Rachel Carson vs. Fallsmead

[Anonymous]

Anyone with recent experience at either of these schools who would or wouldn’t recommend? Particularly interested regarding experience for kids with an IEP. No diagnosis yet and no IEP in preschool, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we will need services/accommodations in the future (my suspicion is ADHD). Posting in MCPS forum because general information on these schools is helpful regardless of SN component. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

It's going to be the luck of the staff you get and it will change year to year. Get your child evaluated and outside help.

[Anonymous]

Fallsmead is a smaller school compared to Rachel Carson, and if I am not mistaken, there are more issues with the school. You can do a search on DCUM.

If your son is diagnosed with ADHD, you might get a 504, not IEP and I am sure both schools can provide the necessary accommodations for your son.

[Anonymous]

You will be incredibly surprised at how many students have a 504 and how little this actually means to them being supported in school.

[Anonymous]

I have a adhd kid in Rachel Carson with IEP. Right now the principal and staff are good to me. Rachel carson is a small school with many kids, and my adhd kid is fine with big crowds and noises. Some kids may find it overwhelming. Since your kid is still in preschool, and I don't know what your child needs for supports, so it is difficult to tell.

My kid has IEP since before preschool because of not only adhd diagnosis. For his adhd diagnosis, he is more hyperactive type than inattentive type. Current principal has been attending IEP team meeting and really involved in school activities. The communication with homeroom teacher seem to be good. I don't bug IEP team that much, and I know that they are overloaded. My kid does not need much support at school even though he has IEP, so so far so good.