Your dream school (anywhere in the US)

[Anonymous]

This is more of a pie in the sky idea (that I know likely won't go anywhere) but we are looking for a good school fit for our DS (8th grade, very bright and curious, multiple LDs and slow processing speed overall average IQ)...the kicker is this wouldn't even be feasible until 11th grade.

DH and I have flexibility profession wise and though we love our house our current city is just okay for us socially. For many years we thought we'd have flexibility once our kids both go to college (also have a 10th grader)...like we would spend part of our year in a new spot.

Our son is struggling this year and we worry about the demands of our high school (seeing older child who is pretty much always a high performer). He has a new 504 and we are trying to move to an IEP. The privates nearby also are not a good fit--either demands, religious component or they are just seems to be country clubs with academics. The LD specialized schools are also too small/too niche (and likely not what he needs). I think he would thrive in a medium size (100-150) "cozy" school where tests were not so focused on multiple choice only and well rounded group of kids; extra support for LDs but not main thrust.

The kicker is this likely wouldn't even be able to happen until 11th grade (and only if he would want it)...I know there is a lot of time between now and then but I'd see this as a backup plan...maybe I'm just asking are there mainstream schools that perform well in this area?

[Anonymous]

We had a terrible experience applying to private middle schools for our DS with an IEP and ASD with a “2e” profile. Great grades, decent extracurricular activities, but a poor interviewer and mild autistic traits. These “country clubs with academics” didn’t want to deal with his needs. His IEP only has academic goals around reading and social goals.

We also found SN schools too restrictive for him so we stayed public

[Anonymous]

I don’t think moving a child in 11th grade makes sense unless it’s absolutely necessary (eg a job related move) or a crisis. I’d look for a smaller private that you think can reasonably accommodate his needs for next year and/or a series of tutors and outside help. I would not wait three years until you can get the right thing and I certainly would not move a kid in 11th grade unless I absolutely have to.