Non-Public Schools with Low Academic Pressure?

[Anonymous]

8th grader DC is on the higher-functioning end of the spectrum and does not have the skills to cope with public school; threatens self-harm to the school counselor. Has not done any self-harm this year, but used to hit self on the head under similar circumstances last year. This behavior does not occur at home at all, DC says it's all due to school and the feeling is not there otherwise. Honestly DC seems like a generally happy, helpful, cooperative kid except for school. We have tried meds, therapy, counseling, and DC is currently in a school with a vast IEP and many academic and behavior accommodations (Bridge in MCPS). We are *this* close to abandoning public school and the IEP and starting homeschooling. But the stakes are high at the H.S. level and this may be an irreversible decision. I am trying to think of any last-ditch things to try for before doing that. Are there any non-public options that have very low academic pressure that we could aim for a re-assignment to (of course I know it's up to the IEP team/CIEP and not up to us)? DC is also performing below grade level. We do not have the resources for private school. Thank you for any guidance/opinions. PS we did a temporary trial run with a homeschooling program last year when something similar was happening, and this is what DC wants to do permanently.

[Anonymous]

If you can pay yourself, Nora is great with that profile. And you don't need the school system's permission.

For nonpublic, I would look at Katherine Thomas.

[Anonymous]

How about Parkmont?

[Anonymous]

Bridge is a mostly self contained program, so I'm not sure that a non-public would be much different. What about Bridge isn't working?

[Anonymous]

McLean School is worth a look.

[Anonymous]

agree on Katherine Thomas. When you say the stakes are high, are you concerned about getting into college or whether your kid will have more mental health challenges? I would not worry about college, but we just focus on what we'll get your kids through the next four years and if that's online school and you can manage it then I would do that.

[Anonymous]

Does he have another dx like dyslexia?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:McLean School is worth a look.

McLean is expensive, and would be a stretch for a student who was below grade level. I wouldn't waste too much time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:McLean School is worth a look.

I would agree with this, and I really do think it’s a fabulous school for those kids that need a soft landing, caring teachers and a somewhat slowed down curriculum (but you still graduate on time with everything you need to go to college ). Although, it sounds like the OP is looking for placement through the county. McLean school is not the school for that as they are a private school that does not take county placements.

[Anonymous]

I am not local so I don't know about the private schools. I wanted to comment on the homeschooling-it sounds like it was successful when you tried it, are you able to continue?

There are many good homeschool highschool programs. My dc, who sounds similar to your dc, is in 5th grade so we're not there yet. But I know people who are doing it. Many of these kids end up also taking community college classes and graduate with college credit.

You would need to research the regulations for your state and who/how the hs diploma is issued. You would also need to decide enrollment, meaning would you be a ps student in an online program, or under a private school umbrella, or an independent student (every state has different options). I would suggest connecting with local homeschoolers (maybe in an online group) and learning about options and asking questions. There are also many podcasts you can listen to. But, it defenitely can be done successfully, and the student can be college ready.

[Anonymous]

Def check Parkmont in DC (silver spring bordering)

[Anonymous]

Templeton (in Chinatown) can work well with anxious students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Def check Parkmont in DC (silver spring bordering)

Parkmont is private pay only, right?

[Anonymous]

My DC had similar difficulties with school and we ended up at Fusion. I hope you can find something helpful for DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:McLean School is worth a look.

I would agree with this, and I really do think it’s a fabulous school for those kids that need a soft landing, caring teachers and a somewhat slowed down curriculum (but you still graduate on time with everything you need to go to college ). Although, it sounds like the OP is looking for placement through the county. McLean school is not the school for that as they are a private school that does not take county placements.

McLean will not take this student