For Those of You Leaving MCPS for Private - Where Are You Going?

[Anonymous]

I'm putting this in this forum instead of the private school one because I'm interested in what schools have been a good transition and we ultimately would like to return for high school so would like that to be a consideration. We have a quiet kid, easily lost in the shuffle, with ADHD going into 3rd grade. We have already decided on private (just so that isn't the topic of discussion) - just curious about what has worked for you. And fyi, we have two others who are in MCPS and staying so we have a stronger pull to come back at some point. We are located in downtown Rockville, if our location helps. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

We’re not thinking of leaving now but we did make the move for our middle child in the past. Our oldest and youngest remained in public but our middle wasn’t getting what he needed there. We moved to Green Acres which was very supportive. I observed classes and he had the opportunity to shadow which really drove home that it would be a good fit. My son didn’t have ADHD but another disabilty and we were impressed with the support he received. They never argued about accommodations and if I came up with a suggestion for a new accommodation or technology they implemented it quickly. As a mainstream school they don’t provide intervention but for our child the small classes and progressive approach were game changers. I’m sure they have students with ADHD as every private school does but the question would be the level of needs. What’s nice is that the school ends in 8th so it’s easier to transition back to public for HS and a few did my son’s year. And if you think you will want to apply to the Blair or IB magnet, they will help with the process. We know a few kids who were accepted.

[Anonymous]

^^Thank you! This is very helpful.

[Anonymous]

We left private for MCPS and are much happier.

[Anonymous]

We didn’t find a private option that would accept our child and provide the level of supports and interventions as MCPS. But I recall reading on the SN forum of parents who were successful in finding satisfactory options. Might want to review archives or post there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We left private for MCPS and are much happier.

Oh - did you read the title of the post? This thread is not for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We didn’t find a private option that would accept our child and provide the level of supports and interventions as MCPS. But I recall reading on the SN forum of parents who were successful in finding satisfactory options. Might want to review archives or post there.

This. If your kid has SN, make sure Private can handle it. Not just say they can, actually tell you what they do and talk to other parents.

We made the mistake of thinking smaller classes were the answer. It may be for some. But without the right supports and teacher training, it made a bad situation worse.

[Anonymous]

Sidwell.

[Anonymous]

We left in 4th for a k-8 and then returned to MCPS for HS. Worked well. Academics were more simplified at the k-8, more focus on social emotional, and smaller classes. By the time HS came kid could not wait for his MCPS friends.

[Anonymous]

Christ Episcopal School is in downtown Rockville.

McLean School supposed to be good with ADHD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We didn’t find a private option that would accept our child and provide the level of supports and interventions as MCPS. But I recall reading on the SN forum of parents who were successful in finding satisfactory options. Might want to review archives or post there.

This. If your kid has SN, make sure Private can handle it. Not just say they can, actually tell you what they do and talk to other parents.

We made the mistake of thinking smaller classes were the answer. It may be for some. But without the right supports and teacher training, it made a bad situation worse.

This. Research carefully and don’t rely on marketing pitches to ensure it will really be better.

[Anonymous]

Mary of Nazareth in Darnestown.

[Anonymous]

Oh, yay! More private school recruiting!

[Anonymous]

See parents want discipline and an education. It's better for society than crime and grade inflation.

[Anonymous]

We did Christ Episcopal School in downtown Rockville and have been happy. Not sure what we will do for high school as the cost for private is prohibitive. Will cross that bridge when we come to it.