Colleges that change lives near DMV

[Anonymous]

Please weigh in if you have relevant experience as parent or professional: do you have any recs for good colleges for DC to consider: DC is bright and creative with ADHD/ dyslexia and depression/ anxieties.

DC is already focussed on mental health recovery.

We are only looking in low key casual way at this stage in order to help reduce stress later on.

DC is only a freshman now so just would like suggestions
Preferably no more than 3-4 hours from DMV
Strong supports for ADHD
Strong emotional and mental health supports
Happy student culture
Low crime rate but not in the sticks
Smaller classes
Options to not declare major in first year
Strong general curriculum

Thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

Families from my kids' schools love McDaniel and Washington College for a student like your DC; however, they might be too "in the sticks?"

[Anonymous]

Kids I know who fit that description happily attend McDaniel, Juniata, Washington & Jefferson College, and Chatham University in Pittsburgh.

[Anonymous]

Not CTCL, but U of Mary Washington is worth a look. Also Goucher

[Anonymous]

Juniata is a very supportive community. Classes are small, and faculty are very dedicated. It is in the sticks, but that helps build community spirit, good attendance at campus events, etc. It is also a very easy existence, since all dorms are within walking distance of classes the dining hall, etc.

They offer Programs of Emphasis (vs majors), which allow for students to craft an emphasis that combines disciplines and/or multiple interests. Faculty have to approve the POE, however, and its requirements.

They have changed staff in the Disability Services office, so I cannot vouch for them in that regard. But you should meet with them when you are choosing schools. (That can be done independent of your contact with the Admissions staff).

Not a CTCL, but I was impressed with Franklin & Marshall's Disability Office. It is less in the sticks than Juniata. It is a harder admit, though and unlike Juniata, wont' offer merit aid.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

McDaniel has a robust program for students with disabilities. It’s the SASS program. DD and I attended an information session where they mentioned that most of the kids in that program have ADHD. Seems like they would be well-equipped to support your child.

[Anonymous]

DS with ADHD and LDs is looking at St John's College in Annapolis (there's also a campus in Santa Fe). It's not for everyone - they have just one curriculum based on reading original classic texts in French and ancient Greek. The kids have to like to read those

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS with ADHD and LDs is looking at St John's College in Annapolis (there's also a campus in Santa Fe). It's not for everyone - they have just one curriculum based on reading original classic texts in French and ancient Greek. The kids have to like to read those

Really?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS with ADHD and LDs is looking at St John's College in Annapolis (there's also a campus in Santa Fe). It's not for everyone - they have just one curriculum based on reading original classic texts in French and ancient Greek. The kids have to like to read those

Really?

It’s a fascinating program. But not for everyone.

[Anonymous]

I remember St. John's materials recruiting me when I was in HS. It was a very interesting program. But they were asking me to leave HS at like 14/15, so that was a no.

I have heard really good things about Shenandoah, actually. Might be worth a look.

And my daughter went to a program at Slippery Rock in PA this past July and the young women who gave me a campus tour told me they were very happy with the services for students with ADHD/LDs. That one is a bit in the sticks BUT not far from Pittsburgh.

[Anonymous]

OP

Many thanks everyone. I have not heard of many of these and will look them all up.

I appreciate your taking time to answer! 😃

I will report back eventually on impressions but that will take a while …

NPs feel welcome to keep adding your suggestions as it may help others in similar situations. Unfortunately, there are many youth with similar struggles to our DC. Hopefully, they find their own ways - and we the parents will not lose all our hair in the process! 😂

[Anonymous]

someone on this board told me Mercyhurst in Erie, PA was quite good for this. Might be a little further than you want (SRU is 5 hours, actually, so I went a little out of the radius)

Oh, I have another one for you - Rider in NJ. We were supposed to go this past weekend for their open house, but our college tours are on hold until my kid gets her grades up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I remember St. John's materials recruiting me when I was in HS. It was a very interesting program. But they were asking me to leave HS at like 14/15, so that was a no.

I have heard really good things about Shenandoah, actually. Might be worth a look.

And my daughter went to a program at Slippery Rock in PA this past July and the young women who gave me a campus tour told me they were very happy with the services for students with ADHD/LDs. That one is a bit in the sticks BUT not far from Pittsburgh.

Maybe a different St John's? The one we're discussing here is a traditional college, taking kids after they graduate high school.

[Anonymous]

Is your child female? My daughter (and I) absolutely fell in love with Meredith College in Raleigh and it is her top choice right now. We asked about academic supports and they are VERY committed to helping every student succeed. I also follow their student life instagram pages and there is a TON of info on mental health and breaks, etc, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS with ADHD and LDs is looking at St John's College in Annapolis (there's also a campus in Santa Fe). It's not for everyone - they have just one curriculum based on reading original classic texts in French and ancient Greek. The kids have to like to read those

Really?

Really. They don't need to be proficient, but they need to decipher enough to understand.