors if your child needs additional academic support.

[Anonymous]

Op, I wonder if your are at my child’s k-8.

We are staying at least one more year to see how it goes. DC has ADHD and dyslexia.

I’m worried that the special needs schools like McLean track the kids to less ambitious academic outcomes - peer group and peer influence is really important, especially as the kids get older. But also want DC to love school (they do right now) but worried that will change as academics get more rigorous and supports may not be enough at our k-8.

[Anonymous]

Are the rumors true or is there a durable commitment by the school to different learners?

[Anonymous]

I don't really know but we researched the same thing last year when looking at McLean and the thing that was offputting was the level of the work. On grade level at McLean is not on grade level anywhere else. We wondered if that would be a good or bad thing for DD who is struggling in school because on the one hand it would help her feel better about herself.

[Anonymous]

The thing that turned us off was it seems that (and this is dated) most of the accommodation was via tutors that parents paid for separately during the school day. SO not only were we still paying for tutoring but the student misses part of the classroom that you are also paying for. We stayed in MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The thing that turned us off was it seems that (and this is dated) most of the accommodation was via tutors that parents paid for separately during the school day. SO not only were we still paying for tutoring but the student misses part of the classroom that you are also paying for. We stayed in MCPS.

This is what they’re currently saying. Sounds a little different but it’s not necessarily inconsistent with what you saw. Just trying to figure out how committed they really are and for how long.



“Teachers and specialists strategically facilitate small groups with similar learning strengths and needs in reading, language arts, word study, writing, and math. For students with challenges in reading/dyslexia, writing/dysgraphia, or math/dyscalculia, these small and fluid groups provide the intervention students need to make academic progress.“

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't really know but we researched the same thing last year when looking at McLean and the thing that was offputting was the level of the work. On grade level at McLean is not on grade level anywhere else. We wondered if that would be a good or bad thing for DD who is struggling in school because on the one hand it would help her feel better about herself.

That’s interesting. Sort of depends on how far off they are. And I don’t know that DC is a good benchmark - people here tend to get as excited about academics as the rest of the country is about sports etc.

[Anonymous]

We’re new to McLean this year. MCPS was a total distasteful for my dyslexic child. We went in with reservations but have been totally wowed. My child receives specialized interventions in her small groups for math, reading, and writing. They’re grouped based on ability, which is determined by screening. She’s getting OG in reading and multi sensory approach in math, which she also needed. Unlike public school, where my child’s days were extremely long due to multiple tutor sessions as the IEP was not really helping, my child now gets everything she needs in her small teams, intervention wise, and happily comes home after school to no more tutors. The biggest thing I’ve seen is that she’s loving school again.

I don’t know where the additional tutor expenses comments come from. At least that hasn’t been the case for us in the lower school. We’re extremely happy and so is my child. The only thing we do after school is speech as we chose not to use the school’s SLP as we wanted to continue with the speech therapist that my child truly loves.

As an FYI, we went to McLean because our neuropsychologist recommended it.

[Anonymous]

McLean parent here. Our child has ADHD-inattentive type and various other LDs, combined with advanced academics in some areas. the schools has been absolutely amazing at personalizing accommodations to bring out the best in him as a student and also accelerate his academics above grade level where needed. We love that in ever single subject there are 5 levels as a regular course of business. they seamlessly move kids to where they fit best pace-wise. I don't know anyone tutoring (though it is surely possible I'm just not in that loop). I think it is best of situations: college prep with support and accommodations where it helps. For us, it is 5 stars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:McLean parent here. Our child has ADHD-inattentive type and various other LDs, combined with advanced academics in some areas. the schools has been absolutely amazing at personalizing accommodations to bring out the best in him as a student and also accelerate his academics above grade level where needed. We love that in ever single subject there are 5 levels as a regular course of business. they seamlessly move kids to where they fit best pace-wise. I don't know anyone tutoring (though it is surely possible I'm just not in that loop). I think it is best of situations: college prep with support and accommodations where it helps. For us, it is 5 stars.

This sounds ideal. Does it continue the differentiated learning throughout high school? How do kids do when switching to college courses without differentiation?

[Anonymous]

I don’t know if it was just us, but we found the director of enrollment, Cathy Patterson, to be so cold and unwelcoming when we applied. Our child had a fantastic virtual interview with someone else and they really hit it off, and we loved the school info session, then we went to visit and met Cathy and it was not a great experience. It was such a let down after hearing all the great things about the school, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise as our kid ended up somewhere else that they really love.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know if it was just us, but we found the director of enrollment, Cathy Patterson, to be so cold and unwelcoming when we applied. Our child had a fantastic virtual interview with someone else and they really hit it off, and we loved the school info session, then we went to visit and met Cathy and it was not a great experience. It was such a let down after hearing all the great things about the school, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise as our kid ended up somewhere else that they really love.

Same experience here.