S/O: Johnson/Whitman vs Blair/Einstein - which is better - mental health version

[Anonymous]

Have not been able to get an IEP for my DC who is now at a therapeutic boarding school with major depression and PTSD. Was suicidal at school and asked to leave and was since hospitalized and now elsewhere. The plan is to be back for 9th grade - next year. Currently zoned for Blair/Einstein. Had been a high honor roll student who wanted to do the CAP program at Blair. Home school is Einstein. Whitman has the SESES program for ED kids. If I continue to be unsuccessful with the IEP, is it better to just sell and move to Bethesda for counseling at Whitman or does the fact that Whitman has the SESES program not matter in terms of counseling staff for the rest of the school? Does anyone have insight into counseling at any of these schools?

[Anonymous]

I would pay for private over moving as each school have its own issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would pay for private over moving as each school have its own issues.

+1

The issues you describe are severe, OP, and I wouldn't trust school mental health providers to manage them. Private schools will have more support, of all kinds, so that's where I'd put my money. The SN forum might have good suggestions for you.

Good luck, and all the best to you and your child.

[Anonymous]

Hugs to you OP. Something I don't understand is being "unable to get an IEP." This is something schools are required to provide students with disabilities, whether they're the types of disabilities you can see or not. You child is a child with a disability. If they don't have problems learning, though, (meaning a learning disability) what you need is a 504 plan. I have heard that Whitman is considered "504 friendly." In some cases, you might be able to elect to go to Whitman vs. your home school because they're better equipped to offer the accommodations you might need (for instance, if DC needs to miss class sometimes to attend therapy). A school cannot deny you a plan if a doctor says one is needed. It's your right under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

One thing of note is that counselors at Whitman (or any high school) are not mental health counselors. They're not therapists. The bulk of their job is dealing with more day to day mental health issues and the scheduling and college and career preparation. But, they are a first line of action - they can certainly help in a crisis (at school) and refer and serve as a liaison with teachers. But you don't want to choose a school based on its counseling staff.

I have a child at Whitman with a 504 plan. I haven't actually found it to be all that helpful to her, but our problems are not as severe (we are dealing with anxiety/ADHD). But I know others who have said Whitman is good in this regard.

[Anonymous]

This is PP - I should add that, a problem with Whitman is the perceived pressure. A vast majority of the kids do very well. If that would be motivating for your DC, then great. If their situation makes it impossible for them to achieve high results academically, it could be problematic, because it might make them feel badly. My DC thinks they're not smart because they're not in AP classes, etc. We're working on that, because it's wrong. It's a skewed environment. But for another child of mine (I have 3, one has finished Whitman and one has not yet started), that environment was highly motivating.

[Anonymous]

Of the two, Einstein will be smaller and may have less pressure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of the two, Einstein will be smaller and may have less pressure.

I will say that I was pleased with the Einstein psychologist at our 504 meeting. She was empathetic, knowledgeable, and seemed compassionate. My child’s issues aren’t nearly as severe, but I’d trust her to help if they were. I felt like she asked the right questions, if that makes sense.

And Einstein as a school seems generally lower-key than a lot of MCPS high schools. It’s fairly easy for most kids to find a niche, both academically and socially.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of the two, Einstein will be smaller and may have less pressure.

And the IB classes would be a decent alternative to the Blair CAP program, even if she didn’t want to do the full diploma. Not as much media production, but strong humanities and writing, at least. My former Eastern magnet kid is enjoying IB.

[Anonymous]

My child who had an existing 504 for anxiety got a lot worse junior year (nearly all his classes were IB). He definitely felt academic pressure. The counselor was nice, but not super super helpful. I think the counselor did as well as can be expected given their level of training and workload. But it’s not like they have time to be super nurturing. Again I’m not dissing the counselor - it’s about the setup not the person. We got him private counseling.

Anyway I would not assume Einstein is laid back academically.

Can you afford private? Would have loved to put my child in some calmer, nurturing private environment. If that even exists? Maybe Burke or field? Not sure. But we couldn’t really afford it plus he was doing OK until junior year and it would not have made sense to apply out for senior year. He’s in college now and doing well.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't WJ have the more extensive Special Education program?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child who had an existing 504 for anxiety got a lot worse junior year (nearly all his classes were IB). He definitely felt academic pressure. The counselor was nice, but not super super helpful. I think the counselor did as well as can be expected given their level of training and workload. But it’s not like they have time to be super nurturing. Again I’m not dissing the counselor - it’s about the setup not the person. We got him private counseling.

Anyway I would not assume Einstein is laid back academically.

Can you afford private? Would have loved to put my child in some calmer, nurturing private environment. If that even exists? Maybe Burke or field? Not sure. But we couldn’t really afford it plus he was doing OK until junior year and it would not have made sense to apply out for senior year. He’s in college now and doing well.

Yes, all MCPS schools have rigorous classes for those who signup for that sort of thing.

[Anonymous]

You may get better answers on the special needs forum.

[Anonymous]

Think carefully before moving him to public HS. It is not that counselors and teachers don’t care. They do care but they tend to be overwhelmed and overworked and often don’t have the time or energy to devote to kids with intense needs.
Special Ed. seems to be in crisis right now in MCPS. There is a shortage of special Ed. teachers and coordinators. No one wants to do the job because case loads are untenable and the paperwork requirements have gotten out of control.
Large schools can also be overwhelming for some kids

[Anonymous]

The counselors and other staff for special programs do not get involved with general education students so, yes, it won't help to move and have your child go to Whitman.

[Anonymous]

Burke School seems fantastic private. Dedicated counselors. Looked at it for my 9th grade daughter. She ended up at Blair regular program, did the creative route and thrived Upper class years. But tough as a huge school must find your niche. I have only heard good things about Edmund Burke school