Where to look - son with ADHD and slower processing

[Anonymous]

I could really use some help/feedback on where we should look for middle school for my current 4th grader (happy at our local DCPS elementary - one more year there). He has ADHD - he's medicated, not disruptive even when not medicated - and struggles with working memory, multi-step directions, math word problems are especially hard. Pretty typical ADHD boy. He also is slow to answer questions, which is partially mediated by anxiety and partially by just slow processing speed having to do with ADHD (can't always track what's coming in/organize his response). He's had a neuropsych, he does not have an IEP but is behind in math, on grade level for reading, not dyslexic. Not super athletic but a cheerful "boys' boy" who likes to have fun with his pals and loves to be outside and play and explore. I am looking at Field, Burke, and Waldorf as 6-12th and then Norwood and St. Patrick's for 6-8. Are there other schools I should consider? Because he doesn't need serious intervention I think Lab or McLean may be too much intervention and maybe not as good a fit socially, but I could be wrong. TIA, fellow loving parents just trying to do the right thing.

[Anonymous]

Maybe Washington Episcopal School if the Norwood commute is also doable.

[Anonymous]

I agree that Lab is likely not a good fit, but I would at least tour McLean.

[Anonymous]

Our DC has the exact same issues. We are at Barrie School, which has been a very good fit. Yes, the school is very small, particularly 9-12, but that's been a real benefit for our kid. Lots of personalized attention and flexibility to meet specific needs.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thank you for replying!

[Anonymous]

I would move to MCPS, honestly. My kid with similar issues did well in a Bethesda-area MCPS school, and then, if you wish, you can benefit from in-state tuition. We moved to Bethesda to do this.

[Anonymous]

^ sorry, meant in-state tuition for MD colleges.

[Anonymous]

Put the Sycamore School in Rosslyn on your list to tour and consider; your DS is right up their alley in terms of what he presents with and support he will need.

[Anonymous]

My DD has a similar profile. Started on an IEP and now has a 504 with several accommodations including extended time on assessments and assignments.

Burke and other mainstream private schools will not allow extended time for assignments, just assessments.

Have you looked at public options?

[Anonymous]

I know it is already on your list but he might really like Burke.

[Anonymous]

I definitely would consider the McLean School. It’s very small, so not everyone’s cup of tea for high school. But, we have good friends whose son with ADHD went there for middle, really improved his executive functioning skills, and then went to a different private for HS. If we had it to do over again, we would have strongly considered this for our 2E 8th grader (gifted with inattentive ADHD).

[Anonymous]

Sandy Spring Friends. Fits the profile of a few kids there

[Anonymous]

Lab

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lab

Did you read the OP?

[Anonymous]

DC is at McLean and it's been great for him. 7th grade just over 50 kids and each class 10-12 kids. Each middle school grade is about 50+ kids. We were happy to find a wide cohort and good mix of social ability. DC does not need much support so we were initially worried about finding the right academic and friend group but it has worked great and there is a wide range of kids there. In fact his classes seem more organized and "under control" that the previous school he moved from which was a regular private and also had ADHD kids. Recommend doing a tour and have him shadow.