Private School Choices - Very frustrated

[Anonymous]

Where on the Flint Hill website does it talk about catering to different learning styles and offering pull out sessions or therapies. Just curious if this is something spelled out or something just known

[Anonymous]

OP - you mention that your child is: " His sensory issues are related to under-sensitivity and not being able to regulate himself. "

I hope this doesn't sound mean spirited because it's not meant to but
Does that mean that he is sensory seeking and impulsive at times?
Is it possible that the schools you're applying to are concerned that he will be a distraction to other children?

Maybe you should look at schools that have structure but an active learning environment?

[Anonymous]

Commonwealth Academy in Alexandria? I believe they are specifically designed for ADHD kids who are functioning at grade level but need structure, small classes, extra attention to make sure they're on task. Would also look at Flint Hill, Green Acres, McLean -- schools that get a kid who has a little something but not something super dramatic.

[Anonymous]

FH's web site says they have a differentiation department.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - you mention that your child is: " His sensory issues are related to under-sensitivity and not being able to regulate himself. "

I hope this doesn't sound mean spirited because it's not meant to but
Does that mean that he is sensory seeking and impulsive at times?
Is it possible that the schools you're applying to are concerned that he will be a distraction to other children?

Maybe you should look at schools that have structure but an active learning environment?

Not the OP but if its okay I'd like to barge in to answer this too. If a chidl is sensory seeking there are ways to manage that situation. They can give him sensory objects to hold. They can do smaller group instruction. They do that anyway at public schools and many privates. They can give him one on one instruction. Lots of kids at FH get this for being inattentive and having adhd/add. Sensory seeking kids are no more impacted than inattentive kids as they require the same degree of extra effort to help them keep up. When inattentive kids get distracted and require more reminders from their teachers, it, too takes time away from other kids who DON"T have such problems. Only kids with zero challenges should perhaps consider places like Potomac. The rest of the kids should and will consider FH, Mclean, Lowell, etc..

[Anonymous]

OP here - yes, his under-sensitivity means that he is sometimes a distraction to other children....can't keep his hands to himself. So I can see how that would be an issue with some privates. I like the idea of teachers allowing him to hold something in his hand, that never crossed my mind!

Also never knew that Lowell was a good place for some SP kids, good to know. Also, Flint Hill looks interesting - but we live in MD and frankly the drive to Oakton would be horrific! If it were our only option, we would of course do it, but want to first exhaust all that MD and DC have to offer.

[Anonymous]

what grade is your son going into next year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - yes, his under-sensitivity means that he is sometimes a distraction to other children....can't keep his hands to himself. So I can see how that would be an issue with some privates. I like the idea of teachers allowing him to hold something in his hand, that never crossed my mind!

Also never knew that Lowell was a good place for some SP kids, good to know. Also, Flint Hill looks interesting - but we live in MD and frankly the drive to Oakton would be horrific! If it were our only option, we would of course do it, but want to first exhaust all that MD and DC have to offer.

OP, if your child is 'sometimes a distraction to other children' & 'can't keep his hands to himselfs', I hate to say it but I would see that as more than a 'very mild' need. You are going to have a difficult time finding even a nice, small school that will allow this to go on, unless it is a school that is VERY good at managing these behaviors. But it depends on how often your child does this. If it's once a day, then maybe he can manage in a Lowell or Green Acres, but if it is consistently throughout the day, most mainstream private schools will not tolerate having to constantly manage these behaviors. I'd push for McLean, or even look at Lab.