FCPS PAC suggestions

[Anonymous]

Hello! I am so happy to have found this forum and have already learned so much valuable information! I just have some specific questions and need some guidance.

My husband just got a job in Alexandria at the USPTO. Our son is almost 4 and is diagnosed with PDD-NOS, Apraxia of Speech and Sensory Integration Disorder. He is currently in a private inclusion preschool where he receives OT, ST and ABA therapy and is doing beautifully. I plan on staying here in FL until the end of the school year even though my husband begins his new job in late January just because he is doing SOOO well at his current school and I don't want to yank him mid-year.

I have been researching like a mad woman trying to find the best schools and options for him and equating that with a place to live and a reasonable commute for my husband. I <think> I have decided that FCPS sounds like the best of all worlds if that is possible. So my question is this...Of all the different FCPS PAC's are there any that I should STAY AWAY FROM?? I have read that Stratford Landing and Cherry Run are two good ones but I am having trouble finding a rental home/townhouse in those areas. Our budget is about $1800-$2500 per month. It is my understanding thus far that each cluster as a PAC so if you are assigned a school that doesn't have a PAC, you will be sent to the one in the cluster that does?? How much leeway or choice is there on that??

If anyone can suggest a private or charter school as well that they like or think would work for us (with the little info you have above ) that would be welcomed too.

Any suggestions or warnings or tips would also be very, very appreciated.

Thanks,
Kate

[Anonymous]

Private recommendation = Oakwood

[Anonymous]

There's a great PAC program in McLean, Virginia at Franklin Sherman.

[Anonymous]

One of my IL's has a child in FCPS PAC and I've made friends with a few ASD parents through our therapy center and school (my kids have other issues), including one whose DC goes to Stratford Landing. They've ALL been very positive about the schools they go to. It seems FCPS has a very strong program. Two of my three kids have IEPs, including one who started in a FCPS non-categorical special ed preschool when he was 2.5. My experience is that while some of the special ed teachers are better than others, they are some of the best teachers I've seen. Occasionally, we've had some challenges with a particular team but we work with a consultant and they've been resolved quickly.

As far as places to live, you can probably find something within your budget and a decent commute for your DH in the Kingstowne/Kingstowne area. HTH

[Anonymous]

Thank you all so much for the replies!