Is the Maddux school hard to get into?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone how hard the Maddux school is to get into, and what they are looking for in a student. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anything I write is from talking to other parents, NOT from first hand experience with a child in the school so I may be offbase. I think it probably matters what your child's strengths and challenges are and what grade you apply for. I think they have rolling admission to some extent to ensure they find the right kids for their program. I think of Maddux as a school with a relatively small teacher student ratio that handles a range of learning issues, but does not work with behavioral issues. I would think they probably overlap some with Lab School, KTS and maybe even McLean with what learning issues they can handle, but they probably can give a little more support than McLean and Lab because their classes are smaller or are they? To anyone with a child there, is that correct?

[Anonymous]

The classes are small with a 2 teachers in each class. Therapists are in the room 4 days a week as well. Class size depends on the age. The kids have learning challenges but are bright. There is a big emphasis on pragmantic langauge and social/emotional development. I don't believe they take kids with behavioral needs that cannot be dealt within their classrooms. Some kids go to McLean after they graduate, I think a few have gone to lab and some go to the public schools. There are other private schools kids attend but I am not sure which one's they are. I know they are selective but not sure of how they decide when a child is right for their program. I believe it really depends on the group you are looking to place your child in and if he/she is a good match. Hope this kind of helps

[Anonymous]

Curious if there is a common diagnosis of most kids there or if there is an assortment of issues kids have, that their approach can benefit. By reading previous posts on the school, there seems to be contrasting opinions that most of the kids have spectrum issues versus they do not, as Maddux is not set up for that. Understand that Ivymount is, but is Maddux a good fit for child with with some attention and language issues, but not on the spectrum?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Curious if there is a common diagnosis of most kids there or if there is an assortment of issues kids have, that their approach can benefit. By reading previous posts on the school, there seems to be contrasting opinions that most of the kids have spectrum issues versus they do not, as Maddux is not set up for that. Understand that Ivymount is, but is Maddux a good fit for child with with some attention and language issues, but not on the spectrum?

Current Maddux parent, and your description of your child (attention and language issues but not on spectrum) fits DC. Still, my sense is that Maddux is less hung up about the dxs of a given child (spectrum or not? ADHD or not?) and more concerned about the fit of the child with the rest of the class and how ready the child is to benefit from their very structured environment and focus on academics. I have no idea what dxs any of DC's classmates have, and that is the way it should be. All I know is that they are delightful children who are very tightly bonded together and learning an absolutely staggering amount, both academically and socially.

In answer to whether it's hard to get into Maddux or not, I would say it's hard to impossible if they don't think your child is agood fit and fair to easy (provided there's a spot) if they do think your child is a good fit. I know this is sort of a non-answer, but this is sure how it seems!

[Anonymous]

As for diagnosis the kids are all different but work well within a group. If there are children on the spectrum they are very high functioning and are able to work within their environment. Maddux does not get hung up on the diagnosis but what they do is work with the child's strengths and needs to help them over come challenges. All the kids in my child's class are very verbal and are able to work within a group. If there are issues with behavior it is worked on as a group. My child has learned to play with the kids in his class and as a group they have bonded. Is it hard to get in? Good question! whether a child has language issues or is on the spectrum is not really their concern in that the child needs to be able to work in a group of kids without one on one support. That is my take. Any others?

[Anonymous]

Another Maddux parent here. My DC also has behavioral and speech issues. In general, the parents have no idea what the other students' issues are. The students are all bright children that are challenged to do their best.

Also, Andrea Mullins is very open to discussing whether the school may be a good fit for your child. Since the school is so small with about 45 kids total, it may be appear to be hard to get in.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone not gotten in one year and then re-applied and then gotten in?