Where would you move (specific neighborhood and IB schools, please!)

[Anonymous]

We are moving to the DMV in the next year. My four year old was diagnosed with autism, so we are targeting the best schools for him. He is someone folks would describe as "high-functioning" or "low needs." We're targeting Montgomery County because we've heard that of the options in the DMV, MoCo has the best services for kids with special needs (although I understand that many families are unhappy). If you were not able to afford private school, which specific neighborhood (feeding into what schools) would you choose for your move. If you absolutely think there is a better public option in the DMV where my child would be guaranteed excellent schools/services, please let me know (and tell me the specific neighborhood/schools I should research).

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You might want to check with them, but when we toured Elementary schools a few years ago, Carderock Springs in Bethesda had a designated special education classroom with autistic students. At the time it was the only school with this option. That may have changed since. But it is probably worth your contacting their office and asking.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/carderockspringses/

[Anonymous]

Post this in the special need forum. They might be more helpful

[Anonymous]

I would look at Bethesda Elementary.

[Anonymous]

? IB schools? Like International Baccalaureate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:? IB schools? Like International Baccalaureate?

NP. I’m thinking in bounds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might want to check with them, but when we toured Elementary schools a few years ago, Carderock Springs in Bethesda had a designated special education classroom with autistic students. At the time it was the only school with this option. That may have changed since. But it is probably worth your contacting their office and asking.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/carderockspringses/

Any self contained program in MCPS is not an assignment based on neighborhood address. Students in those programs went through a process at their ‘home school’ that determined they needed more support than that school provide, and had to qualify through their IEP services to be in a self contained environment. OPs child may or may not need that level of support, but either way living near the school will not impact their ability to access the program.

[Anonymous]

Hard to answer without knowing more about your son. If he is bright and can be well served in a regular classroom with something like an IEP Poolesville area is great and not expensive.

[Anonymous]

Here's a link to MCPS's Twice Exceptional (GTLD) program - https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/enriched/gtld/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You might want to check with them, but when we toured Elementary schools a few years ago, Carderock Springs in Bethesda had a designated special education classroom with autistic students. At the time it was the only school with this option. That may have changed since. But it is probably worth your contacting their office and asking.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/carderockspringses/

Any self contained program in MCPS is not an assignment based on neighborhood address. Students in those programs went through a process at their ‘home school’ that determined they needed more support than that school provide, and had to qualify through their IEP services to be in a self contained environment. OPs child may or may not need that level of support, but either way living near the school will not impact their ability to access the program.

Actually you're wrong. Completely wrong. Carderock Springs has the resources for this program, for the kids who live in the neighborhood only. We toured with the Principal. He told us.

[Anonymous]

OP here - hi and thanks for these answers. Our son will not require a self contained classroom. Some STs have been surprised to learn of his ASD diagnosis. The doctor who did his neuropsych opined that as social demands increase, his ASD will become more obvious. He does not have an intellectual disability and seems to be learning at an appropriate (and perhaps, advanced, we'll see) rate along with his peers.

With these additional details, I'd love to hear any guidance you have about programs offered and particular schools to target. I'm looking for schools that will get us all the way through HS, if possible. (And yes, IB=inbound.) Thank you!

[Anonymous]

It would help to have a sense of your budget and work commute(s). MCPS is a huge school system, with wide variations in geography and price ranges.

[Anonymous]

Given that profile he likely would not require a specific program. Honestly, individual teachers make the biggest difference and teachers move around all the time. I would pick a neighborhood that meets your needs in terms of commute, budget, etc ...

[Anonymous]

He sounds like most kids in MCPS to be honest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You might want to check with them, but when we toured Elementary schools a few years ago, Carderock Springs in Bethesda had a designated special education classroom with autistic students. At the time it was the only school with this option. That may have changed since. But it is probably worth your contacting their office and asking.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/carderockspringses/

Any self contained program in MCPS is not an assignment based on neighborhood address. Students in those programs went through a process at their ‘home school’ that determined they needed more support than that school provide, and had to qualify through their IEP services to be in a self contained environment. OPs child may or may not need that level of support, but either way living near the school will not impact their ability to access the program.

Actually you're wrong. Completely wrong. Carderock Springs has the resources for this program, for the kids who live in the neighborhood only. We toured with the Principal. He told us.

“Actually, you’re wrong. Completely wrong.” The autism program at Carderock is a cluster program with most students being from outside of the Carderock zone.