Carderock Springs hosts the elementary Autism program. Are you saying it's different from every other Autism program and doesn't absorb kids from nearby schools who need that model? I would be very hesitant to move into an area with self contained Autism classes, with a child with Autism, unless I was sure that I wanted self contained. In my experience, schools that host classes tend to see those classes as the first choice, so they don't problem solve as hard for kids who are included in gen ed. If you live in a catchment area with good inclusion, you can still access a self contained class at another school, but if you live in an area with poor inclusion, you can't go to another school. |
That’s … not how IEPs work. OP the good news is that MCPS has a lot of programs for high functioning kids that other districts do not, such as a gifted & talented/learning disabled program, and a program specifically for HFA. And getting into those does not depend on where you live; but on your kid’s level of need. So I think you should just pick a location you can afford that fits your lifestyle (commute, etc) that is zoned for solid schools. |
(as a side note - neuropsychs cannot actually project your kid’s future. My HFA kiddo currently is asleep after a successful sleepover with his BFF. One thing in school choice to focus on is a neighborhood that facilitate friendships geographically - like a place where most of the kids walk to school.) |
I know some families who were quite happy with the 2E program at Tilden Middle School for HFA. |
Some of the neighborhoods that feed into Tilden (at this moment - it could change with boundary studies) are Garrett Park, Luxmanor, Timberlawn, Old Farm, Garrett Park Estates |
Sounds like you misunderstood. |