St. Columba's or Lowell?

[Anonymous]

For some reason, in this city, "progressive" gets confused with schools that take special needs kids. Lowell is not special needs friendly, but its still a better choice than st. c's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For some reason, in this city, "progressive" gets confused with schools that take special needs kids. Lowell is not special needs friendly, but its still a better choice than st. c's.

Do you say this out of observation/experience w/Lowell, or your interpretation of their mission? Lowell has OPENLY said to me that they are accepting of a child's 'special needs', if they feel they can accommodate them. I don't think people confuse progressive as SN schools, rather consider it as a welcomed option for kids who would not do well in a rigid, traditional (aka, MCPS for ex) program. At least that's my interpretation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For some reason, in this city, "progressive" gets confused with schools that take special needs kids. Lowell is not special needs friendly, but its still a better choice than st. c's.

Do you say this out of observation/experience w/Lowell, or your interpretation of their mission? Lowell has OPENLY said to me that they are accepting of a child's 'special needs', if they feel they can accommodate them. I don't think people confuse progressive as SN schools, rather consider it as a welcomed option for kids who would not do well in a rigid, traditional (aka, MCPS for ex) program. At least that's my interpretation.

I say it because of how they are treating two very mild special needs students this year. Very ill equipped to deal with very mild needs.

[Anonymous]

PP can you describe what you mean by your post. We are considering Lowell next year and any further insight would be really helpful. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

OP...thanks for all the input. I would love to hear more from people who have SN kids at Lowell. Thanks!

[npierre]

My son attends St. Columba's and we've been very happy with his experience there. He has mild sensory processing issues and the school has been a wealth of resources. The previous special needs coordinator was fantastic. The new coordinator has been there one year and I've been pleased with her responsiveness to our son's needs. The school is very loving and nurturing and my son has never felt out of place there at all. I can't speak to Lowell personally, but we love St. Columba's! Good luck!

[npierre]

My son attends St. Columba's and we've been very happy with his experience there. He has mild sensory processing issues and the school has been a wealth of resources. The previous special needs coordinator was fantastic. The new coordinator has been there one year and I've been pleased with her responsiveness to our son's needs. The school is very loving and nurturing and my son has never felt out of place there at all. I can't speak to Lowell personally, but we love St. Columba's! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I'm a former St Columba's parent of a special needs child. I'm sure St. Columba's, like many preschools in the area, are wonderful for children for MILD needs -- but for children with true special needs, although they are well-intentioned, they are merely tolerant. And from what I know of the new special needs coordinator -- she was a teacher the year my child attended -- she has no real knowledge or experience with children with special needs.

[Anonymous]

Not only does the current SN coordinator not have any expertise in the area, but she is also inflexible and insensitive. I would not recommend St. C's to any family with a child with SN.

[Anonymous]

We are thinking of sending our mild SN son to Lowell next year, and the 00:15 post above is a bit disheartening. Can anyone with a child with sensory and gross motor issues comment on whether Lowell would be a good fit.

TIA

[Anonymous]

Former Lowell parent here. Had a child in pre-primary several years ago, and found them to be not very supportive at all. Things may have changed with their new director, I don't know. At the time it seemed like they were planning far in advance to counsel various kids out before they got to kindergarten. Some of the teachers were great, and others clueless. You might want to observe some classes with special needs kids before deciding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a former St Columba's parent of a special needs child. I'm sure St. Columba's, like many preschools in the area, are wonderful for children for MILD needs -- but for children with true special needs, although they are well-intentioned, they are merely tolerant. And from what I know of the new special needs coordinator -- she was a teacher the year my child attended -- she has no real knowledge or experience with children with special needs.

Curious former parent here - who is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a former St Columba's parent of a special needs child. I'm sure St. Columba's, like many preschools in the area, are wonderful for children for MILD needs -- but for children with true special needs, although they are well-intentioned, they are merely tolerant. And from what I know of the new special needs coordinator -- she was a teacher the year my child attended -- she has no real knowledge or experience with children with special needs.

Curious former parent here - who is it?

It's Kristen Maxson (I think that's her name and spelling?)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The new sn coordinator at St. C's is completely inexperienced, insensitive, and unintelligent.

Wow, that hasn't been my experience at all. We've loved her, as well as the teachers at St. C's. All of the parents I converse with, including several others with SNs, are pleased. Both of our children have gone there and I'd recommend it to anyone.