Independent Lower schools v UNW DCPS (Janney, Key, Lafayette, Murch) for K - 3 or 5

[Anonymous]

Those NW schools are excellent and I would keep the child there until 5th, then move for middle school. Alongside Key and Murch, look into Eaton.

[Anonymous]

I teach in an early grade at a DMV independent school, and it does sound like a possible ADHD diagnosis may be in the future with the tendency to hyperfocus on preferred tasks and to lose focus during less engaging lessons, or it could simply be immaturity.

At this age I would really focus on helping him socially as he is academically strong (though that could decline as he misses foundational instruction). It sounds like he may need support with flexibility and connecting. i would ask his teachers what they recommend, but perhaps team sports, playdates, and perhaps a social skills class could help.

Something to know is in independent schools students tend to be on the older side as that parent population often "redshirts" so that their kids will be the biggest, best able to focus, most mature, and academically strongest. Being the youngest with these challenges may lead to him being on the lower end of a high performing class. If budget is no option he may benefit from the smaller class environment, but he may require additional services such as educational testing, social skills classes, possibly tutoring if his attention begins to truly fluctuate during instruction.

At this age I would help address his deficits so that he can be on par with his peers rather than only focusing on how to grow his strengths. A balanced approach may be best so that he can demonstrate his full potential in any environment.

[Anonymous]

You may also want to look into a social kids class. Alvord Baker has great ones.

[Anonymous]

OP, if you are still here, I would encourage you to get your kid privately evaluated. Whether he is "just" gifted or if there are other neurodevelopmental differences as well, a neuropsychological evaluation will help you better understand his academic and social needs. If he is trying and struggling to fit in with his peers, that is going to wear on him and there are supports that can help with that. Giftedness by itself can cause social difficulties as well.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thank you all. Where would I get him evaluated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are trying to decide between enrolling our DC at a UNW in-boundry DCPS or apply to an independent for K. He is currently enrolled at a wonderful pre-K program in UNW that has really nurtured him and accepted his unique quirks

Our DC will be one of the younger kids in the classroom (turning 4 right before the cutoff this June) and is showing clear signs of gifted behavior. He seems to be advanced in certain areas—specifically, his spatial skills, memory, and vocabulary.

He is also a deeply empathetic near 4-year old who wants to fit in with peers while having a strong drive to direct play and can be quite particular about how things are done. He also naturally gravitates toward older kids and is completely able to hold his own and keep up conversations.

We are mainly seeking the right environment to keep him stimulated, as when he is under-stimulated or a task is too simple he loses focus; however, we know that attention is not the issue as he is able to focus on a single interesting task (e.g., puzzles, legos) for several hours. We are also looking for a place that uses his key interests to move him forward and that may offer more personalized enrichment in math and reading.

Interested to hear thoughts from others who may have been in a similar predicament with a child with a unique profile that may benefit from a more customized approach and may have been considering a public environment with a similar teacher-to-student ratio as the independent. What made you select one or the other? From our limited tours, some of the lower schools seem to be akin to the public experience in UNW at least at the lower levels?

Note that we intend to ultimately send him to an independent school - somewhere around 3rd or 5th.

The Montessori school sounds really suitable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thank you all. Where would I get him evaluated?

Your pediatrician should be able to give you some names. We used Rebecca Resnik & Associates. Children’s does them but has a long waitlist.

Also—I’m glad we didn’t scare you off. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

OP here - no, I'm open to listening - never parented before so always helpful to hear how others managed and navigated this system and time of life

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - no, I'm open to listening - never parented before so always helpful to hear how others managed and navigated this system and time of life

Ha ha you certainly don't have to tell us you've never parented before. It couldn't be more obvious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - no, I'm open to listening - never parented before so always helpful to hear how others managed and navigated this system and time of life

Ha ha you certainly don't have to tell us you've never parented before. It couldn't be more obvious.

aren't you a peach - OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - no, I'm open to listening - never parented before so always helpful to hear how others managed and navigated this system and time of life

Ha ha you certainly don't have to tell us you've never parented before. It couldn't be more obvious.

Honestly, I think parents on here jumping all over OP that their kid needs to be tested when they are clearly describing classic behaviors of an intelligent child in an environment that isn't stimulating is crazy... I'm not going to tell OP not to test because it doesn't hurt, but I wouldn't assume that the kid is going to have anything necessarily from a diagnosis perspective...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thank you all. Where would I get him evaluated?

We used Dr. Rochelle Drill at CAAT and loved her. I have also heard good things about Dr. Lisa Lenhart (independent).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - no, I'm open to listening - never parented before so always helpful to hear how others managed and navigated this system and time of life

Ha ha you certainly don't have to tell us you've never parented before. It couldn't be more obvious.

Honestly, I think parents on here jumping all over OP that their kid needs to be tested when they are clearly describing classic behaviors of an intelligent child in an environment that isn't stimulating is crazy... I'm not going to tell OP not to test because it doesn't hurt, but I wouldn't assume that the kid is going to have anything necessarily from a diagnosis perspective...

OP has shared that her son is likely to lose focus on tasks he is bored doing. That is going to be an issue at any school. They are planning to send him to private school which will cost tens of thousands of dollars each year. Spending a few grand on an evaluation now could pay dividends and give them some clear information on what type of environment will work for their kid and what supports he might need to thrive socially.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - no, I'm open to listening - never parented before so always helpful to hear how others managed and navigated this system and time of life

Ha ha you certainly don't have to tell us you've never parented before. It couldn't be more obvious.

Honestly, I think parents on here jumping all over OP that their kid needs to be tested when they are clearly describing classic behaviors of an intelligent child in an environment that isn't stimulating is crazy... I'm not going to tell OP not to test because it doesn't hurt, but I wouldn't assume that the kid is going to have anything necessarily from a diagnosis perspective...

OP has shared that her son is likely to lose focus on tasks he is bored doing. That is going to be an issue at any school. They are planning to send him to private school which will cost tens of thousands of dollars each year. Spending a few grand on an evaluation now could pay dividends and give them some clear information on what type of environment will work for their kid and what supports he might need to thrive socially.

Literally every 5 year old on the planet will loose interest when bored, and OP said they already had an evaluation... Again I'm not saying don't have your kid tested, but everyone jumping to "kid has autism/ADHD" waiting to happen is insane!

[Anonymous]

OP, you present as a caring and invested parent. Please ignore any rude comments. Best wishes to you and your family.