Boarding schools for teens with learning disabilities, behavioral and mental probs?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a school for a 17yo child with:
-behavioral problems,
-the hyperactive and inattentive variety of ADHD,
-possibly very mild Asperger's, and
-a recent diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder?

He has been attending private schools for kids with learning disabilities, yet has only just completed 10th grade at 17. He is a sweet kid with a great investigative and curious mind, but his parents are at the point where they just don't know what to do with him anymore since he is constantly getting sent to the principle's office or expelled. They are considering The Discovery School of Virginia. Any recommendations of residential schools a little closer to Fairfax or schools for kids with special needs? Any experiences with the Discover School?

[Anonymous]

I may have some thoughts that could help. I have been through a similar search recently and successfully placed my child. What is the best way to contact you offline? S.

[Anonymous]

One other thing-
As a volunteer advocate and champion for children with social and emotional difficulties, I would expect the private school counselors to be professionally educated as well as credentialed in some. I would need to know more about the following webpage paragraph which I just found after Googling the The Discovery School. I in no way mean to indict the school, I would just want to explore the training with the school.

S.

-I found this at the bottom of the introduction webpage for the school.

"Job Opportunities
Near Richmond, Farmville and Charlottesville, Virginia - see employment details of jobs for psychology, counseling and social work majors

Counseling at the Discovery School challenges you to apply your own life experience as part of a team committed to changing the lives of troubled youth. Few other entry-level positions can offer you such a unique opportunity for professional development and personal fulfillment.

As a counselor ("Group Leader"), you work cooperatively with other adults to plan growth and adventure experiences for youth in your care. You lead work and play activities, as well as structured meetings where students resolve differences. Most importantly, you foster a healthy, secure environment in which young men and women can turn their lives around.

We provide on-the-job training in:

Group Dynamics
Individual and Group Counseling
Outdoor Living Skills
Conflict Resolution
First Aid
Crisis Management

[Anonymous]

A good friend suggests Forman School in CT. Her daughter did quite well there and is now attending Fort Lewis College in CO.

[Anonymous]

darrow school new lebanon ny

[Anonymous]

A boarding school in Amenia, NY whose name escapes me a the moment.