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 strongly encourage you to give the Enterprise School a call ... it is located in Herndon, I believe. My nephew is having similar situation to the child described in your post and this school seemed the closest thing to what he needed.

[Anonymous]

I would try Glen Mills School or Summit Academy in PA or the Lab School here in DC.

[Anonymous]

Why a boarding school? Will that just shelter him too much? In the end he will have to go out into the real world.
Even if a boarding school becomes a 'home', there is no going back once you graduate.
I can't help but think this will just delay the issues you'll have to deal with

[Anonymous]

I recently placed my child in a therapeutic boarding school for similar reasons. We are amazed at her progress and truly cannot believe that the mixed-up child who had social issues and problems in our home, has become so polite, respectful and committed to academic progress. There are several area families who have children at this school and the kids have gone on to wonderful private schools in our area. You would be surprised at the number of students who have significant emotional issues and are attending some of the most exclusive private schools in the DC area. My child was in therapy for years and the waiting room after school was jammed with children who were folding under the academic and social pressure of "measuring up" at some of these schools. The comment most often heard from the parent was, "but we went to ...," or "we worked so hard to get Johnny in, who will take him now?" It was very sad.
I would prefer to discuss my quest for an excellent boarding school off of this forum and would be happy to contact you or the other family if you would like to give post that information. Take care.

[Anonymous]

Check out Milton Hershey School in PA.

[Anonymous]

I emailed you with my phone number. S.